Jacqueline Kennedy's personally-owned and -worn gray maternity dress, as seen in photographs taken by LIFE magazine photographer Edward Clark. The stylish lightweight wool dress features three-quarter-length sleeves, two pocket flaps, eight double-breasted buttons, and "Lord & Taylor, Fifth Avenue" and "Ma Mere" tags sewn into the cowl neck collar. Included with the dress are two vintage glossy black-and-white photographs, 8.75 x 13.25 and 13 x 10.25, both showing Kennedy wearing the dress and working with her personal secretary, Mary Barelli Gallagher, in a second floor study of the Kennedy's Georgetown estate. The photos were taken by Edward Clark and used for an article in Life Magazine during John F. Kennedy's historic presidential campaign. Reverse of each photo bears LIFE magazine photography stamps, with one dated "9/21/60." In fine condition, with two small holes below top buttons of dress.
Accompanied by two letters of provenance from Gallagher for the dress and the photos, in part: "[The dress was acquired] from Jacqueline B. Kennedy during one of her regular, periodic, closet-cleaning sessions at her Georgetown/White House/Georgetown residences…This is to serve as proof of authenticity regarding the above item. Since receiving this, it has remained in my possession at my home in Alexandria, Virginia. I was formerly secretary to Senator John F. Kennedy…and Personal Secretary to Mrs. John F. Kennedy…In 1969, 'My Life With Jacqueline Kennedy' was published by David McKay, New York, relating my twelve years with The Kennedys."
Given the timeframe of these photographs, Kennedy was well into her pregnancy and only two months removed from delivering her second child, John F. Kennedy, Jr., on November 25, 1960, just three weeks after her husband won the 1960 presidential election. For a brief period, Jackie wore this svelte and subtle dress with the unique understanding that she would soon be named First Lady of the United States. An incredible rarity dating to a truly significant time in the lives of both John and Jackie Kennedy.
