In June 1962, Vogue commissioned photographer Bert Stern for three photoshoots with Marilyn Monroe. The resulting images became known as “The Last Sitting” — taken just six weeks before her death on August 4, 1962. One session in particular, titled “The White Veil,” featured Monroe in a Dior gown and veil, producing some of the most striking portraits ever taken of her.
Stern’s approach to the shoot was precise and deliberate. He used light and shadow to highlight Monroe’s features, pulling focus to the quiet intensity she brought to every frame. His eye for detail shaped each image with care, capturing a side of her that felt both candid and carefully composed.
At the time of the shoot, Monroe was at a difficult crossroads. She was fighting for stronger roles in Hollywood while dealing with serious personal struggles. None of that tension disappears from the photos — instead, it adds a layer of depth that makes the images feel raw and honest.
The photos gained worldwide recognition after Monroe’s death, cementing their place in the history of both fashion and photography. They have been published across the globe and have inspired generations of photographers and designers.
To mark the fiftieth anniversary of Monroe’s death, Taschen published “Norman Mailer Bert Stern: Marilyn Monroe,” a volume that includes every image from “The Last Sitting.” The book stands as a definitive record of the shoot and brings together all three sessions in a single collection.
The “White Veil” session remains the most iconic of the three. Monroe in Dior — soft fabric, careful posing, Stern’s controlled lighting — produced portraits that have never faded from public memory.
