New exhibit shines the spotlight on US presidential fashion

From stovepipe top hats to cardigan sweaters a new digital exhibit from the White House Historical Association along with New York University s Steinhardt School of Heritage Instruction and Human Enhancement shines a spotlight on the style of six former commanders-in-chiefs Presidents George Washington John Quincy Adams Abraham Lincoln Theodore Roosevelt Harry Truman and Jimmy Carter are all featured in Suited to Lead The Lives of Six Presidents Through Fashion Fiona Hibbard the person behind the exhibit worked on it during her semester-long internship at White House Historical Association The dual-degree attendee at New York University is studying costume studies and Library Science and declared this combines both of her areas of interest in library science and fashion history We think a lot about fashion in terms of influencers celebrities what s really popular and trending at the moment Hibbard reported I really craved to talk about that in a way that might be unexpected Hibbard pointed out that since Washington and Adams served before photography chosen of their descriptions are based on paintings engraved portraits diary entries and newspaper articles Now presidential buffs may point out Adams was photographed but that was in numerous years after leaving office in The clothing that these presidents wore has in a great number of cases also been preserved so you can also see images of their clothing Hibbard stated When petitioned which president she thought had the majority style Hibbard pointed to George Washington followed by Teddy Roosevelt I think something that might surprise several people there is specific hair jewelry in there as well hair jewelry hair jewelry made out of George Washington s hair Hibbard revealed Yes there is a brooch in the exhibit made out of the father of our country s hair They didn t have photography so it s just a different kind of way of remembering Hibbard noted Related stories How to draw every president and first lady in actions A replica Oval Office near the White House just got a Trump makeover White House quarterly magazine offers glimpse into Inauguration Day traditions Now if Washington leads the fashion pack which former president would be on the worst-dressed list So based on general opinion that would have to be unfortunately Harry Truman Hibbard revealed Even though Give Em Hell Harry once owned a clothing store Hibbard says the loose-fitting double-breasted suit-jackets and colorful button-down vacation shirts did him no favors Hibbard did try to soften the blow for the rd president of the United States His style is very intriguing and very him Hibbard explained Source