Gown, Margaret Cherry - Inaugural

 
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Gown, Margaret Cherry - Inaugural
Gown, Margaret Cherry - Inaugural
Gown, Margaret Cherry - Inaugural
Gown, Margaret Cherry - Inaugural

Gown, Margaret Cherry - Inaugural

Object number1955.054.00
DateJanuary 13, 1953
Associated LocationLittle Rock, Arkansas
OriginMemphis, Tennessee
MediumNylon Net, Sequins, Taffeta
Dimensions52 in. (132.1 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
Terms
  • Dress
  • Gown
  • Dress
  • Gown
DescriptionMargaret Cherry's gown she wore during the Inauguration of Francis Cherry as the thirty-fifth Governor of Arkansas on January 13, 1953. The gown is strapless and is accented with shirred netting which crosses over the bust. The top of the skirt and lower bodice is heavily embroidered with sequins. The bell shaped skirt is made of double nylon net and is fully gathered over the attached taffeta slip, giving the classic hourglass silhouette.

The gown was purchased at Helen of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. The style was inspired by Christian Dior's first collection of 1947 when he introduced a new look for feminine curves: a tiny waist and long, full skirts. Vogue featured this style of dress from 1935-1970 with the most popular color being white with shawls to match.

Margaret Frierson Cherry was born on August 21, 1912. She served as First Lady of Arkansas from 1953-1955. She died on July 7, 1990.
Status
On view
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