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At the height of the Civil War, Elizabeth Keckley started a successful dressmaking business catering to the most elite women in America. Her atelier was located in one of the prominent areas in Washington, D.C. where she employed over 20 women whom she trained in the art of the Haute Couture. Her work was in such demand that she had a waiting list of up to 3 years. But dressmaking was not all, as she forged ahead to break barriers and found a plan to help her people.
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a new approach to storytelling
"A decision to sway away from a crown of jewels was a wise choice considering her critics might find every reason and excuse to besmirch her character, and since I was not willing to take the risk, opted to take a more wholesome approach
with her adornments.
Instead of gemstones, we selected a demi-parure customized by Tiffany jewelers, a treasure from Mrs. Lincoln’s personal collection. It was a lovely set made from delicate pearls for her necklace, earrings and wrist cuff. What better way to showcase Mrs. Lincoln’s collection of flowers from her garden than to fashion an arrangement of blooms and greenery worn like a crown atop her head and corsage on the bodice. A pair of white evening wrist length gloves was the final touch to her ensemble."
Excerpt from the book, Chapter 14,
the Presidential Inaugural Gown
Elizabeth Keckley's life is an awe-inspiring tale of triumph over adversity. Despite being born into slavery, she rose to become America's first Couturier and Mother of American Couture. Her remarkable journey is a testament to her strength and unwavering determination to succeed.