Friday, July 08, 2011

Priscilla of Boston and White House Weddings

Priscilla Kidder holds the hand embroidered message that was sewn into the hem of Julie Nixon's wedding dress.
Priscilla Kidder, owner of Priscilla of Boston, was one of the most famous makers of wedding gowns in the US in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.  After coming to prominence in 1956 when she designed the bridesmaid gowns for Grace Kelly's wedding to Prince Ranier of Monaco, Kidder went on to design bridal gowns for three White House weddings in 6 years.

 In 1965, Luci Baines Johnson married Pat Nugent in this structured A-line gown that featured a 9 foot long Watteau train made by Priscilla of Boston.

Julie Nixon was married in December 1968, one month before Richard Nixon took office as President.  Julie was offered a White House wedding, but she and her fiance, David Eisenhower, preferred a private ceremony and reception in New York.  Julie wore this puffed sleeved wedding gown with long train by Priscilla of Boston.

In 1971, Tricia Nixon married Edward Cox at the White House in this sheer English net gown set with hand pieced French Alencon lace by Priscilla of Boston.