Public scrutiny is nothing new for First Ladies. This sleeveless dress worn by Mamie Eisenhower for her official portrait in 1953 also caught media attention. Lest you think the baring of arms is some kind of Democratic affiliation, Mamie was the wife of a Republican.
Mamie was known for her outgoing manner and especially her love of fashion and jewelry. She was a popular hostess during her husband’s term at the White House as we suspect Michelle will be as well. From a diplomatic standpoint, this is a good thing.
Imagine if Michelle Obama were to wear something as revealing as Dolley Madison’s choice in 1809. And we think the styles are slutty today? Oddly enough, the “girls” look like they are defying gravity on their own without the benefit of a corset. Maybe this is what prompted former First Lady, Abigail Adams, snide remark that she looked like a “nursing mother”.
Francis Cleveland, wife of President Grover Cleveland, was also partial to sleeveless gowns, prompting the Women’s Christian Temperance Union to circulate a petition in 1988 trying to get her to cover up. They believed she was an immoral influence on young girls. Yeah, well, that didn’t work because she continued to keep showing some skin and her style was widely copied by other women.
Mamie led the way in the armsgate controversy with Jackie Kennedy continuing the trend in the early 60s.
That was the style in the day and Jackie wore it like it was a uniform. Her look was considered to by classy and elegant, emulated by women all over America. Such is the power of dress! After being criticized for her penchant for French design, she took up with American designer, Oleg Cassini who produced more than 300 outfits for Jackie. It is said that her clothing bill far exceeded the President’s salary, but was paid for by her father in law, Joseph P. Kennedy.
In today’s world it is not uncommon for designers to send gifts to celebrities so they’ll wear the gown on the red carpet. Should this be the case for First Ladies? Who pays for Michelle’s wardrobe? The simple black Michael Kors dress Michelle wore for her official portrait retails for $3,195 but her dress was custom made especially for her. Such was probably the case for Jackie too but history tells us they weren’t freebies.
