Fashion & the First Lady at New Haven Museum

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. Called “Fashion & the First Lady,” it will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 2 p.m.  Register for this free event here.

First Lady Fashion

Antonowicz will offer a fascinating survey of some of the most iconic First Ladies’ fashions from Martha Washington to the 21st century. She will share her knowledge of the wives of American presidents through the centuries, using slides and video clips, and clothing and accessories from her personal collection.

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 style was widely copied. She notes that Michelle Obama was also a great fashion influence for women.

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Photo courtesy John F. Kennedy Library and Museum.

About Karen Antonowicz  

Antonowicz received her master’s degree in textiles, fashion merchandising, and design, with a concentration in historic costume  and textiles from the University of Rhode Island. She taught history of fashion and other courses at the college level for 13 years and in the CE Program at the Rhode Island School of Design. Antonowicz operated Nostalgia Antiques & Collectibles, a three-floor co-op in Providence, R.I., for five years. She continues to follow her passion for historic costume by conducting fashion era presentations. Those include “Cocktail Culture: The Mad Men Era.”

She presents at libraries, senior centers, schools, historical societies and historic homes. Her current endeavor, Spirits of Fashion, offers lectures and workshops on all eras of fashion history and styling. She is based in Chester, Vermont.

 About the New Haven Museum

The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located in downtown New Haven, the Museum brings more than 375 years of New Haven history to life. It has collections, exhibitions, programs and outreach. A Blue Star Museum, the Museum offers free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families. That includes National Guard and Reserve.

For more information visit http://newhavenmuseum.org  or @NewHavenMuseum or call 203-562-4183.

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Learn more about the challenges faced by New England’s First Ladies in the White House in “Eat Like a President.” Click here to order your copy today!

Featured image: Martha Washington dress, late 18th century – Courtesy of the National Museum of
American History.