What Rosalynn Wore
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 3:08 PM 
Image used with the kind permission of the Jimmy Carter Library
Over 30 years ago, First Lady Rosalynn Carter shocked the fashion world with her inauguration gown. Why? Was it too daring? Was the color too bold or too flat? The dress too revealing? Was it designed by a non-American designer? None of the above, in fact. Mrs. Carter wore a "repeat," which by some fashion standards is the worst offense of all.
The event was the 1977 inauguration ball for her husband Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Carter announced that for "sentimental reasons" she would don the same blue chiffon gown she had worn six years before at the Carters' gubernatorial ball in Atlanta, Georgia. To add a little context: As Jimmy Carter assumed the presidency, the country was in a flat-out recession. Unemployment rates were high and so were gas prices. There were long lines at gas stations, particularly to fill up the tanks of RVs that were so popular then. But did Mrs. Carter take her economizing too far by recycling a six-year-old gown?
The flowing ice blue dress was designed by Marie Matise, who created many high-end dresses for Jason's, an exclusive dress shop in Americus, Georgia. To update the ensemble for the Presidential inauguration, Mrs. Carter added a full-length ice blue evening vest embroidered in gold. The vest (for some reason, it was often described at the time as a cape-perhaps because a cape sounds more festive and romantic than a vest) was created by Dominic Rompollo, a New York designer who also fashioned Mrs. Carter's daytime inauguration outfit (an understated wool dress and matching coat in a blue-green color that Rompollo christened "Rosalynn green").
The fashion community was not pleased with the use of a repeat gown, particularly for such a high wattage evening. In spite of the sagging economy, it dubbed Mrs. Carter's frugal approach a genuine gaffe. This got us wondering if Mrs. O might ponder recycling one of her former gowns on January 20th? Economically, the times are rocky. And we know she isn't afraid to create her own fashion path. Might she do it again? Is there a sentimental favorite gown lurking in her past? After all, she does have one of the most versatile and admired closets in the country.
Reader Comments (9)
I have to admit I love the idea. Reduce-reuse-recycle. What could be more green? And as noted above, it's not like she does not already have some beautiful and flattering pieces.
I have vague memories of overhearing conversations about this (I'm 43). I've seen the First Ladies exhibit at the Smithsonian many times and I still think this is one of the more unattractive gowns.
But I don't fault her frugality.
While I respect the intent it was the wrong moment to display her frugality.
Mrs C's gown looks hippie meshed w/ Mrs Brady...
But yes, her intention was correct - to a point.
Mrs O could always wear one of those fantastic and very well priced J Crew bridesmaid dresses and have it altered to gown length ( I'm sure J Crew would be honored to fulfill this request) if she really wanted to be frugal yet stylish.
But lets face, whoever ensembles Mrs O wears on 1/20, she will almost certainly get them for free - so the taxpayers should just chill and enjoy her radiant beauty and the image she projects to the world on this historic and exciting day when all eyes will be on the USA.
while I have not seen the entire gown, what I see from here does not look too appealing
but can't down someone for standing for a good cause, so kudos!!
FEW MORE DAYS, CAN'T WAIT!!!
RJT, I don't believe Michelle Obama or any first lady is allowed to get dresses "for free," though technically they can "borrow" one. Nancy Reagan got in trouble for not returning "borrowed" dresses while she was in the White House. The President's family is not allowed to keep expensive gifts (I think the limit is $200) because that would look like influence-peddling.
I agree with Mrs. A: I love that she wore a repeat! Plus Mrs. Carter's gown looks pretty unique and lovely (in a non traditional way).
I'm not saying Michelle needs to "reuse" a dress herself in a few days, but I could understand if she did (again with economic circumstances).
Kristan
http://jbu.phuzzymath.net/
There's a full-length view of Carter's gown (and others) on this PBS site: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/inauguration/fashion.html
Pictures are a little small and grainy, but interesting!
I thought it was a very nice idea of Rosaleen Carter, not only was it thougtfull considering the economic circumstances, but it was also kind of romantic, wearing a dress again which reminded her of another wonderful ball. I kind of like the dress, it looks very unique and little bit strange, but it was also some time ago and so it is difficult to understand how it was seen then.