Location: New York

Favorite Marilyn film: Let’s Make Love

What do you and Marilyn have in common? Besides the uniquely natural hourglass shape and the practical need for a personal seamstress when it comes to finding clothes that fit it, I’ve been likened to her for the touch of sadness that fits into my smile. I relate to her ability to be lost in the feminine character she created for her survival, and the loneliness that her magnetism brought her. I relate to her impulsive passions, her charming intuition, and her ultimate struggle to be taken seriously. Marilyn and I would never get along in a room, but we are alike in our curse to fall in love with everyone and every thing, and thus, to be often broken-hearted. We, also, both love pasta and champagne.

Joe DiMaggio, Arthur Miller or JFK: She only really loved Joe. I’ve found myself with the Arthur Millers. “Write me a new part that will make things better…” But I’ll only really love my Joe.

What has Marilyn taught you? To accept my vulnerability, my femininity, but to never mistake approval for love. She was always surrounded by confirmation of the superficial and that’s why she couldn’t trust a soul. No one wanted her to be, or cared if she did become the actress or the mother she could have been.  Marilyn’s story teaches me to be the dumbest girl in the room, so I keep growing.  She has also taught me that it is important to spill over in curves and in laughter as often as possible.

‘To me, Marilyn is… beauty’s martyr, as an icon. Otherwise, Norma Jean; a girl committing to the character her parental public affirms, before and beyond the footlights, before and beyond her own good.‘

See more from Katrina C. and vote here!

(photo by Sam Jackson)