Though the bra looks a little bare at first, it was actually very intricately designed to make Ms. Monroe look like she wasn’t wearing any. Auctioneer Richard Davie notes that the rock-solid bra is embedded with 4 cups and steel wiring. “There’s an inner cup, which is almost hidden, which would support her chest as normal,” he says. “But then there’s another larger cup about an inch further out, to give the impression she had a bigger chest.”

The suspension-bridge halter straps gave her even more of a lift. They were also easy to hide under a gown or dress, like the famous white frock Marilyn wore in The Seven Year Itch. Meanwhile, the cups didn’t cover her breasts, giving the illusion that her 36D perk was 100% natural.

All women have beauty secrets, even legends like Marilyn Monroe. Maybe that’s why, in our latest survey, you voted her as the woman who best “personifies the true essence of femininity.” It’s easier to identify with someone who has to put a little effort into herself each morning. And it’s certainly comforting to know Marilyn was no exception.

The auction was held in late July in London, England. The famous bra was sold to an anonymous caller from Hong Kong.

And what about you? You must have comments on this incredible bra and the star who wore it. Why not share them with us? We’d love to know what you think.