It is a great picture - wonderful lines and symmetry. It does look more like a New Year's Eve party portrait, so started me wondering about the choice of tuxedos.
The (tuxedo) dinner jacket is credited as coming to America in 1886 by millionaire James Brown Potter and his wife Cora, who were introduced to the Prince of Wales during a trip to Britain. Potter wore it to the Autumn Ball of a private country club in Tuxedo Park, New York. There, the American moniker of the suit was popularized.
By the 1930s, black-tie was the de facto evening wear with lulls during the war but popular thereafter.
And what about the tuxedo for women? It was Marlene Dietrich. in the 1930s who effectively turned international perceptions and women’s wear in general on their heads by wearing her iconic tuxedos and white double-breasted suits into infamy. Dietrich’s public championing of the pant suit in both her professional and personal life coincided with designer Marcel Rochas creating the first ready-to-wear women’s pant suits.
In 1939 Vogue published its first spread featuring women in trousers. By the forties, silver screen powerhouse Katherine Hepburn had joined the fray. With her highly publicized preference for wearing trousers on and off set she helped solidify trousers as part of everyday women’s wardrobes.
In 1966 Yves Saint Laurent sealed his icon status with the release of his “Le Smoking” tuxedo. This female tuxedo was so ahead of its time that many hotels and restaurants would not permit women inside while wearing it.
And something worth highlighting: It wasn't until 1993 that women were allowed to wear trousers on the Senate floor.
So the presidential outfits for Christmas 2020 should give rise to some social analysis.
In line with the red decor here's our winter fruit image from the ice storm a few years ago.
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