By Bethan Holt, Digital Fashion Editor

18 November 2016 • 5:33am

The famous dress worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang "happy birthday Mr President" to John F. Kennedy has sold for a world-record price at auction, fetching $4.8 million (£3.87 million).

One of the defining dresses of 20th century fashion, the sheer tulle design, scattered with tiny, glimmering crystals, was worn by Monroe on 19th May 1962 as she performed for President Kennedy ahead of his 40th birthday.

It was an instant sensation and paved the way for 'naked' dresses, which still spark a furore when worn by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé today.