On December 10, 2004, Profiles in History will offer the above original costume design sketch by designer Bill Travilla of the famed white billowy dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in the subway scene of Billy Wilder's 1955 Seven Year Itch along with an exact copy of dress itself.

Up for auction will be Travilla's original costume design of the most famous dress in Hollywood history -- the billowy, white crepe halter-top dress and sunburst-pleated skirt he created for Marilyn Monroe for the classic subway wind scene which exposed Marilyn's legs and thighs to the world. Accomplished in gouache on a 15 inch by 20 inch sheet of artist's illustration board, it is Travilla's original concept drawing of this famous dress. Ranked as the most important costume design ever created for film, it is expected to sell for $80,000 to $100,000. The sketch is currently owned by Travilla's long time business partner Bill Sarris, who rescued it from an fire at the Travilla offices in Los Angeles in 1991.

During Profiles in History's last auction on July 30, Monroe's signature red evening gown from the 1953 film How to Marry a Millionaire was sold for $48,875 while Monroe and Jane Russell's matching sequin dance costumes with hats from the 1953 film Gentleman Prefer Blondes sold for $40,250.

According to Joe Maddalena, "The passion to own and collect Hollywood film and television memorabilia, particularly items associated with American icon Marilyn Monroe, is a worldwide phenomenon that gets bigger and bigger every year. Ownership of a favorite piece seems to contribute to a person's happiness as they reminisce the past."

As with previous Profiles in History auctions, bidders attend in person or bid by phone or fax, or by simultaneous live internet hookup through eBay Live Auctions.