and Te Papa exec member
It follows reality TV star Kim Kardashian's appearance at the Met Gala in a dress famously worn by Marilyn Monroe while singing Happy Birthday to President John F. Kennedy in 1962.
It sparked outrage online - with many arguing it should stay in a museum and not be used.
It prompted the ICOM's Costume Committee to release a statement condemning it. "Historic garments should not be worn by anybody, public or private figures.
"Although the dress belongs to a private collection, the heritage must be understood as belonging to humanity, regardless of which institution has custody of the property. As museum professionals, we strongly recommend all museums to avoid lending historic garments to be worn, as they are artifacts of the material culture of its time, and they must be kept preserved for future generations," the statement said.
ICOM was created in 1946 and is a worldwide organisaton which represents museums and museum professionals.
It has more than 37,000 members from 141 countries.
Link to recording and article: ICOM apology prompted by renowned Māori curator and Te Papa exec member | RNZ News
