The first lady welcomed The White House Historical Society in a sparklingMonique Lhuillier gown. she wore to her husband Jimmy Carters gubernatorial ball in 1971. All Rights Reserved. All eyes were on the Trumps in November of 2016, something that Melania Trump clearly understood, as she dressed to impress. The look was as classy as it was expensive, so get ready for the price tag: the Monique Lhuiller gown set the First Lady back $7,995, and (at the time) was available for purchase from the Bergdorf Goodman department store. As with Nancy Reagan's supposed $46,000 wardrobe for dresses, gowns, and accessories, the prices for clothing worn by other women in politics may also have been purchased at reduced prices because of the exposure they brought to designers. As noted by ABC News at the time, the jumpsuit featured a dynamic silhouette and a one-shoulder neckline. After announcing their engagement in 2004, The New York Times noted that Melania's engagement ring alone was worth $1.5 million. The most loved First Ladies in the history of the US are also some of the most respected and most powerful women in the world.They may have first become known for being married to the President of the United States, but many of these most respected First Ladies of the US carved out their own place in American society and gained the respect of the American public through their political and . It was remade as an evening gown, probably for her niece, in the 1880s. Felissa Allard has worked at The New York Daily News, Health, Life & Style, About.com and more. The first lady who wore the most expensive inaugural gown was Michelle Obama. Vanity Fair may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Jill Biden presented at the Grammys in a $16,000 Oscar de la Renta gown. According to CBS, theAustrian and Czechoslovakian glass beads were applied by hand, which took over 300 hours to do. This wasnt the first time Reagan wore Galanos. Readers who clicked the ad were led through 55 pages of pictures and details in a lengthy slideshow story with the headline: "First Ladies Fashion Over The Years." To celebrate the kickoff of her husbands second term, Hillary Clinton went full couture-chic with a long-sleeve gold lace Oscar de la Renta gown (complete with matching gold cape!). She wore a custom-made Dior dress that cost $27,000. 25 Best Eye Creams to Nourish Tired Undereyes, 19 Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin That Don't Feel Greasy, The 17 Best Cleansing Balms to Melt Away Stubborn Makeup, The Perfect Nighttime Routine Is Inside the April, 24 Best Face Serums to Target Any and All Skin-Care Concerns, 21 Best Body Lotions for Super-Smooth Skin, 15 Best Rabbit Vibrators for the Ultimate Orgasmic Experience. She accessorized the look with long drop earrings . Later in the 19th century, the original evening bodice was replaced with this daytime bodice made of fabric taken from the skirt. When reporters asked her representatives about the expensive sneakers, they said,"They're shoes.". Eleanor celebrated her fourth time as the nations longest-serving First Lady at her husband Franklin D. Roosevelts final inauguration by wearing her second Arnold Constable design: a pink rayon crepe gown trimmed with lace and sequins. The summers on the east coast can be especially hot, and the look was both appropriate for the gala and a seasonal look. The dress was designed by Nettie Rosenstein. We can't imagine that Melania herself was doing much of the heavy lifting, but she definitely made moving look classy. She wore a lavender gown . SAUL LOEB / AFP/Getty Images. But Betty Ford wore this pale-green sequined chiffon Frankie Welch design embroidered with a chrysanthemum pattern to several state dinners, so she donated it to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History as her inaugural gown. It features inaugural gowns worn by first ladies Jacqueline . Melania paired the crisp look with a pair of 4.7 inch heels from the iconic shoe mogul Christian Louboutin that cost $745, as noted by The New York Times. Jan. 19, 1985: President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Inaugural Gala held at the DC Convention Center. Biden completed the outfit with elbow-length matching gloves and mask. As the longest-serving First Lady in history (her husband, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was elected to four terms in office), Eleanor Roosevelt had multiple inaugural ball dresses. Melania paired the look with her classic middle part and soft waves, and opted to keep her makeup clean and subtle. The coat alone cost $3,995, and you can purchase it here (if you're willing to sell everything you own in order to afford it.). However, the Post looked to industry sources and confirmed that "the costs, at retail, for the clothes Mrs. Reagan plans to wear to the major inaugural festivities, excluding some accessories, would be $46,000.". Not only was it known as the most expensive gown wore to the Oscars for some time, but many outlets point to it as being one of the most influential. Clothing, especially on mannequins, can give a sense of a persons physical presence. "I think Ralph Lauren was one of the first American designers to step up and say that he would [dress Trump]," he said, as politics and fashion had made finding designers particularly difficult for Melania. The gown was the first contribution to the Smithsonian's first ladies collection and started a precedent for future first ladies to donate their inaugural gown to the institution. The custom, cashmere, powder blue suit was a hit, and Melania looked elegant and sophisticated. Melania topped off the outfit with her very large engagement ring and studded earrings. As children stopped by the White House to trick-or-treat, Melania wore a checked wool coat from designer Bottega Veneta that was as classy as it was indicative of a truly iconic movie, Clueless, as noted by Footwear News. So how much was the outfit? March 8, 2010. The cost of food and utilities are also high in San Francisco. Besides his passion for haute couture, de la Renta has been a tireless patron of the arts. Well the dress alone was $6,990. The "Margot" dress, which is described as "a beautiful option for the modern bride," featured a fitted bodice and bell-shaped sleeves, and was made from a blend of cotton and silk. If there is any infringement, please contact us and we will remove it within 3 days. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. It took a minute for Melania Trump and her son Barron Trump to join her husband in the White House. Some first ladies were featured on multiple pages. The first lady who wore the most expensive inaugural gown was Michelle Obama. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Wearing a pale yellow chiffon dress by J. Mendel, the First Lady looked beautiful in the Grecian-inspired gown. The stadium has a capacity of 45,000 people and it is located in Istanbul, Turkey.The Sofi Stadium is the home of Turkish club Galatas San Francisco is the most expensive city in the United States. The Trump name has been synonymous with lavish lifestyles, expensive taste, and designer labels well before Donald Trump became president of the United States. While walking toward her new home, the First lady opted for a pair of Bally trousers, a classic pair of Manolo Blahnik heels, a Dolce & Gabbana blouse, and an Hermes Birkin bag. This time, she wore a custom red chiffon look with a crisscross neckline, which showed off her toned shoulders and arms. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images The $3,895 coat and $2,295 dress supported Joe Biden's message of unity, since the color purple is a combination of Democrat blue and Republican red. Allure Beauty Box | March 2023 | Cotz, Tarte, and more! Throughout modern U.S. history, inaugural balls have given First Ladies a high-profile chance to officially introduce themselves and their values to the American people. For her husbands second inauguration, Laura Bush also chose red once again, although a bit more subdued. Nothing beats a well tailored coat, and Melania Trump proved that while traveling with her husband in 2018. Left, from Bettmann; Right, by Paul Schutzer/The LIFE Picture Collection, both from Getty Images. She wore a custom-made, $2 million dress by American designer Jason Wu. It was designed and created by Ethel Frankau of Bergdorf Custom Salon, who worked from the First Lady's sketches and suggestions. From Universal History Archive/UIG/Getty Images. After the resignation of President Richard Nixon, the swearing-in of successor Gerald Ford on August 9, 1974, was a more somber affair, with no formal inaugural celebration. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. These picks will have your back literally. First Lady Fashion: 30 Years of Inaugural Ball Gowns Watch on Ike's . In 1981, First Lady Nancy Reagan entered the ball in a white gown with rose decorations. Who designed the most expensive inaugural gown worn by a first lady? Trump wore an all-white outfit totaling $2,970 during a 2018 visit with French first lady Brigitte Macron. The white hat was designed by Herv Pierre the designer behind her inauguration ball gown and the look also featured a blazer and skirt suit from the Michael Kors Collection. retailers. Doug MillsAP. For husband Barack Obamas first inaugural ball, Michelle Obama wore a single-shoulder white silk chiffon Jason Wu gown embellished with organza flowers and Swarovski crystals, which the then-relatively unknown designer created to symbolize hope. My embroidered black suit reflects the streamlined glamour that she is known for." At husband Richard Nixons second inaugural ball, First Lady Pat Nixon wore a beaded princess-cut turquoise-toned dress in silk organza with silver silk lame designed by Adele Simpson. All Rights Reserved. The gown will be displayed in the center of a new gallery addition to the museum's popular exhibition, "The . Plus, learn about these rules that every First Family is supposed to follow. First lady Helen Taft enthusiastically supported the establishment of the first ladies collection. The term, like the position, is undefined, improvised, and extra-Constitutional. Melania paired the gorgeous coat with a white button down blouse, tailored brown trousers, boxy sunglasses here's why Melania Trump almost always wears sunglasses and surprisingly, brown flats. The Most Expensive Dresses Worn By First Ladies Michelle Obama and Melania Trump both wore high- end gowns as first ladies, according to the texts. For husband Richard Nixons inaugural ball, First Lady Pat Nixon wore a pale-yellow silk satin gown embroidered in gold and silver and encrusted with Austrian crystals designed by Karen Stark for Harvery Berin. Check out these 9 things that happen as soon as a new president takes office. It is no longer available from Bergdorf Goodman. Michelle Obama chose a one-shoulder white gown from designer Jason Wu for President Obama's 2009 inauguration. 16. During the second inauguration of then-President Obama, Biden wore a Lela Rose dress with a gray coat and matching boots. She accessorized with a custom beaded bag bearing the letter M on one side and 1957 on the other, along with jewels by Trifari. The dress, which she also wore to events in July and October, is sold out. Throughout her husbands two terms, Bush usually wore more subdued colors in classic cuts. The First Lady was spotted exiting Air Force One in Helsinki, Finland, en route to a summit with Vladimir Putin, in a wool coat from designer Isoude and we were instantly struck with fashion envy. Lucy Hayes wore this gold damask and cream satin gown to the White House New Years reception in 1880. She got off to a gorgeous start at husband Ronald Reagans first inaugural ball, wearing a white beaded single-shoulder gown featuring a sheath of lace atop silk satin, designed by James Galanos. All three of these dresses were estimated to cost over $10,000 each. It was reported that Reagans gown cost over $10,000 (although its unlikely she paid for it). Michelle Obama was a hospital executive who earned $212,000 per year. This $46,000 total does not include specially handmade shoes or other accessories to complete each outfit. There is no definitive answer to this question as the most expensive car can vary significantly in price. "It had to be really, really right because it was going to be part of history part of this country's history but also part of what I will have achieved on earth." Further, Nancy Reagan's dress featured in the advertisement picture was from 1981, not 1985. Other colors worn by first ladies at their inaugurations include pink, green, and white. There is no one answer to this question as the most expensive metal in the world can vary depending on a variety of factors, including location, production methods, and rarity. In addition, Mrs. Reagan has also ordered a white double-faced wool coat with three jeweled buttons that close off to the side to wear over the white gown, $6,000; and a white mink blouson jacket, also a Galanos design, $10,500. He dressed first lady Nancy Reagan in the 1980s, and then provided the gowns for inaugural events for both Hillary Clinton in 1997 and Laura Bush in 2005. Is the most expensive car a Lamborghini or a Ferrari? And she usually dresses to impress for the occasion. Jill Biden, President-elect Donald Trump's wife, will be sworn in as First Lady. Nevertheless, the role of First Lady of the United States has evolved and developed certain boundaries over the years. For the celebrations surrounding husband Dwight D. Eisenhowers second term, Mamie Eisenhower chose a look that mirrored her first inaugural gown by designer Nettie Rosenstein, this time featuring an off-the-shoulder princess cut gown in citron-colored lace over matching taffeta embroidered with pearls, soft yellow crystal drops, and translucent topaz. The designer, James Galanos, was known to create garments for high-profile customers. From Jacqueline Kennedy's timeless white cape to Michelle Obama's Jason Wu ensembles, here's a look back at the most memorable inauguration gowns in history. Anita McBride, chief of staff to Laura Bush during her time as first lady, said Mrs. Bush paid for all her clothes, including her two inaugural gowns: a red crystal-embroidered gown by. Michelle Obama's custom state dinner gown estimated to be worth $12,000, and Melania Trump's $51,500 gown for the 2017 G7 summit was a pretty penny. For her husbands second inauguration, Michelle Obama once again turned to Jason Wu. She rocked her signature, middle-part hair and kept her makeup classic. For her inauguration gown, she chose a velvet blue bodice with asymmetrical draped satin skirt by Arnold Scassi, who once noted that Bush suddenly was the most glamorous grandmother in the United States. Check out these things that former presidents arent allowed to do after leaving office. Melania Trump's speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention was controversial, as people noticed it was eerily similar to a speech Michelle Obama madeyears earlier (via NBC News). The gown is similar to a dress Blass is offering his customers for spring. From Everett Collection Historical/Alamy Stock Photo. Trump wore the look to meet with spouses of world leaders at the G-7 summit in Italy. At husband George W. Bushs first inaugural ball, Laura Bush wore a gown featuring a red crystal-embroidered Chantilly lace overlay on silk georgette by designer Michael Faircloth, from her home state of Texas. Lucy Hayes's Reception Gown Lucy Hayes wore this gold damask and cream satin gown to the White House New Year's reception in 1880. Sarah Palin, who was John McCain's running mate in 2008, reportedly spent $150,000 on her campaign wardrobe. He has dressed her on various occasions, including the magenta floral dress she wore to her daughter's wedding in 2010. Obama paired the dress, which is no longer available on Moda Operandi, with black heels and dangling earrings. Others drew parallels to the political drama Scandal and its main character, Olivia Pope, who was known for "wearing the white hat" in Washington, D.C. All we know is that the look is as bold as it is memorable as it is expensive. The First Lady was spotted exiting Air Force One in Helsinki, Finland, en route to a summit with Vladimir Putin,in a wool coat from designer Isoude and we were instantly struck with fashion envy. And while the First Lady chose a different designer for her look, the subtle nod to the film was not missed. After Donald Trump assumed the presidency, the First Lady stayed in Manhattan until June, citing her son's schooling as her main priority for delaying the move. She again went with a piece by designer James Galanos, who created her first inaugural dress, but the sheath was much bolder: a white chiffon gown with a bolero-esque top and an art deco beaded design composed of Austrian and Czechoslovakian glass beads that took more than 300 hours to hand-apply. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. The dress thrust the designer, who was relatively unknown outside the industry, onto the international fashion stage. Rosalynn Carter's Three-Peat Gown. Barbara Bush wore this navy-and-royal-blue gown designed by Arnold Scaasi, who noted that the First Lady became the most glamorous grandmother in the United States.. Write to Cady Lang at cady.lang@timemagazine.com. Past inaugural balls included a first dance for the president and first lady, and that a special wardrobe is traditionally chosen by each first lady. In 1985, Ronald Reagan was elected president for a second term. In this way, inaugural gowns serve as a tangible sign of our timesa fact thats not lost on the Smithsonian, which houses many of the past dresses in their First Ladies exhibit. no longer available from Bergdorf Goodman. And they can represent the events to which they were wornfrom inaugural balls, state dinners, and public appearances to everyday life in the White House. We saved one of Melania Trump's most expensive looks for last. In stark contrast to the bright hue of her first inaugural ball gown, Laura Bush wore a deep V-neck silver-blue Oscar de la Renta dress embroidered with bugle beads and Austrian crystals to celebrate husband George W. Bushs second terma decided design departure from her gown of four years prior. How much do her elegant gowns and designer evening wear cost? Joe Zee, the editor-in-chief of Yahoo Style, told ABC News that Melania's choice to wear Ralph Lauren was an intentional one. She kept her accessories prim, with white gloves by the gowns designer, beaded white shoes by David Evins, and a purse by Judith Leiber. Nancy Reagan would fast become known for her fashion sense and penchant for promoting American designers. Hillary Clinton, Oscar de la Renta, 1997: Clinton wore this gold lace dress in 1997, but she first met the designer at the Kennedy Center in Dec. 1993, when he pointed . The blouse, made of a fuchsia pink silk crepe de chine, set Melania back $1,100, and was described as the perfect blouse to "elevate office or weekend looks," on Net-a-Porter. However, some of the most expensive inaugural gowns worn by first ladies include those worn by Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961, Barbara Bush in 1989, and Hillary Clinton in 1993. We bet you never knew about these 8 perks presidents get to keep after leaving office. Mark Wilson/Getty Images. 2023 Cond Nast. , 15 Body Sunscreens That'll Protect Your Skin Without Clogging Pores. Bush, Barbara Bush wore a stately royal-blue gown with a velvet bodice and draped silk satin skirt designed by Arnold Scaasi, and accessorized with what would become her trademark pearl necklace and a matching purse by Judith Leiber. The result was another expensive look, and an evening that we all remember for the cringeworthy speech and subsequent fallout. Kelly Reilly Speaks Out About 'Yellowstone' Paleyfest Drama & Reveals Why She Wasn't At The Event, Apple Renews 'The Morning Show' For Season 4 Months Ahead of Season 3 Debut. But the time finally came for the Trump family to reunite, and unlike some of us who choose cut off jeans and an old t-shirt for moving day, Melania opted for a far more sophisticated and expensive outfit that definitely had our budgets beat. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual first lady's gown and what was considered expensive at the time. Alternatively, it could also be said that wealthier women are more likely to have access to designer clothing than poorer women are. "I think it would have been a big mistake for her to appear for the first time at the inauguration in a non-American designer.". She chose the Italian designer in. The collar and cuffs are reproductions. "What normally happened (in the past) is that the first lady selected a piece, at her discretion, to go into the. For husband Jimmy Carters inaugural ball, Rosalynn Carter set tongues wagging by recycling the dress shed worn for her husbands 1971 inauguration as governor of Georgia: a flowing gold-embroidered sleeveless coat atop a gown of gold-and-blue chiffon, designed by Mary Matise for Jimmae. The First Lady and de la Renta grew close after they met at a Kennedy Center Honors reception in 1993. Nancy Reagan wore a white, one-shoulder lace gown by James Galanos. Mary Lincoln wore this silk taffeta two-piece dress in 1861, with an evening bodice as the top piece. While attending the White House Historical Association Dinner in 2017, Melania opted for a glimmering sequined gown by designer Monique Lhuiller, and looked just as radiant as the dress itself. The classy look cost the following (prepare yourselves): the suit alone was $2,195. She changed out of the Dior gown and into a Vera Wang design for the reception, which featured a sleeveless neckline. Afterward, the mannequins were installed in the exhibit, which is among the Smithsonian Institution's most popular attractions. And its easy to see why: Her classic gold-trimmed blue chiffon gown by Mary Matise for Jimmae has survived the test of time. It was the hat seen around the world. For President Obamas first inauguration, she sported a glamorous one-shouldered white chiffon silk Jason Wu gown decorated with organza flowers. She also wore the designer for her daughter Chelseas wedding in 2010. Magazines, Digital The white gown with embellished bodice and sheer overlay along with matching cape gave the new First Lady an ethereal quality. Mamie Eisenhower. At husband William McKinleys first inauguration, First Lady Ida McKinley wore a high-neck, puffed-sleeve gown with an impressive train, topping off the look with a headpiece and matching fan. Eleanor Roosevelt For President Franklin D. Roosevelt's inauguration in 1933, Eleanor Roosevelt chose a flowing, long-sleeved gown with an embellished belt at the waist. This material may not be reproduced without permission. The Princess of Wales, Michelle Obama, and Taylor Swift are just a few of the fabulous women who wear this chic fashion line - and you can now save 10% on special occasion dresses SHOPPING Get ready for the price: the dress coast $2,190, and Melania paired it with Christian Louboutin heels. Email: 2022 Copyright hualao.com. While hosting French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, Melania Trump dazzled in a white suit and hat, and had the internet buzzing about the outfit shortly after. Why did the first lady wear the most expensive gown during her inauguration? For her second inaugural ball, Nancy Reagan wore a James Galanos gown that reportedly cost $46,000. 2023 TIME USA, LLC. These outfits that US first ladies Melania Trump, Michelle Obama and Jill Biden wore are not only eye-catching, but also have a hefty price tag. We love a Gucci moment, no questions about it, but Melania Trump made a fashion choice back in 2016 had the internet buzzing and not just because of the price. Clinton, who ran for president in 2008 and has also served . Even her daily fashion choices could break the bank of most fashionistas. Further, in 1985, The Washington Post reported that while the first lady's wardrobe for the inauguration might have totaled $46,000 at retail, the price may have been "adjusted by the designers because of the exposure given their designs when she wears them.". Jackie began her role as the most fashionable First Lady at husband John F. Kennedys inaugural ball, where she wore this off-white sleeveless silk chiffon gown encrusted with brilliants and embroidered with silver thread. The gown will be displayed in the center of a new gallery addition to the museum's popular exhibition, "The . FIRST LADIES. She accessorized it with an equally fiery-hued purse by Judith Leiber. Clothing and accessories illustrate the personal style of a first lady or the official style of a presidential administration. The coat was on sale at Farfetch. From the family's ownership of glittering casinos and international golf courses to their elite life in the posh Manhattan social scene, Donald and Melania Trump certainly have enjoyed luxurious housing, gourmet food, and, of course, designer clothing. Jacqueline "Jackie" Lee Bouvier Kennedy, January 20, 1961 Jackie began her role as the most fashionable First Lady at husband John F. Kennedy's inaugural ball, where she wore this. The internet was quick to draw comparisons to pop culture moments that featured a prominent, bold hat. In addition, the outfit also gave a platform to Cohen as a small-business owner and the son of Mexican immigrants, as stated on the Jonathan Cohen website. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy, Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP. She accessorized with beaded shoes by David Evins and carried a purse by Judith Leiber. That price has us saying "Ugh, as if! Other high-priced inaugural gowns include those worn by Laura Bush in 2001 and Michelle Obama in 2009, both of which were estimated to cost around $40,000. This was far from the first time that women in politics were criticized, perhaps unfairly, for their wardrobe choices. 16. The $3,895coatand $2,295dress supported Joe Biden's message of unity, since the color purple is a combination of Democrat blue and Republican red. She wore this rose-white satin gown by Arnold Constable to her third inauguration ball in 1941. According to USA Today, the coat, a heather gray color, has leather detailing on the pockets and is lined with 100 percent silk. For Bill Clintons second inauguration, his FLOTUS wore a somewhat similar look to her Sarah Phillips gown. She chose the Italian designer in honor of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi of Italy's visit. Ad Choices. 9. The pattern of black stripes and purple flowers is woven into the silk. Dr. Jill Biden is Americas new First Lady as of January 20, 2021the first First Lady who plans to hold a full-time job while her husband is in office, as a teacher. Safety concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent attack on the Capitol led to a number of changes for the Inauguration Day schedule. Wonder no more: here are the most expensive outfits Melania Trump has ever worn. Learn some surprising facts you never knew about the White House. The next most expensive inaugural gown was worn by Hillary Clinton, who wore a custom-made Ralph Lauren dress that cost $12,000. For her last state dinner as first lady in 2016, Obama wore a custom Atelier Versace gown made of rose gold chain-mail with an estimated cost of US$12,000. The expensive outfit sold for $4,000 at the Bergdorf Goodman department store, and was worn with pride by the First Lady. Constitution Avenue, NW The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Or, was it $7,500? While the actual price of this expensive look wasn't disclosed, dresses from Ralph Lauren can cost as much as $12,000 on the designer's websiteand that's not for custom pieces either. The satin dress, which had a 13 foot train, had 1,500 pearls and rhinestones adorning it. The most expensive inaugural gown worn by a first lady was worn by Michelle Obama in 2009. The matching cape also made a splash, setting trends for decades to come. WatchAllure's Sarah Han get ready for the day while using some of the products in the February Allure Beauty Box.