With the release of her latest project, Aquamarine, Addison Rae has made a sharp turnaround from her early days of TikTok dances that shot her into the public eye. No doubt, Rae has a certain je nais sais qoui that has us wanting more, but how does she tie into the Marilyn Monroe effect?

The Marilyn Monroe effect is a social phenomenon that emphasizes using body language to project confidence and captivate attention in any room you enter. The name comes from a close friend to Monroe, Amy Green. Green once recounted the time Monroe swiftly turned her charm, leaving Green bewildered, “I’ll never forget the day Marilyn and I were walking around New York City…she could put on her plain-Jane clothes and no one would notice her…So, as we we’re walking down Broadway, she turns to me and says, ‘Do you want to see me become her?’ I didn’t know what she meant but I just said ‘Yes’ — and then I saw it. I don’t know how to explain what she did because it was so very subtle, but she turned something on within herself that was almost like magic. And suddenly cars were slowing, and people were turning their heads and stopping to stare. They were recognizing that this was Marilyn Monroe as if she pulled off a mask or something, even though a second ago nobody noticed her. I had never seen anything like it before.”

Addison Rae embodies the Monroe effect, as she can easily tap into a magnetism that sets her apart from others her age in the music industry. Similar to how Monroe could transform from Norma Jean to a larger-than-life figure, Rae has shifted from TikToker to a dancer/singer who commands artistry. However, it’s not just talent. In her interviews, Rae comes off as humble, playful, and Britney Spears-an, which keeps the audience captivated and intrigued.

Rae’s red carpet looks showcase her artistic multi-dimensionality, proving she is not scared to venture into the avant-garde. For the 2024 VMA’s, Rae worked with designer, Claire Sullivan, to bring to life a unique, swan-like look, that had many saying “Huh”. The look was an homage to Madonna’s 1984 VMA outfit. It was comprised of a white, silk, lingerie set and a fluffy tulle train. 

Yasmine Diba- Harpers Bazaar

Rae’s stylist, Dara, described the ensemble, “I liked the idea that she’s playing dress up in her mom’s clothes, but her mom’s a showgirl! The fit’s a little off, but she’s having so much fun…She’s a beaming ray of sunlight. So excited, bright, and playful. She’s a dancer, so she holds herself so comfortably and elegantly. If you’re that comfortable in your body, why cover it up with clothes?”

While the look received mixed reactions from fashion critics, we must applaud Rae’s boldness. The look is fresh, unique, and thoughtfully crafted, so you know what?- Hell yeah!

Rae’s evolution shows she’s not just another viral sensation but an undeniable presence, exuding confidence and an allure that can inspire us all.