Mar
11

Today in Smithsonian History: March 11, 1912

Gown worn by Helen Herron Taft, wife of President William Howard Taft, 1909-1913. Photographer unknown, ca. 1960s

Gown worn by Helen Herron Taft, wife of President William Howard Taft, 1909-1913. Photographer unknown, ca. 1960s

March 11, 1912 First Lady Helen Herron Taft (1861-1943) donates her inaugural gown to the Smithsonian Institution. This single gift is the impetus for families, friends and collectors to donate clothing and possessions from preceding presidents’ wives to form the First Ladies’ Collection. Subsequent first ladies have continued the tradition, making “The First Ladies’ Gowns” one of the American History Museum’s most popular exhibitions.

White gown with red ribbon

Melania Trump’s inaugural gown was donated to the Smithsonian’s First Ladies Collection Oct. 20, 2017. Mrs. Trump’s dress is a vanilla silk crepe off-the-shoulder gown with a slit skirt, ruffled accent trim from neckline to hem and a claret ribbon around the waist designed by Herv­é Pierre in collaboration with Mrs. Trump. Pierre is a French American fashion and costume designer.

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Posted: 11 March 2019
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