Pop star and influencer Addison Rae evokes Marilyn’s ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend’ era – alongside modern-day icons like Madonna, Lady Gaga and Lana Del Rey – in ‘Money is Everything,’ a tongue-in-cheek bop from her debut album, Addison.
“Pocketful of sunshine, busting through the seam
Say it, baby, don’t lie, money’s everything
Diamonds are my best friend like I’m Norma Jeane
Say it, baby, don’t lie, money’s everything …”
While Addison clearly draws upon myriad influences (she has been compared to Britney Spears), fashion critics have noted Marilyn’s pin-up aesthetic as a recurring trope – here’s Teen Vogue on her Golden Globes appearance back in 2023…
“The actor stepped out in a throwback white halter dress from Versace’s Spring/Summer 2004, which featured an asymmetrical hemline and geometric cutout, accessorised with a simple silver heart pendant and some glittery eyeshadow. The look was pulled together by red lipstick and a pair of sky-high white platform peep-toe heels with chunky soles. Rae’s outfit was perfectly reminiscent of a white dress famously worn by Marilyn Monroe in 1954 for her film, The Seven Year Itch (Marilyn also sported peep-toe shoes with her look)! While there was no subway grate in sight this time around, she truly embodied the playfulness of a young Marilyn while wearing this get-up as she happily twirled to show it off.”
Marilyn also provided beauty inspiration for Addison’s daring look at the VMAs in 2024, as Byrdie reports – and her white tutu reminded me of Marilyn’s ‘ballerina sitting’ with photographer Milton Greene.
“For her first VMAs, Rae channelled Madonna and Marilyn Monroe, with the help of Dame Pat McGrath—it doesn’t get more iconic than that. ‘Addison’s look for the VMAs was inspired by a modern Marilyn—pairing the allure of lingerie with a soft, innocent edge,’ said McGrath. ‘For her makeup, I focused on keeping everything fresh, pure, and beautiful, with an all-over radiant glow.’
Hairstylist Lucas Wilson styled her hair in glossy Hollywood waves and a sweet barrette. ‘The inspiration behind Addison’s look is showgirl mixed with Madonna’s Like a Virgin because it’s her first time at the VMAs, so we wanted to lean into the girliness of that,’ he says.”
In her 2024 review of Addison’s ‘Diet Pepsi‘ video for the Odd Critic website, Lauren Lexa Brown went even further, declaring that ‘Addison Rae is Our Marilyn.’ However, I think she underestimates Marilyn’s control over her image, and possibly overestimates Addison’s (but only time will tell …)
“Mark my words: Addison is our Marilyn Monroe. She embodies the cheeky sexuality that Monroe was known for, both possessing untouchable star power and a magnetic presence. Marilyn was a formidable triple threat, she famously showcased her talent when performing ‘Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend‘ in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes … Marilyn emanated raw, unapologetic femininity with class and a clever sense of humour.
I know that Marilyn Monroe would be proud of Addison for honouring her legacy. There have been many attempts in the past, but this one just feels so right … The past will always come back, for culture is no neutral force—it’s potent, ever-present, never vanishing into thin air.”
UPDATE:
Addison’s latest look at the 2026 Grammys has triggered more MM comparisons…
“Rae’s look is a custom-made asymmetrical gown by Alaïa designed by Pieter Mulier, with a tiered tulle skirt and ultra-deep V-neck with curvature to show off her incredible complexion. The skirt flows down in the front, but leaves the back exposed with a tutu-cum-bustle that instantly recalls the signature Marilyn Monroe white dress worn in The Seven Year Itch. A lot of Addison’s looks are retro (she loves a halter-neck and satin), camp, irreverent, and downright sexy, but her red-carpet moments often lean towards more classic, high-wattage glamour. But, in true Addison form, she couldn’t not spice it up and channel a bit of Britney Spears with the help of belly jewels trailing around her belly button.”
– Kevin LeBlanc, Nylon
The Marilyn Report 