Gown, Ewilda Robinson - Inaugural

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Gown, Ewilda Robinson - Inaugural

Object number1955.012.01

DateJanuary 16, 1913

OriginLouisville, Kentucky

Associated LocationLittle Rock, Arkansas

MediumSatin, Silk Brocade, Crepe, Chiffon, Beads, Silk, Tulle, Crystals, Lace

Dimensions84 in. (213.4 cm)

Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionEwilda "Billie" Robinson's gown she wore during the inauguration of Joseph Taylor Robinson as the twenty-third Governor of Arkansas on January 16, 1913. The dress is made of cream-colored lace and silk brocade. The 'V' neckline is framed with a lace bertha collar that is draped in the front and drops in the back below the waist. The neckline edge, shoulder, and center back are embellished with beads and crystals. Pendants also made of bead and crystal fall from the center front of the dress over a panel of tucked chiffon and join the neck to the waistline. Chiffon rosebuds are fixed to the top of each shoulder and a sleeveless bodice drapes with a sash belt at the natural waistline. The belt is trimmed with beading and crystal pendants and the flared skirt has a train that is draped in back to give a soft bustled effect. The skirt is pleated into a beaded buckle at the lower front of the dress. The buckle raises the hemline in front to expose a straight underskirt that reaches the floor. The underskirt is made of heavy white satin that is covered by fine pleated chiffon. There is a six-inch band of crystal, silver, and bugle bead embroidered net in a floral design at the bottom of the underskirt as well as a trim of double ruche.

Ewilda “Billie” Grady Miller Robinson served as the twenty-third First Lady of Arkansas in 1913. She was born on April 24, 1876 and died on August 7, 1958.

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