Reagan legacy recounted through Nancy's elegance
Fashion exhibit on display now
By Margie Anne Clark Special to the Acorn

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers ARRIVING IN STYLE- Nancy Reagan greets fashion designers Diane von Furstenberg and James Galanos on the red carpet during the opening of "Nancy Reagan: A First Lady's Style," an exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

If fashion can be defined as a universal language expressing who we are and where we are going, then Nancy Reagan spoke it fluently, with a radiance and grace that defined a presidential legacy.

Like a late 20thcentury vignette of Camelot, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum opened its new exhibit, "Nancy Reagan: A First Lady's Style" on Nov. 10 in Simi Valley.

Highlights from a collection that spans more than 50 years are showcased, beginning with the former first lady's 1952 wedding dress and ending with the suit she wore for President Reagan's funeral in June 2004.

Weeks before last Thursday's red carpet gala celebrating the opening, the exhibit's designer, Russ Jenkins, was on hand to give visitors an early glimpse of the collection.

"She was a tremendous example of a first lady," said Jenkins, owner of WRJ Design Associates LLC, as he thumbed through the pages of a pictorial book that will be available for purchase at the presidential library.

The colorful book puts into context many of the fashions that will be on display through November 2008.

"The public will be able to see the beauty of her gowns that she wore during their travels and wonderful dinners," Jenkins said.

"The dresses are absolutely spectacular and show the history and legacy of Mrs. Reagan," he added.

Indeed, her style and grace during the Reagan years of the 1980s may well have served as an elegant reflection of her husband's magnanimous optimism, Jenkins pointed out.

Imagery and architectural elements relating to the White House will carry the audience through the exhibit and highlight historic milestones.

The focus will be on Nancy Reagan's duties as first lady, her philanthropic endeavors and the love story that she and the president shared.

Jenkins noted that the first lady's collection will include pieces by James Galanos, Caroline Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Geoffrey Beene, Bill Blass, Valentino Garavani, Adolfo and Yves Saint Laurent.

"Through her generosity in donating most of her closet, Mrs. Reagan has given us a wonderful opportunity to understand her role of representing our country. She was a tremendous first lady," Jenkins said.

"The display also showcases the incredible talent of the American fashion designer, while reflecting Mrs. Reagan's taste and eye for style," he continued, noting that in 1988, the Council of Fashion Designers of America bestowed its Lifetime Achievement Award upon Nancy Reagan.

In a written statement, the former first lady and actress, who went on to become an icon of American couture fashion, expressed her gratitude for the privileges she enjoyed during her White House years.

"I am delighted that these designers are being recognized for their incredible talent. It was an honor to wear each of these pieces, and every gown, dress and suit brings back wonderful memories, moments in my life that I will remember and cherish forever," she said.

Diane von Furstenberg served as master of ceremonies at the celebrity-studded private reception that opened the exhibit on Nov. 8.

An honorary committee included fashion luminaries Galanos, Herrera and de la Renta.