First Lady Nancy Reagan, Known for her Iconic Elegant Fashion, Thanks Designer Leamond Dean for his Generous Gift in Her Favorite Colors: Red, White and Blue

First Ladies are often admired for their fashion or a look that came to define them.  Martha Washington’s gowns are famous; Jacqueline Kennedy’s youthful fashion leadership inspired a generation; and Nancy Reagan’s elegant attire, most notable in the color red, came to symbolize the First Lady in the Reagan White House.

Leamond Dean was a noted luxury clothing designer in New York from the 1960s through the period of the Reagan presidency. His name on a label still connotes style. He sent Mrs. Reagan a belt, which she wore, adding the First Lady to a list of his famous clientele.

Mrs. Reagan most likely references Elaine Crispen Sawyer in the following letter, who was her trusted aide and was deeply involved in the response to events that defined the First Lady’s public image. Sawyer, who had worked in the 1970s as a media assistant to then-Govenor Ronald Reagan in California, served as Nancy’s personal secretary from 1981 to 1985, then as her press secretary from 1985 to 1989.

Upon receipt of receiving a red, white, and blue belt from Dean, the First Lady writes him in this Typed Letter Signed, on White House Letterhead, Washington, January 6, 1989, to thank him.  “Dear Leamond:  Thank you so much for sending me the beautiful belt.  Elaine has often mentioned you, and I have admired some of your items which she now has.  I’m pleased to personally have one of your creations. I don’t know how you could have guessed that red, white, and blue are my very favorite colors!  I have several outfits that will go with your belt perfectly, and I will think of you and your thoughtfulness every time I wear it.  I am sure that 1989 will be a very happy and prosperous year for you, and thank you once again for thinking of me and for your nice note to my husband.  Sincerely, Nancy Reagan”.

Letters of First Ladies relating to their White House fashions are scarce, this being the first of Nancy Reagan we can recall seeing. We acquired this letter directly from Dean himself, and it has never before been offered for sale.