For JFK's inauguration in January 1961, Jackie wore three pieces, two elaborate dresses and one warm coat.
The first piece was for the Inaugural Gala, which was on the Eve of the Inauguration. That night, Washington sparkled in the night as it had snowed the night before. Jackie emerged from 3307 N Street, on that snowy and cold night wearing a gown. A gown that was so beautiful, I couldn't string any words together to describe how beautiful it was.
It was an ivory silk-satin dress made for her by Oleg Cassini. Two months before the inauguration, she gave birth to John F Kennedy Jr and she had one problem. She had this extra weight and Cassini's designs were made and would fit better on a more slender woman. Well Jackie had 8 weeks to get her figure back and how well she did.
She emerged into the snow and showed off her gown. Before she left, her husband advised her to sit forward, so everyone could see her dress and her beauty. With her dress, she wore a diamond and emerald necklace from Tiffanys. Jackie arranged through her social secretary Letitia (Tish) Baldrige, who used to work for Tiffanys before Jackie, to borrow the necklace. Jackie told Tish, "If it gets in the newspapers, I won't do anymore business with Tiffany's. If it doesn't, we'll buy all state presents there".
The next morning, Jackie and her husband left 3307 N Street for the last time. This time Jackie left in a griege (mixture of grey and beige) wool melton coat. The coat was a griege colour and it was made from wool melton. It also had a fur trim around the collar, two large buttons and pockets at the hip.
The coat was once again designed by Cassini and with her coat she wore a Halston pillbox hat. With her pale coloured coat, on black and white television, Jackie outstood everyone. Cassini had thought well. And because of the weather, Jackie knew it would go well. And she didn't just want to wear a fur coat. Jackie stated: "I just didn't want to wear a fur coat. I don't know why, but perhaps because women huddling on the bleachers always looked like rows of fur-breathing animals".
Jackie's third piece was the final inauguration gown. This dress however was designed by Jackie on her own but was made by Ethel Frankau at Bergdorf Goodman's Custom Salon. The dress was made of silk chiffon over peau d'ange. It was worn with a matching cape that would shield Jackie from the cold.
The three inauguration pieces were made to bring glamour to the White House, which was one of the things, the Kennedys tried to do in their time in the Presidential home. Jackie's style influence began with three magical ensembles which would change the course of American fashion.
