The word on everyone’s lips last night, and this morning of course, is what did you think of Michelle Obama’s Inauguration ballgown? I think Mrs. Obama’s decision to go for a designer that’s slightly under-the-radar was spot on.
Jason Wu is a 26-year-old Taiwain-born Manhattan-based designer whose line is still in its infancy. When Wu was just a senior in High School, he decided to become a fashion designer and finished out his last year in Paris. Wu later went on to the Parsons School of Design and to intern with the likes of Narciso Rodriguez. Jason Wu’s first collection debuted in February 2006 and is now carried at major retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. His cocktail dresses retail from $3,000 to $6,000 and daydresses are from $1,000 to $4,000. Some of Jason Wu’s dresses have also been seen on celebrities like Leighton Meester, Amber Valetta and Kerry Washington. He also received Fashion Group International’s Rising Star Award in January 2008 for Women’s ready-to-wear.
While for some reason, I wanted to see her step out in a bold color and something a bit more figure flattering, ultimately I liked the dress. It’s simple, classic yet has just the right amount of dazzle to it like the new First Lady herself. And I don’t think it resembles a wedding dress. Here’s what a few other editors thought about the dress:
“Michelle Obama once more does something new and fresh [by] working with an emerging fashion star and turning Jason Wu overnight into a household name,” Us Weekly fashion director Sasha Charnin Morrison says.
“The gown was graceful – if a tad long – and confirmed, yet again, Michelle Obama’s determination to forge her own, independent style persona by relying on the enthusiasm and talent of an emerging new generation of American designers,” Telegraph UK fashion director, Hilary Alexander says.
“The gown is an unusual choice. Obama is wearing white in the winter and white at night. (President Obama’s white bow tie and tux combo is even more unusual.) The gown could even be a wedding dress. But Michelle Obama is rewriting the fashion rules and she looks every inch the style icon she is becoming,” says Booth Moore of the LA Times.
“I love that she’s wearing white. It’s about optimism and a new start and a fresh moment; she’s the bride of the evening. I think she looks modern, youthful and fresh, and I’m happy she kept her hair the way she wears it, instead of some updo,” Oprah magazine creative director Adam Glassman said.
But perhaps the most important statement of all come from her husband as he asked, “First of all, how good-looking is my wife?” when she made her entrance at the first of the 10 balls.
Michelle Obama accessorized her Jason Wu gown with Loree Rodkin jewelry.
What do you think about Michelle Obama’s gown? Hit or miss??
I LOVEDDDDDDDD it! I would not have ever guessed her to chose something like that; but I loved it.
It sort of looks like their wedding day. She’s in white. He’s in black.
It sort of looks like their wedding day. She’s in white… He’s in black.