Jacqueline Kennedy’s personally-owned outfit. Black velvet two-piece outfit by Modern Jr., Gale and Gale, consisting of a pullover top with a bateau neckline, three-quarter length sleeves, and a matching bow at the waist front, and a straight-line skirt with a side zipper and back hem pleat. Inside of the top’s collar is a small tab reading, "Lot 1 Size A.” Accompanied by a copy of a 2001 letter of authenticity from Mary Barelli Gallagher, Senator Kennedy’s secretary from 1953-1956 and Mrs. Kennedy’s personal secretary from 1956-1964, stating, in part: “Since receiving this, it has remained in my possession at my home in Alexandria, Virginia.” Also included is a copy of a 2003 certificate of authenticity signed by Gallagher from Hantman’s Auction of Kennedy documents and artifacts.
According to Gallagher’s letter of authenticity, this outfit was “acquired from Mrs. Kennedy during one of her regular periodic, closet-cleaning sessions at her Georgetown/White House residences.” In her 1969 book, My Life with Jacqueline Kennedy, she recounts the occasions, writing, ‘From the racks would fall a large collection of suits, dresses, coats, blouses, slacks, and other paraphernalia, which would then be sorted into two heaps—the one for resale, the other for us.’ What didn’t stay with Gallagher and the other household help was sold through Encore, a clothing consignment store in New York. A stunning example of the first lady and fashion icon’s gracefully refined style, which captured the attention of the world for generations to come. RR Auction COA.
