Wu Who !

And Would Miranda Approve ?

Inaugural Gowns Revisted

Martha Washington 1780
Salmon Pink Faille
With Handpainted Flowers

Lucretia Garfield 1881
Delicate Lavender
dyed with fuschine which is light sensitive
and has faded to "oyster white"

Caroline Harrison 1889
Brocade Silk
On display for 50 years
The weighted silk is so weakened
it breaks each time it is touched

Helen Taft 1901
White Silk Chiffon Embroidered Gown
Trimmed in Rhinestones and Beads

Mary Lincoln 1916
Purple Velvet
Designed by Elizabeth Keckley

Eleanor Roosevelt 1933
Lavender Velvet
Came to be known as : Eleanor Blue
note:FDR did not hold Inaugural Balls
Instead he had Charity Balls for The March of Dimes.
Some were attended by Eleanor
But never any By Himself

Mamiee Eisenhower 1953
In Her Favorite Color
Pink Peau de Soie
with Mauve Undertone
Embroidered with 2,000 Rhinestones

Jackie Kennedy 1961
Oleg Cassini Ivory Double faced Silk Satin Twill
The Rosette at the waist a "cockade"
and ode to her affinty for 18th century fashion
And French Bouvier Ancestry

Lady Bird Johnson 1965
A Line Jonquil Yellow Double Weave Silk
By John Moore

Pat Nixon 1969
Gold & Silver Mimosa Silk Satin
Adorned with Austian Crystals
By Karen Stark

Rosalynn Carter 1977
Gold Embroidered Sleeveless Coat
Over Blue Chiffon with Gold Trim
This gown was Worn To a Previous Celebration
And bought at a store
Making a Statement about Being Economical
And That She And Jimmy
Were "Just Folks"

Nancy Reagan 1981
White One Shoulder Sheath of Fern Patterned Lace
Over Silk Satin
Accented with Chrystal and Chalk Beads
With Raised Bugle Bead Stems
by James Galanos

Barbara Bush 1989
Royal Blue Velvet Bodice
with a Square Neck and Drop Waist
by Arnold Scaasi

Hilary Clinton 1993
Violet Beaded Gown
With Blue Velvet Silk
Overcoat in Violet & Gold Velvet
by Sarah Phillips

Laura Bush 2001
Red Chantilly Lace and Silk Satin
With Crystal Beading
Micheal Faircloth

And The Belle of This Ball
Michelle Obama 2009
In an Off White/ Pale Yellow
One Strap Across The Shoulder Gown
that has a Ruched Bodice
With Applique and Beading
By JASON WU