First Ladies Contribute to American Fashion History
1st July 2012 America’s First Ladies – wives of Presidents – have an increasingly active role in the documentation of American fashion. The Smithsonian (National Museum of American History) was founded in 1846, and today is the world’s largest museum and research complex. Their collection of First Ladies gowns originated in 1912, when Helen Taft, who was then first lady, donated the first inaugural gown. Today, there are over 1000 objects in the First Ladies Collection, from inaugural gowns, to state dinner dresses, personal effects and White House ephemera. Dresses worn by Dolly Madison, Mary Todd Lincoln, Frances Cleveland, Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, and many others are among those on display. First Lady Michelle Obama recently presented her inaugural ball gown to officially launch a new gallery: “A First Lady’s Debut.” It’s a stunning, ongoing exhibition, encompassing history, fashion and the diverse contributions of first ladies to American society. www.americanhistory.si JG
