Marilyn Monroe once sang that "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," but, it turns out, her best friend was actually closer to her heart.
A sling-strapped bra that enhanced the Hollywood icon's ample bosom was sold for $5,200 by London auction house International Autograph Auctions this past weekend. The unidentified winning bid came from a caller in Hong Kong.
An ancestor to the modern-day Wonderbra, Monroe's lingerie gave her the lift and separation without the nip and tuck. The slings and double-cup design of the cream-colored bra worked to pull up her breasts, said Katie Haliford, who designs and sells vintage lingerie in her London shop.
Monroe was able to keep her futuristic undergarments under wraps, as the placement of the straps helped keep the bra hidden.
"Because the top's open, it gives the illusion that she's not wearing a bra at all," Haliford explained.
Monroe, known for her pouty lips and curvaceous figure, became a household name after starring in classic hits “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” in 1953, “The Seven Year Itch” in 1955 and “Some Like It Hot” in 1959.
Hundreds of the star's other personal items, including a fur stole, a personal script from "Some Like It Hot" and a phone bill went on the auction block in Las Vegas last month.
Monroe's bosom buddy makes one thing clear: Even international sex symbols need help fighting gravity.
"Every woman needs a little boost occasionally," Haliford said.