Impressions of Betty Ford’s Fun and Glamorous Style in “The First Lady”

As the proverbial woman behind the world’s most powerful man, the First Lady often plays an undefined role as a political ally, emissary, housewife and, in some cases, arbiter of style.

Showtime’s new series first woman It shows three women who lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue from 1933 to 2020 as Gillian Anderson as the oldest First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt; Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford; And Viola Davis as Michelle Obama. Their personal and personal journeys are often portrayed in their costumes, with a common denominator being a love of pearls.

Designed by costume designer Daniel Signe Ceylon (Cancel, bird box), fashion plays a supporting role in the TV series, reflecting not only the era, but also the character’s point of view.

“It was fantastic work because it’s an honor to be able to tell the story of these amazing women,” said Sailund. “[Along with director Susanne Bier]We wanted to get it right, but you have this alien who tells the costume and the story at the same time. It wasn’t a bad idea because my eyes see it from another angle. “What I see might be different from an American designer.”

Armed with extensive research from the Smithsonian archives, photos and newspaper and magazine articles, Ceylon tackled the huge project area, ranging from Roosevelt dresses and jackets in purple and burgundy and ending with Obama side to side for white. 2012 by Jason Wu. opening. Silk and chiffon with handmade organza flowers. (The stylist created a copy of the dress first woman production for use.)

“It’s been 130 years since we met Eleanor, an 8-year-old girl, and graduated in 2020 with Michelle Obama,” the costume designer said.

To dress Pfeiffer Ford, Ceylon looked like the first lady under the patronage of American fashion designer Albert Capraro. A protégé of Oscar de la Renta, Capraro created many adorable dresses for Ford at the White House in his short three years, Ford sometimes commissioning multiple versions of the same dress from the designer in different colors. According world water dayFord contacted Capraro after seeing an article about him that only talked about using American fabrics.

Former dancer and department store model Martha Graham Ford (died 2011 at age 93) preferred a glamorous look like a white crepe gown with ostrich feathers at the neck and cufflinks she wore to King Hussein’s state dinner. 1974. Designed by Frank Welch, put it on the fashion map.

“Betty was so rude and sexy and she liked her wardrobe best,” says Seilund. “I had a small body in my teens [similar to Pfeiffer] And he loved styles with chino collars and a variety of colors – lots of green, orange, yellow and blue – like in the 60s and 70s. Seilund says Ford also loved gold bracelets, earrings and lots of silk scarves, as well as those made by Welch.

Later, when she and her husband Gerald moved to Palm Springs, her wardrobe changed. “It’s becoming more bohemian,” says Seilund, noting that she preferred caftans and bold print dresses..

The story first appeared in the April 27 issue of The Hollywood Reporter. Click here to subscribe.