A First Class First Lady

Images from huffingtonpost.com

The speculation as to which fashion designer Michelle Obama would choose to wear on her husband's big day kept the newspapers and fashionistas alike guessing, especially since Michelle and her staff remained tight-lipped on the subject up until the last minute. After appearing at the Inauguration Ceremony in a bright vintage-inspired ensemble by Isabel Toledo, interest in the evening gown she had chosen only heightened.
Later that evening Mrs. Obama made her first official appearance as First Lady in a flowing assymetrical gown by newcomer Jason Wu, again showcasing her support for up-and-coming talent in the fashion industry.
With Beyonce singing "At Last" in the background, the First Lady and President took to the dance floor both elegantly attired and living up to their new official status as First Couple.

Michelle Obama: What Should She Wear?

Article from WWD December 1, 2008
by Bridget Foley and Bobbi Queen

Who says these are bleak times? On one matter at least, designers are positively euphoric. That is the Obama presidency, a two-part point of light. While much of the glee centers around the President-elect and his policies, Michelle Obama radiates a powerful style all her own. So step aside, Angelina. You too, Madonna, not to mention the bevy of pop tarts, gossip girls, “High School Musical” grads and even potential Oscar divas, now all suddenly second-tier. The American fashion industry hasn’t had a catch this big since, well, since another icon of Democratic chic took up residency on Pennsylvania Avenue in 1961.

For the big guns at least, dressing Michelle may prove even more of a challenge, since her chic is more lowercase democratic than was Jackie’s. Throughout the campaign, the first lady-to-be has avoided all major names save Narciso Rodriguez, while showing a proclivity for locals (Chicago’s Maria Pinto), young types (Thakoon; Jason Wu) and cost-conscious labels (Donna Ricco; J. Crew).

Nevertheless, just about everyone yearns to dress Michelle, who could raise the profile of American fashion around the world. Yet with the exception of Maria Cornejo, her current favorites, as well as a few majors, declined WWD’s request for sketches. Some are loath to presume to offer unsolicited advice, while others, it seems, are definitely in the Inaugural sweepstakes and prefer, or have been asked, to keep their participation low-pro.

But plenty more happily offered their visions for Michelle and her charming first daughters, for the big day and evening events of Jan. 20.

Inaugural ballgown by Monique L'huillier

A clean, modern look from Peter Som

Evening look from Christian Lacrois for Michelle Obama