This program has been canceled. Browse our other program offerings! Designing for the First Ladies Afternoon Lecture/Seminar Monday, April 20, 2026 - 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. ET Code: 1T0060 Select your Registration $20 Member $30 Gen. Admission Resize text Melania Trump's 2017 inaugural ball gown designed by Hervé Pierre (Smithsonian American History Museum) Located in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, “The First Ladies” exhibition explores the unofficial but important position of first lady. Objects including gowns, tableware, and invitations from first ladies such as Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, Barbara Bush, and Hilary Clinton tell the story of the first ladies as public and private figures. They illustrate how these women, thrust into an influential and visible role by happenstance of marriage, adapted to take on responsibilities as campaigners, hostesses, and policy advocates. Lisa Kathleen Graddy, curator of the exhibition, brings this historic collection to life. One designer holds the distinction of having two gowns in the collection. Hervé Pierre, a French-American fashion and costume designer, has designed for four United States first ladies since the 1990s: Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump. Pierre shares his experiences, including his apprenticeship in the storied Balmain fashion house as well as the details involved in creating gowns for the 45th and 47th first lady, Melania Trump. General Information View Common FAQs and Policies about our Online Programs on Zoom.
