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First lady's clothes to be shown at museum
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More from County NewsThe Ronald Reagan Library will open a new exhibit in November that will showcase more than 50 years of Nancy Reagan's fashion, beginning with her 1952 wedding dress and concluding with the suit she wore for President Reagan's funeral in June 2004.
"Nancy Reagan — A First Lady's Style" will open Nov. 8. Designer Diane von Furstenberg will be the master of ceremonies and James Galanos, Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta will be co-hosts. The evening will include a dinner and an exclusive exhibit preview.
The exhibit will honor not only Reagan but also the designers who helped define her style. It will open to the public Nov. 10.
"I feel very privileged to have my life celebrated with this exhibit," Reagan said in a written statement. "I am delighted that these designers are being recognized for their incredible talent. It was an honor to wear each of these pieces, and every gown, dress and suit brings back wonderful memories; moments in my life that I will remember and cherish forever."
Reagan's 80 most memorable outfits will be displayed, with ensembles from designers such as Geoffrey Beene, Bill Blass, Chanel, Valentino Garavani, Galanos, Herrera, Adolfo, Yves St. Laurent and de la Renta.
From hostess to ambassador, to public servant and spokeswoman, to loyal and caring wife, Reagan's style has always exuded elegance and grace, said one library official.
"Mrs. Reagan is a woman whose name will always be synonymous with timeless style and elegance," said Frederick J. Ryan Jr., chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Reagan Library.
The exhibit and catalog were designed by WRJ Design Associates LLC, a New York firm specializing in exhibition design. Imagery and architectural elements resembling the White House will carry the audience through the exhibit and highlight milestones of history. The exhibit will focus on Reagan's duties as first lady, her philanthropic endeavors and the love story that she and the president shared, officials said. In 1988, the Council of Fashion Designers of America bestowed its Lifetime Achievement Award upon Nancy Reagan.
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