WASHINGTON (AP) — The first lady usually donates her inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian Institution for its collection. Jill Biden has given up two ensembles, neither of which include the gown.
The First Lady wore the ocean blue tweed dress and matching coat she wore to her husband’s inauguration at the Capitol on January 20, 2021, and the ivory silk wool dress and cashmere coat she later wore at the White House. Donated with the ensemble. night.
First ladies usually donate the gown they danced in at the gala ball after their swearing-in ceremony, but there was no inaugural ball for President Joe Biden. He took office at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the time of the year, and large indoor gatherings were discouraged.
In nod to the historic nature of Joe Biden’s oath, Jill Biden’s matching face mask will also be part of the National Museum of American History’s First Ladies Collection.
Her outfit was part of a collection of outfits worn by predecessors such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama and Melania Trump at a ceremony on Wednesday attended by the first lady, her fashion designer and museum officials. Officially added. The museum opens to the public on Thursday.
“Since Helen Taft in 1912, every first lady who has been approached and has an inaugural gown has donated it,” said Lisa Kathleen Grady, the museum’s curator of American political history. rice field.
Where possible, the museum is “always interested” in having both day and night costumes, she said in a telephone interview Tuesday.
“We are very fortunate to have the space to display both in this particular case,” Grady said.
The festivities of Joe Biden’s inauguration have been changed by the pandemic. People were not allowed to flock to the National Mall to see him take the oath of office. Later, the traditional lunch inside the Capitol was scrapped, and the customary parade down Pennsylvania Avenue was replaced with a virtual one.In the evening, actor Tom Hanks performed performances by various music artists. Featured TV hosted his concert. Biden and his family then watched the fireworks from the White House balcony.
For the ceremony at the Capitol, Jill Biden chose an ocean blue wool tapered tweed dress adorned with pearls and crystals, a matching overcoat with a dark blue velvet collar and cuffs, and a face mask. They were designed by Markarian founder and designer Alexandra O’Neill.
In the evening she wore an ivory silk wool dress, an ivory double-breasted cashmere coat, and a face mask, all embroidered with flowers from every state and territory of the United States. Designed by Gabriela Hearst, cum creative director.
According to the Smithsonian, the First Lady exhibit is one of the most popular attractions. There are currently 10 inaugural gowns available. Meanwhile, the wider collection includes nearly 1,000 items ranging from inaugural gowns and other dresses to personal items and other White House memorabilia.
