First Lady Betty Ford wore this dark pink brocade gown by designer Frankie Welch twice during the 1974 holiday season. The gown features detailed gold embroidery of chrysanthemums throughout with a V neck in front and a high-neck collar influenced by the traditional cheongsam dress.

This green satin gown is a recreation of an identical gown made by designer Frankie Welch for First Lady Betty Ford. Since there were no inaugural celebrations when President Gerald R. Ford was sworn into office following Richard M. Nixon’s resignation, Mrs. Ford wore this gown to two state dinners at the White House, as well as several other events. The gown, in Mrs. Ford’s favorite shade of green, features an embroidered surface design in a chrysanthemum pattern and sequins sewn throughout. The symmetry of the high neck and the deep V neckline was a very fashionable silhouette for the time.

First Lady Betty Ford wore this lemon-yellow chiffon Frankie Welch gown for a state dinner with Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin of Israel in September 1974. This gown features a yellow, sheer chiffon layer with polka dots over a solid yellow spaghetti strapped dress. There are ruffles at the neckline, hem, and sleeves, and a satin bow around the waist. The gown closes with a zipper closure up the center back.