The big buzz today (not counting pie fights and Massa) was the presentation of Michelle Obama's Inaugural gown to the Smithsonian.
I recall so vividly many many years ago, walking through the display of First Ladies gowns, and the feeling of history coming alive before my very eyes.
Below is just a small sample of gowns worn by First Ladies. I sure wish Flickr had been around way back when.
A description of Martha Washington's gown:
Made of salmon pink faille, Mrs. Washington's dress features a handpainted pattern of flowers and insects. It was first displayed in the original First Ladies Hall, which opened in the Arts and Industries Building in 1914. On loan for many years, the dress became part of the permanent collections in 1929 and remains on view today in the current first ladies exhibition.
See Martha Washington's gown here
Perhaps just a little heavy on the brocade?
A description of Eleanor Roosevelt's gown:
When Mrs. Roosevelt wore this lavender velvet day dress at her husband's first inauguration on March 4, 1933, the press dubbed the color "Eleanor blue." In 1945 she donated the dress to the Smithsonian along with the gown she wore to her husband's fourth inauguration.
See Eleanor Roosevelt's gown here
Florence Kling Harding's gown:
Evoking the flapper era, this iridescent dress, made of tulle adorned with pearlized sequins and gold beads, was worn by Mrs. Harding during her husband's administration (1921-23). Long in the possession of Mrs. Harding's granddaughter, the costume was donated to the Smithsonian in 1966.
See Florence Kling Harding's gown here
I loved this one! Pretty wild, huh?
A gown of Mary Todd Lincoln's, made by Elizabeth Keckley
Originally collected in 1916 for its associations with Mary Todd Lincoln, this purple velvet gown has received new attention from historians because of its connection with Elizabeth Keckley, an African American dressmaker and confidante of Mrs. Lincoln's. Born a slave in 1818, Keckley worked as a dressmaker in St. Louis, using her skills to buy freedom for herself and her son. After moving to Washington, D.C., in 1860, she built a successful career and became a prominent figure in the black community, organizing relief and educational programs for emancipated slaves. In 1868 she published Behind the Scenes, a memoir of her relationship with the first lady.
See A gown made for Mary Todd Lincoln
It would seem that Elizabeth Keckley deserves a diary devoted just to her!
Jackie's dress
Hillary Rodham Clinton's gown:
Laura Bush's gown:
Ah, and finally we come to Michelle Obama's gown and a picture truly is worth 1000 words.
http://www.politico.com/...
"I remember how just luscious I felt as the president and I were announced onto the stage for the first of many dances. And I’ll cherish that moment for the rest of my life," she said, adding that it is "one of the most tangible things I have left to remember that day."
"And that’s why it will always hold a special place in my heart," she said.
Obama was joined by Jason Wu, who designed the gown.
"The countless hours that you can see that he spent sewing this piece made my night even more special, and now I am proud that millions of visitors will be able to see just how talented this young man is," she said.
The first lady's Jimmy Choo sandals and Loree Rodkin jewelry will go on display on Wednesday, according to museum officials.
The youtube below gives you a taste of what they go through in putting on exhibits such as this one at the Smithsonian.