Nancy Reagan’s second inaugural gown

From the beginning of her eight-year tenure as first lady, Nancy Reagan was criticized for her lavish designer wardrobe. She also drew ire for ordering a 4,370-piece set of custom china for the White House, although it was funded by private donations. This trend toward opulence during a period of “trickle-down economics” earned her the derisive nickname of “Queen Nancy.” Detractors found her actions inappropriate when the nation was facing record homelessness and the AIDS epidemic was claiming the lives of intravenous drug users, hemophiliacs, gay men, and many others.

James Galanos was Reagan’s favorite designer. Although he made this gown for the second inauguration, Reagan also wore it to host the state banquet in honor of their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles and Princess Diana of Great Britain, when they visited the U.S. in 1985.

Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute