Images(6)

Suit

Object number2010.98.8 a-c

Designer Peggy Jennings

Retailer Neiman Marcus

Manufacturer Philippe Ferrandis

Date2007-2008

OriginParis, France

MediumSilk; Netting; Various metals; Jewels

Credit LineChildren of the Baker-Knoll family

DescriptionBeige suit consisting of a jacket, skirt, and brooch.DimensionsHeight x Width x Length (a): 28 × 16.25 × 24.5 in. (71.1 × 41.3 × 62.2 cm)
Length x Width (b): 39.25 × 18 in. (99.7 × 45.7 cm)
Length x Width x Depth (c): 4 × 3.125 × 1 in. (10.2 × 7.9 × 2.5 cm)
Marks(a)
Crocheted label in neckline "Peggy Jennings".

(b)
Hanger loops attached to waistline with "Peggy Jennings" repeatedly printed on both.
Crocheted label in waistline with text "Peggy Jennings"; attached to bottom of label is embroidered label with text "Neiman Marcus".

(c)
Embossed text on back near straight pin "Philippe / Ferrandis / Paris".
Historical NotesEvening dress suit worn by Catherine Baker Knoll during her second inauguration as the Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor in 2007. Part of a collection relating to the life and political career of Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll. Born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, Catherine Baker Knoll worked in the family business, Knoll Hotel and Restaurant, developing her people skills and beginning her political activism. In 1970, she became a state committee woman for the Democratic Party, then rose through the ranks of the state's Department of Transportation Bureau of Motor Vehicles. She was tapped by the party in 1976, to run for State Treasurer, but did not get elected to office until 1988. She easily won a second term in 1992, by a landslide vote. In 2002, she was elected as the state's first female Lieutenant Governor.Label TextKnoll sought out finely made garments that projected a feminine, but polished persona. But she firmly believed that public service demanded hard work. As she once said, “There are no shortcuts for women in politics. I caution you not to shop for your inaugural gown or your designer pumps too early. First, you’ll need to get your blue jeans and sneakers out of the closet because the road to victory is paved with a lot of sidewalks.”

Previous owner Catherine Baker Knoll (1930 - 2008)

Subjects