In celebration of her birthday week, we are commemorating the life and work of Marilyn Monroe in our first issue. Considered bombshell, comedienne, intellectual, and larger-than-life, Monroe defies categorization.

Yet, while her image oversaturates the cultural eye, her talent is what endures. Marilyn was ultimately a student of life, finding the transformative in the shadow of heartache, pain, and anxiety.

As an actress, singer, and dancer, she brought joy to audiences all around the world. Marilyn’s life is entrenched in mystery, perhaps in part crafted mystery. Her stardom has transcended time and other barriers.

We celebrate her realness and authenticity as much as her artificiality and its origins are postulated. Marilyn’s red lips and vibrant blonde hair have never robbed her of her humanity. She has always been present, arriving at every film set, musical number, and relationship with a sense of wholeness. There is a sadness within her longing gaze and expressive eyes, but one that did not define her entirety. Her smile encompasses so much personality and happiness, fleeting as any emotion but no less powerful.