President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance at the Commander-In-Chief’s Inaugural Ball. (Photo: Joe Raedle Getty Images)
Jason Wu, the Taiwanese-born designer behind Michelle Obama’s bridal-esque inaugural confection from four years ago returned to the White House inaugural stage — this time in a ravishing red. It was the first time a designer had scored a one-two punch since Nancy Reagan and James Galanos graced the balls in the 1980s.
The first lady, center, with her mother, Marian Robinson, left, daughter Malia, daughter Sasha and President Obama, attend church before his swearing-in. (Photo: Nicholas Kamm, AFP/Getty Images)
The first lady’s Inauguration Day outfit is a Thom Browne coat and dress based on a men’s silk tie.
Mrs. Obama is wearing a navy Thom Browne coat and dress in a reflective fabric and a pattern based on the style of a men’s silk tie. Under the coat, she’s wearing a cardigan by Reed Krakoff and a belt from J. Crew, and also pale blue kitten-heeled shoes by J. Crew. Her necklace is by Cathy Waterman.
That seems to be the million dollar question right now for many designers around the world! It is very common for tabloids to race for the first interview with the gowns designer, and the collection should sell out pretty quickly.
Despite the first lady’s policy against commenting on her clothes, Mrs. Obama has become her generation’s most prominent fashion muse. Already, the fashion industry is trying to horn in on the spotlight she will generate next week. Indian-born fashion designer, Naeem Kahn is speculated to be a possible designer of her gown and she is expected to sport Jimmy Choo for her heels.
Consumers didn’t pay much attention to Laura Bush’s frequent Oscar de la Renta suits, and no one really thought of Hillary Clinton as anything close to a fashion icon with her tailored-pantsuit wardrobe. Those choices fit the women’s roles as Washington, D.C., figures and were priced beyond reach for most people.