Marilyn Monroe’s flying skirt, 1954
This list wouldn’t be complete without one of the most iconic photographs in American pop culture – Marilyn Monroe’s flying skirt. This photo has been copied, parodied and recreated countless times, but how many people actually know its origin story? The all-American actress was standing over on top of a subway grate in New York City’s Lexington Avenue in the autumn of 1954.
This was during the production of the film The Seven Year Itch, of which Monroe was the star. The flying skirt wasn’t accidental – according to the script, as Monroe and her c-star are leaving a nearby theater, a breeze lifts up her skirt, following her line, “Isn’t it delicious?” Lucky passersby caught a glimpse of the scene, lingered around and formed a curious crowd.