Perdue shows off inaugural suit, gown sketches

Plan to see Governor-elect Beverly Perdue in plenty of red this weekend, not her traditional blue.

Perdue showed sketches today of the red beaded ball gown she plans to wear to Friday’s inaugural ball and the red suit she’ll wear to the swearing-in ceremonies on Saturday.

Both pieces were created by dress designer Lynda Narron Bunn, who owns Lynda’s Couture in Bailey.

For the first time, North Carolinians won't see a black tux on the governor at the inauguration. Perdue is the first female governor.

Bunn and Perdue have worked together for the past four years. Bunn made Perdue’s gown and suit for the last inaugural ceremonies in 2005 and later created all of the suits Perdue wore on the campaign trail.

Perdue says the gown, which is made from a beaded double-layer silk chiffon, is a favorite of hers. It has a number of stand-out features, including a sheer organza bodice with long sleeves, a heavily jeweled collar band and cuffs and a full apron in the back.

Perdue said she picked out a pair of heeled shoes from Main & Taylor earlier this week for the ball. But don’t expect to see her in heavy jewelry. Bunn advised Perdue to stay clear of necklaces or bracelets since the gown already is heavily embellished with beads and jewels.

Her red suit for Saturday is a stark contrast to the gown. Made from a soft, durable Italian wool and lycra, the suit has the simple, yet elegant look of an Oleg Cassini suit from the 60s, the kind that Jackie Kennedy wore. Perdue said she’ll likely wear the suit with a silver heart-shaped bracelet, a favorite piece of hers that her father gave to her mother while he was serving in World War II.

Perdue said she picked red over blue this time for a change of pace. Even though blue is her favorite color, she’s worn it to the last two inaugural balls.

“I really did like this look,” she said about the dress. “I like it better than anything I’ve had.”

After the inaugural weekend, the dress will go to the N.C. Museum of History so it can eventually be put on display.