Elvira Doud’s personally-owned and -used Nettie Rosenstein designer purse, carried during Dwight D. Eisenhower’s first inauguration. Blue laced clutch purse, with a lace floral design is stamped inside, “Nettie Rosenstein,” and retains its compact mirror. Accompanied by a 1984 handwritten letter of provenance, written on a White House card, from White House employee Wilma Holness, which reads, in full: “The blue laced pocket book was worn or used by Mrs. Doud, the President’s mother-in-law during President Eisenhower’s first inauguration. I worked for the Eisenhowers eight years.” In fine condition. Rosenstein was one of the premiere designers from the 1920s to the 1960s, and was described by Life magazine as one of the most highly regarded American designers. Mostly renowned for her ‘little black dress’ and costume jewelry design, she also designed Mamie Doud Eisenhower’s dress for her husband’s 1953 inauguration. Rosenstein bags are considered quite collectible in their own right, even more so when paired with a notable owner. Condition is extra fine.
