By George celebrates the First Ladies and their impact on American style.

From Eleanor Roosevelt to Michelle Obama, the history of the United States has been shaped by strong First Ladies who have defined their generation. With election season in full swing, By George pays tribute to these leading women in a vibrant fall window display, featuring portraits of each of the 46 First Ladies by acclaimed artist Mark Gagnon. A dynamic retrospective of great American women, the display is a visual testament to the old adage, “Behind every great man there is a great woman.” “While all eyes are on the male leaders of our country,” By George Marketing Director Kate Risinger says, “we are giving a nod to the females who back them up.”

The profound impact our country’s First Ladies have had is especially evident in their leading role in fashion. Whether Jackie Onassis’ signature sheath dress or Mamie Eisenhower’s pink inaugural gown, each First Lady has exuded a style of her own. This fall, By George honors the timeless sensibilities of these women who left their mark on American style.

To that effect, Mark Gagnon’s portrait series, which has previously appeared in holiday windows for luxury retailer Bergdorf Goodman, will serve as a thoughtful backdrop for the array of ensembles displayed on By George mannequins. The New York-based artist first began the series eight years ago, as a personal exercise in portraiture, though his work soon garnered the attention of Flaunt and American Illustration.

“They’re iconic,” Gagnon says of his choice to paint the First Ladies. “Everyone has a favorite.” While each, individual portrait is beautiful, the collective effect of all 46 displayed in one setting is an especially striking tour de force of history and style. At the same time, Gagnon gives these incredible women a modern update, using house paint and foam board to add a playful touch. “It’s a high-end, low-end way of working,” he observes. “I hope people enjoy these portraits with a little bit of humor.”

Alongside Gagnon’s portraits, By George took cues from First Lady Michelle Obama’s stylebook, mixing contemporary and designer pieces for the looks in the window display. Like Obama and many of her predecessors, the ensembles at By George evoke a simple elegance with a few, distinctive touches, such as a bold vest, a classic scarf or a one-of-a-kind necklace. “We really think that ‘American style’ is as much of a hodgepodge as America is,” Risinger observes. “We get so much influence from all over the world but really make it our own.” Juxtaposing strong, unforgettable women with diverse examples of American style, By George celebrates American designs and the leading ladies who wore them.

By George's fall window display, designed by Justin Hancock, is available for viewing at the boutique's Lamar and South Congress locations through November 8. For more information about Mark Gagnon, visit markgagnon.com.