Fashion & the First Lady

Historic-fashion maven Karen (Ren) Antonowicz will take visitors on a journey through the fashion history of the nation’s First Ladies in a presentation at New Haven Museum, “Fashion & the First Lady” on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2 p.m., Register for this free event here. 

From Martha Washington through to the 21st century, Antonowicz will offer a fascinating survey of some of the most iconic First Ladies’ fashions. Using slides and video clips, and clothing and accessories from her personal collection, Antonowicz will share her knowledge of the wives of American presidents through the centuries. From the very beginning, Antonowicz says, First Ladies have been watched, admired, copied, and sometimes criticized, for their style. 

Antonowicz will highlight the women who changed the course of fashion, and some who barely made an impression. She cites two First Ladies who notably influenced fashion—Jackie Kennedy (pillbox hats by Halston, much of her wardrobe designed by Oleg Cassini), and Frances Cleveland, one of the youngest, whose fashion and style was widely copied. She notes that Michelle Obama was also a great fashion influence for women.