The History of White Sheet Boudoir Sessions

Despite the elegant robes and lingerie in our boudoir studio wardrobe, the white sheet session is hte most popular! 

Why is our white sheet session so popular?

For a photography session, a white sheet and lots of light is incredibly flattering! 

The dreamy lighting compliments every age and the sheets show off only the curves you love. The poses are sexy, but classy enough to hang on your wall.

The History Behind the White Sheet Boudoir Session

As much as we would love to take credit for the idea of white sheet boudoir, it was styled by Marilyn Monroe.

In fact, her white sheet session became the first boudoir session to hit mainstream.

One of the most iconic and intimate white sheet sessions featuring Marilyn Monroe was captured by photographer Douglas Kirkland in 1961.

At the time, Marilyn was already a renowned Hollywood star, and Kirkland was a young and aspiring photographer.

The session took place at a small private apartment in Beverly Hills, and it was intended to capture Marilyn in a more natural and vulnerable state.

During the shoot, Marilyn wore nothing but a white sheet, strategically draped around her body to maintain an air of elegance and allure.

“I know what you need,” Monroe told the photographer. “You need a bed, Dom Pérignon champagne, Frank Sinatra records and a white silk sheet. And that’s all I’m going to wear.”

Kirkland’s approach focused on capturing the essence of Marilyn’s personality, rather than just her physical beauty.

The images from the session showcased a softer and more introspective side of Marilyn, revealing a glimpse into the woman behind the glamorous persona.

Kirkland’ss photographs captured Marilyn in various poses, ranging from playful to introspective, evoking a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.

The images portrayed a Marilyn who appeared comfortable in her own skin, exuding a timeless allure that continues to captivate audiences to this day. 

The white sheet served as a simple yet powerful prop, allowing Marilyn’s natural beauty and charisma to shine through.

Douglas Kirkland’s white sheet session with Marilyn Monroe remains a celebrated moment in the history of photography. The images captured during that session have become iconic representations of Marilyn’s unique blend of vulnerability, sensuality, and undeniable star power. They stand as a testament to her enduring legacy and continue to inspire photographers and fans around the world.

The now iconic set became known as  “In Bed With Marilyn.

We just added a red lip to the set. The rest is authentic Monroe.