Barbara Bush’s Inaugural Gown, 1989

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Object Details

designer

Scaasi, Arnold

Description

Barbara Pierce Bush (1989–1993)

For the 1989 inaugural balls, Barbara Bush wore this royal-blue gown with velvet bodice and asymmetrically draped silk satin skirt, designed by Arnold Scassi. Barbara Bush wore her trademark costume pearls with her inaugural gown and carried a purse designed by Judith Leiber.

Barbara Bush, a long-time advocate of literacy programs, continued that work as first lady. In 1989 she founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and supported literacy projects with profits from her 1990 “collaboration” with the family dog, Millie’s Book. During the Gulf War she spoke to military audiences in encouragement and support and joined the president on a visit to American troops stationed in Saudi Arabia.

Credit Line

Gift of Barbara Bush

Associated Date

1989

ID Number

1989.0209.01

catalog number

1989.0209.01

accession number

1989.0209

Object Name

Dress, Evening

Physical Description

satin (overall material)

velvet (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 31 in x 29 in; 78.74 cm x 73.66 cm

See more items in

Political History: Political History, First Ladies Collection

Exhibition

First Ladies

Exhibition Location

National Museum of American History

Data Source