#Fashion #White House #Historical Exhibit

New Digital Exhibit Highlights the Fashion of Six U.S. Presidents

The White House Historical Association has officially launched its latest digital exhibit, "Suited to Lead: The Lives of Six Presidents Through Fashion," in collaboration with New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. The exhibit delves into the intricate relationship between personal style and professional identity, examining how fashion has played a crucial role in shaping the public personas of six significant U.S. presidents: George Washington, John Quincy Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Jimmy Carter.

A Unique Learning Experience

This digital exhibit is the culmination of a semester-long internship provided by the White House Historical Association, which allowed NYU Costume Studies student Fiona Hibbard to play a pivotal role in its development. Hibbard collaborated closely with the Association’s David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History and the Digital Library team to create an engaging, multi-layered representation of these historical figures through their clothing choices.

Hibbard’s goal was to explore how the attire of these presidents not only represented their personal tastes but also reflected societal norms and expectations of their respective eras. For example, she investigates how Washington's military uniform symbolized his leadership in the founding of the country, while Lincoln's choice of simple, somber attire mirrored a style of humility amid turbulent times.

"In my research for this exhibit, I began to see these presidents in a new light. Through reading their personal journals, hearing descriptions from those close to them, and seeing the way they were portrayed in their time, I came to understand how they saw themselves as individuals and how they wanted others to view them," Hibbard commented. She emphasized her desire to offer a nuanced portrayal that moves beyond stereotypes and caricatures, aiming instead to provide a more intimate look at these influential leaders through their personal expression of dress.

Interactive Features to Enhance Learning

To add depth to the exhibit, Hibbard and her team introduced an innovative interactive image tool. This feature allows viewers to access