The First Ladies' Collection was displayed on the third floor, and included inaugural gowns, elegant dresses, and accessories. The exhibit was very crowded with tourists, so seeing each gown and photographing them took considerable time, only to find out there was a book in the gift shop with photos of all the gowns! My photos are used for today's blog post.
The First Ladies' exhibition has been one of the Smithsonian's most popular attractions for more than 100 years. The gowns are exhibited on a rotational basis every three to six months to protect them. Pour yourself a cup of tea and enjoy viewing 22 First Ladies' gowns and dresses. Apologizes for glare and distortions caused from photographing through glass.
Two dresses were featured belonging to Lou Hoover. Behind her multi-colored floral day dress [front center, below] are a skirt and three coordinating bodices that were a part of Frances Folsom Cleveland's wardrobe.
There were two dresses displayed belonging to Grace Coolidge.
Michelle Obama's gown was the first one with a train in sixty-four years.
~ Two dresses of Dolly Madison's ~
~ Mary Todd Lincoln ~
~ Lady Bird [Claudia Taylor] Johnson ~
That concludes the gowns and dresses. Do you have a favorite? Tomorrow will end my Smithsonian visit with White House China, also part of the First Ladies exhibition.
Oh, it is too hard to pick a favorite. It's so interesting to see how the styles have changed through the years, though. This was one of my favorite exhibits at the Smithsonian.
ReplyDeleteWhat a display! I would want to wear Lou Hoover's dress.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to see this exhibit. Thanks for sharing these photos. My favorite is Jackie Kennedy's dress. Looking forward to your post about the china.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite exhibits. Love to see the changing styles.
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