#44. Lucille Ball said "I Do" in Pauline Trigère
- Jessica C
- May 25, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Lucille Ball wearing Pauline Trigère ensemble for her second wedding to Gary Morton
During my never-ending research of Pauline Trigère biography, I came across a photograph of Lucille Ball wearing a blue dress and coat ensemble at her second wedding. Two years later, while reviewing the Trigère archive at FIT, I was thrilled to find the photo of the exact same ensemble.
This jacquard blue and coat and dress set first appeared in New York Times from June of 1961. The article noting that Beverly Valdes, a 23-year-old, was to be the first African American house model hired by a high-fashion designer on Seventh Avenue. It featured a photo of Beverly modeling a jacquard coat with padded hems at the bottom, with Pauline Trigère standing behind her, both gazing into a full-length mirror. The caption read: “Pauline Trigère studies one of her new fall designs, the Rajah silhouette, modeled by Beverly Valdes.”
Five months later, on November 19, 1961, actress Lucille Ball wore the same ensemble at her second wedding to comedian Gary Morton. Historical photos show Lucille in the blue jacquard jacket outside the Marble Collegiate Church, later showing the matching sleeveless dress at the reception as she cuts her wedding cake. She completed the look with a matching veil, her iconic beaming smile captured the moment. It was a happy marriage that will last until Lucille's passing in 1989.
Unfortunately, my inquiry to Lucille Ball’s estate did not uncover the current whereabouts of the ensemble, but perhaps one day it will resurface. The search continues! In the meantime, you can read my in-depth blog on Beverly Valdes HERE and more from my upcoming Pauline Trigere biography.
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