by Anna Jane Grossman
Dolley Madison
1809–1817
Dolley Payne Todd Madison, the country’s third First Lady had a knack for “striking a delicate balance between queen and commoner,” says Carl Sferrazza Anthony, author of the two-volume book, First Ladies.
“She dressed like royalty and yet was accessible to the people—not at all snobbish.” Madison was fond of low-cut gowns made of delicate fabrics that showed off her figure. Indeed, she was rather risqué for her day: She gained notoriety for wearing rouge on her cheeks long before doing so was de rigueur. In order to keep up with the European fashion trends, Madison had a friend in France send her fashion dolls that were dressed in the latest designs. She’d then have her dressmaker copy the frocks.
