Fabulous outfit ensemble made for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy by noted designer Oleg Cassini around the time of the fateful Dallas trip in November 1963, quite reminiscent of the pink Chanel suit she was wearing at the time of the assassination—similarities include color, cut, sleeve length, material, and collar. Fittings for this outfit took place with Mrs. Kennedy at the White House, but it was not finished in time and therefore not shipped. After the assassination, it remained in New York and was retained by the fitter, Irene Auerbach, at the end of the season.
The ensemble consists of four pieces: a pink-and-blue wool five-button overcoat with 3/4 sleeves, blue collar and lining, with two shallow side pockets; a matching pink-and-blue wool jacket with 3/4 sleeves and a pink lining; a matching pink-and-blue wool skirt with integral yellow silk bodice and pink lining; and a blue silk button-down blouse made of the same material as the overcoat's collar and lining. This well-styled, custom-made ensemble has all the hallmarks of a Jackie-approved design: simple yet elegant—and eminently practical—it is a stunning, complete outfit that was meticulously crafted for the first lady by her personal designer. In fine condition.
Accompanied by a two-page notarized letter of provenance from Cassini's assistant and the present owner. The first page, in part: "I, Irene Auerbach, did all of the fittings on Mrs. Kennedy in the White House. As a matter of fact… during the ensemble fittings, the President came into the room and commented about the 'outfit' color. I purchased the coat at the end of the 'season'…I was Oleg Cassini's assistant when he was Mrs. Kennedy's exclusive designer." The present owner's letter, in part: "Mrs. Kennedy had an agreement with Oleg Cassini regarding his exclusive designs for her; he could after a time reproduce the design but not use the same fabric. The mill could only weave a limited yardage per design." Also includes two hardcover books: Jackie and Cassini: A Fashion Love Affair by Lauren Marino, and A Thousand Days of Magic by Oleg Cassini.
