[Inaugural Gown] First lady from 1961 until November 22, 1963, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy possessed considerable artistic talent and designed this gown herself. During her husband's presidency, Mrs. Kennedy used White House entertainments to elevate American arts and culture to international prominence.

After John F. Kennedy's assassination, she directed the White House staff to re-create the funeral appointments used when Lincoln was assassinated, thereby linking the tragedies.

Courtesy of the National Museum of American History, gift of Jacqueline Kennedy, 1962
Inaugural gown worn by Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy (1929-94), executed by Ethel Frankau of Bergdorf-Goodman, New York City, 1961; silk chiffon over peau d'ange, brilliants, and silver thread

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