Original Wardrobe Design for First Lady's Public Appearances in 1961

In 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy, the First Lady of the United States, made headlines not only for her role in the White House but also for her remarkable fashion sense. That year, she spent an astonishing $45,446 more on her wardrobe than the $100,000 annual salary of her husband, President John F. Kennedy. This extravagant expenditure was largely due to her collaboration with Oleg Cassini, a French-born American designer and a close friend of the Kennedy family. Cassini was commissioned to create an original wardrobe for Jacqueline, which included iconic pieces such as her fawn coat and Inaugural gala gown worn during the presidential inauguration. Beyond the United States, Jacqueline's fashion choices were also showcased during her visits to Europe, India, and Pakistan, where she represented American style on the global stage. While she had a preference for French couture designers like Chanel, Balenciaga, and Givenchy, she was also conscious of the expectation to support American fashion designers. This balance between personal taste and public duty made her a fashion icon of her time, influencing trends and setting standards for future First Ladies.