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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Pink and Gold Evening Dress and Cape
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
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Pink and Gold Evening Dress and Cape

Artifact IDMO 63.1378a-b
Object Type Gown, Evening
Date 1962
Date Worn9/6/1962
Designer (fashion designer, American 1932-1972)
Gifter
Place MadeSaudi Arabia, Asia
Place MadeNew York, New York, United States
Place WornWashington, D.C., United States
Medium silk organza; metallic brocaded silk organza
DimensionsOverall (Dress) L 48 in (121.9 cm)
 Overall (Cape) W 41 in x L 15 in (104.1 cm x 38.1 cm)
Physical DescriptionA: Sleeveless evening dress with hot pink silk organza bodice and a metallic-brocaded silk organza straight skirt.
B: Matching metallic-brocaded silk organza cape
Historical NoteFirst Lady Jacqueline Kennedy wore this dress, with its original black bodice, to a benefit performance of the musical "Mr. President" for the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation at the National Theater in Washington D.C. on September 6, 1962. When or why the bodice was altered to the present pink fabric is not known. The gown's boldly printed metallic skirt and matching cape were made from fabric given to Mrs. Kennedy from King Saud bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia, probably during his state visit to the United States the previous February.

The gown's designer, Joan "Tiger" Morse, had begun her fashion career only a few years earlier. By the late 1960s her simple, traditional designs gave way to avant-garde creations (including illuminated mini-dresses made out of Mylar) sometimes called "extreme pop."

Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem is from the personal collection of President and Mrs. Kennedy. It was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
Place WornWashington, D.C., United States
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesFirst Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction NotePlease contact the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation for permission to use this image. IP@jfklfoundation.org Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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