Marilyn Monroe Hanging Out in a Pumpkin Patch, 1945

In 1945, fashion photographer Andre de Dienes developed a relationship with an aspiring young model named Norma Jean Dougherty resulting in a brief engagement and a huge portfolio of stunning photographs which helped to launch her career as Marilyn Monroe.

h/t: vintag.es

Taken in October 1945, the original blonde bombshell is barely recognizable at a first glance. Her chestnut curls are pinned back from her youthful features, and her famous physique is concealed beneath a denim suit, woolly Christmas jumper and work boots as she poses with the pumpkins. At just 19, going by the name Norma Jean Baker, the photographs were taken as part of Monroe’s first modeling portfolio by photographer Andre de Dienes.

Dienes was clearly smitten with Monroe – when describing his first meeting with the future star he reminisced that it was “as if a miracle had happened” and that she “seemed to be like an angel.” He was later responsible for taking some of the most iconic images of the actress in her lifetime.

Theses photographs however, provide a different – although not exactly scary – portrayal of Marilyn for Halloween. Fresh faced and happy, they capture the star in her element, before the arrival of fame, fortune and her tragic demise.