Jill Biden donated two of her outfits to the National Museum of American History. The outfits in which the First Lady appeared in public on the day of the inauguration of her husband, the 46th US President Joe Biden, have been donated to the collection.“In the future, when educators like me bring their classes to this exhibit, I hope these outfits help them tell their students what started that day in January, how we came together as a country, standing side by side and heart to heart. I hope they inspire future generations to learn more about the women who have worn these dresses, and I look forward to adding menswear to this gallery at future,” Jill Biden said from the stage during the ceremony.For the swearing-in ceremony, Jill Biden chose a set consisting of a dress, hand-decorated with pearls and crystals in a delicate floral pattern, and a blue-green coat studded with Swarovski crystals. Designer Alexandra O’Neill, founder of New York-based brand Markarian, was responsible for creating the inaugural look.”Dr. Biden was the inspiration for this dress,” O’Neill told media. “We worked very closely with her and her team to create this look for her. And I think she looked great that day and her whole look was so inspiring. It’s just amazing: after all, she could choose any famous designer in America or the world. And she chose an aspiring and relatively unknown designer. And that really shows the warmth of Dr. Biden and that she really wants to support and protect everyone and especially young people and understands the impact it can have on people’s careers and lives.”The inaugural ball, where the newly elected president traditionally dances with the First Lady, was canceled in January 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a modest reception was held nonetheless, and in honor of the 46th president, a fireworks display was staged, which the Bidens watched from the White House balcony. The First Lady wore a white dress adorned with an embroidered floral design by Uruguayan-American designer Gabriela Hearst.
Jill Biden at the presentation ceremony of her inaugural dresses at the Museum of American History
“It’s a huge honor for all of us immigrants, and a reminder that this country was founded and created by immigrants,” said Hurst. – We wanted to demonstrate a sense of unity, especially after the events of January 6, as well as the Bidens entering the presidency in a pandemic. The sense of beauty and sophistication that America and its nature give us is what inspired us to create this dress with a floral pattern. Here are flowers that symbolize each state and territory of the United States.The two images of the First Lady were complemented by masks. The history of inaugurations has never seen anything like it.”This is a special and unique addition to our collection,” said museum director Anthea Hartig. – Not only because of protective masks, because it was the peak of the global coronavirus pandemic. But also, of course, because we had just recovered from the attack on the Capitol on January 6th. So it was a really unprecedented time. No balls, no parades, nothing special to remember. And it’s reminiscent of President Roosevelt’s fourth inauguration in 1945, when the world was still at war. And then, like that, there were no parties, just a few concerts and a boring dinner.
Jill Biden’s inauguration outfits
Jill Biden’s outfits will be added to the first ladies’ personal items collection, which includes 27 dresses in which the presidents’ wives have appeared at inauguration ceremonies, as well as 160 other exhibits, including portraits and silverware.
