Blue Dress with Jacket
Artifact IDMO 63.1238a-b
Object Type
Suit
Date
1962
Date Worn3/13/1962
Date Worn3/19/62
Designer
Gustave Tassell
(American, 1926-2014)
Place WornNew Delhi, India, Asia
Place MadeUnited States, North America
Medium
Silk zibeline
DimensionsOverall H 41 in (104.1 cm)
Overall H 21 in (53.3 cm)
Overall H 21 in (53.3 cm)
Physical DescriptionA sleeveless A line ice blue dress gathered at a drop waist. The matching jacket has three-quarter-length sleeves with two passementerie buttons at center front.
Historical NoteFirst Lady Jacquelline Kennedy wore this dress on her second day in India when she spent the morning with young patients at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences and the afternoon with Jawaharlal Nehru touring the gardens of the Prime Minister's residence, New Delhi, India on March 13, 1962. She also worn this dress to a polo match in India with Sawai Singh on March 19, 1962.
The gathers of the low-set skirt, the three-quarter sleeves (designed to be filled in with gloves or draw attention to bracelets) and the high indentation of the jacket's waist are trademarks of the influential designer Balenciaga that were taken up by many of his contemporaries. Tassell's focus on fine workmanship and fabrics would have attracted Mrs. Kennedy.
Additional DetailsThe gathers of the low-set skirt, the three-quarter sleeves (designed to be filled in with gloves or draw attention to bracelets) and the high indentation of the jacket's waist are trademarks of the influential designer Balenciaga that were taken up by many of his contemporaries. Tassell's focus on fine workmanship and fabrics would have attracted Mrs. Kennedy.
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 WornNew Delhi, India, Asia
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.Not on view
Related Links
Link to archives folder of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy visit to India, Hospital Ward"Museum Collection – Blue Dress with Jacket"
Motion picture of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy visit to India: "Museum Collection – Blue Dress with Jacket"
