Wedding dress of Jacqueline Bouvier

Last updated

Wedding dress of Jacqueline Bouvier
Jackie Kennedy Wedding Dress from LOC-Master-pnp-cph-3c20000-3c22000-3c22000-3c22085u (cropped).tif
The Kennedys were married in 1953 at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island
Artist Ann Lowe
Year1953 (1953)

The dress worn by Jacqueline Bouvier for her wedding to John F. Kennedy in 1953 is one of the best-remembered bridal gowns of all time. [1]

Contents

The gown was the creation of African-American fashion designer Ann Lowe, [2] who was not credited as the designer at the time of the Bouvier-Kennedy wedding. [3] [4] When asked who made her dress, Jacqueline Kennedy said it was a "colored woman". [5]

Design

Jacqueline throwing the bouquet Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis2.jpg
Jacqueline throwing the bouquet

Janet Lee Bouvier, Jacqueline's mother, hired Lowe to design and make the entire bridal party's outfits. Lowe had made Bouvier's dress for her wedding to Hugh Auchincloss.

The bridal gown, of ivory-colored silk taffeta, featured a portrait neckline and huge round skirt. The skirt featured interwoven tucking bands and tiny wax flowers. [6] Jacqueline Bouvier's lace veil had belonged to her grandmother; a lace-and-orange-blossom tiara tied the veil to her hair. Her bridal bouquet was made of white and pink gardenias and orchids.

She wore little jewelry with the dress, but what she did wear had personal significance. The single-strand pearl necklace was a family heirloom; she also wore a diamond pin from her parents and diamond bracelet from her groom, John F. Kennedy. [7]

A flood in Lowe's Lexington Avenue workshop 10 days before the wedding ruined the bride's gown and nine of the bridal party's dresses. Ann Lowe and her staff worked through eight days (the original time was eight weeks) to reconstruct the gowns and ensure they were delivered on time. Instead of an estimated $700 profit, Lowe lost $2,200 on the project. [8]

Reception

The dress was crafted in a very traditional design (particularly the skirt) per the wishes of the Kennedy family, and it won worldwide acclaim. However, Jacqueline had wanted a simple dress with firm lines to complement her tall, slim figure. [9] She later told friends privately that she did not like the dress's portrait neckline because she felt it emphasized her small bust. [7] She also said that the skirt looked "like a lampshade". [10]

The New York Times' coverage of the wedding described Jacqueline's wedding attire in detail, referring to the gown as "a gown of ivory silk taffeta, made with a fitted bodice embellished with interwoven bands of tucking, finished with a portrait neckline, and a bouffant skirt." [3] However, the Times did not name the gown's designer, Ann Lowe. [3] [4] By the mid-1960s, however, Lowe was publicly acknowledged as the designer of the gown. [11]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis</span> First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963

Jacqueline Lee "Jackie" Kennedy Onassis was an American writer, book editor, and socialite who served as the first lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, as the wife of president John F. Kennedy. A popular first lady, she endeared herself to the American public with her devotion to her family, dedication to the historic preservation of the White House, the campaigns she led to preserve and restore historic landmarks and architecture along with her interest in American history, culture, and arts. During her lifetime, she was regarded as an international icon for her unique fashion choices, and her work as a cultural ambassador of the United States made her very popular globally.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wedding dress</span> Dress worn by a bride during the wedding ceremony

A wedding dress or bridal gown is the dress worn by the bride during a wedding ceremony. The color, style and ceremonial importance of the gown can depend on the religion and culture of the wedding participants. Wedding dresses hold a significant place in fashion, symbolizing personal expression, and cultural traditions and societal values. In Western culture, the wedding dress is most commonly white, a fashion made popular by Queen Victoria when she married in 1840. In Eastern cultures, brides often choose red to symbolize auspiciousness. These wedding dresses often represent a blend of heritage and contemporary trends, making them a pivotal aspect of bridal fashion and a reflection of evolving style in society.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Janet Lee Bouvier</span> American socialite (1907–1989)

Janet Norton Lee Auchincloss, previously Bouvier, was an American socialite. She was the mother of the former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy and Lee Radziwill.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nightgown</span> Shirtlike garment intended for wear while sleeping most often used by women

A nightgown, nightie or nightdress is a loosely hanging item of nightwear, and is commonly worn by women and girls. A nightgown is made from cotton, silk, satin, or nylon and may be decorated with lace appliqués or embroidery at the bust and hem.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Vernou Bouvier III</span> American Wall Street stockbroker

John Vernou "Black Jack" Bouvier III was an American Wall Street stockbroker and socialite. He was the father of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and of socialite Princess Lee Radziwill, and was the father-in-law of John F. Kennedy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1700–1750 in Western fashion</span> Clothing in Europe and areas under its influence from 1700-1750

Fashion in the period 1700–1750 in European and European-influenced countries is characterized by a widening silhouette for both men and women following the tall, narrow look of the 1680s and 90s. This era is defined as late Baroque/Rococo style. The new fashion trends introduced during this era had a greater impact on society, affecting not only royalty and aristocrats, but also middle and even lower classes. Clothing during this time can be characterized by soft pastels, light, airy, and asymmetrical designs, and playful styles. Wigs remained essential for men and women of substance, and were often white; natural hair was powdered to achieve the fashionable look. The costume of the eighteenth century, if lacking in the refinement and grace of earlier times, was distinctly quaint and picturesque.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wrap dress</span> Dress with a front closure formed by wrapping one side across the other

A wrap dress is generic term for a dress with a front closure formed by wrapping one side across the other, and is fastened at the side or tied at the back. This forms a V-shaped neckline. A faux wrap dress resembles this design, except that it comes already fastened together with no opening in front, but instead is slipped on over the head. A wrap top is a top cut and constructed in the same way as a wrap dress, but without a skirt. The design of wrap-style closure in European garments was the results of the heavy influences of Orientalism which was popular in the 19th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ann Lowe</span> American fashion designer

Ann Cole Lowe was an American fashion designer. Best known for designing the ivory silk taffeta wedding dress worn by Jacqueline Bouvier when she married John F. Kennedy in 1953, she was the first African American to become a noted fashion designer. Lowe's designs were popular among upper class women for five decades from the 1920s through the 1960s.

A major American icon, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis has been portrayed, alluded to, and referred to in many media in the popular culture from the 1960s and continuing into the 21st century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sybil Connolly</span> Irish fashion designer (1921–1998)

Sybil Connolly was a celebrated fashion designer and global icon known for her innovative use of traditional Irish textiles in haute couture. Often described as "Dublin's Dior", she achieved international repute and success, making her one of the first Irish designers to do so. She was a member of the "Big Three" Irish fashion designers, and was described by former Taoiseach Jack Lynch as "a national treasure."

Amsale Aberra was an Ethiopian American fashion designer and entrepreneur. Her main field of design was in couture wedding gowns, and her flagship store is located on Madison Avenue in New York City. In addition to her flagship location, Amsale gowns are also sold at couture bridal boutiques such as Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. She was a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and a Trustee of the Fashion Institute of Technology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wedding dress of Lady Diana Spencer</span> Wedding dress of the future Princess of Wales

Lady Diana Spencer's bridal gown was an ivory silk taffeta and antique lace gown, with a 25-foot (7.6 m) train and a 153 yards (140 m) tulle veil, valued then at £9,000. It was worn at Diana's wedding to Charles, Prince of Wales in 1981 at St Paul's Cathedral. It became one of the most famous dresses in the world, and was considered one of the most closely guarded secrets in fashion history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wedding dress of Princess Elizabeth of the United Kingdom</span> Dress worn by Princess Elizabeth at her wedding to Philip Mountbatten in 1947

The wedding dress of Princess Elizabeth, was worn at her wedding to Philip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh on 20 November 1947 in Westminster Abbey. Given the rationing of clothing at the time, she still had to purchase the material using ration coupons. The dress was designed by Norman Hartnell. Hartnell's signature was said to be embroidery, and he enjoyed "working with soft, floating fabrics, particularly tulle and chiffon, and with plain, lustrous silks". The dress was made of Chinese silk, with a high neckline, tailored bodice and a short train. Without straps and with long sleeves, it provided a "fit and flare silhouette".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wedding dress of Grace Kelly</span> Dress worn by Grace Kelly at her wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956

The wedding dress of the American actress Grace Kelly, worn during her wedding to Rainier III, Prince of Monaco on 19 April 1956, is cited as one of the most elegant and best-remembered bridal gowns of all time, and one of the most famous since the mid 20th century. One author describes the dress as a symbol of "the marital fervor" and a major influence on women who strove to "emulate Kelly's peau de soie and lace masterpiece". It was designed by Helen Rose of MGM. The dress consisted of a bodice with an attached under-bodice and skirt support. There were two petticoats, one being an attached foundation. The wedding attire included a headdress, veil, shoes and the lace- and pearl-encrusted prayer book which she carried down the aisle. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the wedding, the Philadelphia Museum of Art displayed it at the museum between 1 April and 21 May 2006 and reported it to have been arguably its most popular exhibit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pink Chanel suit of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy</span>

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy was wearing a pink Chanel suit when her husband, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. She insisted on wearing the suit, stained with his blood, during the swearing-in of Lyndon B. Johnson that afternoon and for the flight back to Washington, D.C. Jacqueline Kennedy was a fashion icon, and the suit is the most referenced and revisited among her clothing items.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pink Ralph Lauren dress of Gwyneth Paltrow</span> Dress worn by Gwyneth Paltrow to the 71st Academy Awards in 1999

The pink Ralph Lauren dress of Gwyneth Paltrow was designed by Ralph Lauren and worn to the 71st Academy Awards on 21 March 1999 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. The dress received mixed reviews and the style was compared to that of the actress Grace Kelly. The dress was widely copied after the event, and Paltrow was credited for bringing pink back into fashion.

Rena Koh is a Malaysian-born British fashion designer, especially noted for her bridal wear. She is based in Boca Raton, Florida.

The Black Fashion Museum is a former museum that traced the historical contributions of black designers and clothing makers to fashion. Originally established in Harlem in 1979 by Lois K. Alexander Lane, and relocated to Washington, D.C. in 1994, the museum operated until 2007, when the Black Fashion Museum Collection was accepted into the collections of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Inbal Dror is an Israeli fashion designer known for her contemporary wedding gowns. She launched her eponymously-named couture brand in 2005 and her bridal label in 2014. She designed the wedding dress of Ivanka Trump and has also designed gowns for Beyoncé, Naomi Watts, and other celebrities.

The wedding dress worn by Carolyn Bessette at her wedding to John F. Kennedy Jr. on September 21, 1996 was designed by Narciso Rodriguez of Cerruti. The wedding took place on Cumberland Island in the U.S. state of Georgia.

References

  1. Daniels, Maggie; Loveless, Carrie (2007). Wedding planning & management: consultancy for diverse clients. Butterworth-Heinemann. p. 214. ISBN   978-0-7506-8233-6.
  2. "Bridal Icons and their influence on Modern Bridal Gowns". Augusta Jones Collections. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  3. 1 2 3 "Notables Attend Senator's Wedding". New York Times. September 13, 1953. p. 1,25. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  4. 1 2 "Fashion designer dies at 82". Star-News. February 28, 1981. p. 3B. Retrieved December 11, 2014.
  5. Christopher Andersen (1997). Jack and Jackie: Portrait of an American Marriage. Avon. ISBN   978-0-380-73031-5.
  6. "Jackie Kennedy Wedding Dress 1953". fashion-era.com. Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  7. 1 2 Tracy, Kathleen (2008). The Everything Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Book: A Portrait of an American Icon. Everything Books. p. 95. ISBN   978-1-59869-530-4.[ permanent dead link ]
  8. Johnson Publishing Company (December 1966). Ebony. Johnson Publishing Company. p. 140. ISSN   0012-9011 . Retrieved May 2, 2011.
  9. Tina Santi Flaherty (2005). What Jackie Taught Us: Lessons from the Remarkable Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Penguin. p. 18. ISBN   978-0-399-53080-7.
  10. Ronald Rothstein; Mara Urshel; Todd Lyon (2002). How to Buy Your Perfect Wedding Dress. Simon and Schuster. p. 21. ISBN   978-0-7432-2581-6.
  11. Major, Gerri (December 1966). "Dean Of American Designers". Ebony. 22 (2). Johnson Publishing Company. ISSN   0012-9011.