The World's Most Expensive Dress Marilyn Monroe's crystal covered gown, worn during her unforgettable 1962 Happy Birthday performance for President John F. Kennedy, became the most expensive dress ever sold, fetching $4.8 million In 1962, Marilyn Monroe wore a custom gown by French designer Jean Louis to serenade President John F. Kennedy with Happy Birthday. The nude illusion dress was made of sheer fabric and Marilyn Monroe's iconic 'Happy Birthday, Mr. President' dress, worn at Madison Square Garden in 1962, was designed by Hollywood costume legend Jean Louis, with sketches and design work by a young Bob Marilyn Monroe's 'Happy Birthday Mr. President' Dress Sold to Ripley's for $4.8 Million ABC News The True Story Behind Kim's Marilyn Monroe Mr. President Dress Vogue Australia This is the most recent exhibition of the @marilynmonroe Happy Birthday Mr President gown as part of a @swarovski retrospective. #marilynmonroe #swarovski #bobmackie #jeanlouis