Whether you voted red or blue, if there’s one thing on any fashionista’s mind tonight it’s what will Michelle Obama wear to the inauguration ball? My TV is on in the background with the inauguration ceremony and thus far I have to say, I’m less than impressed with that green thing she’s chosen for her husband’s swearing in.
But if one thing is true about our new First Lady, it’s that she’s managed to command the attention from fashionistas everywhere, being compared to the likes of one of history’s greatest fashion predecessors, Mrs. Jackie O Kennedy. Her classic designer choices mixed with more demure pickings on the campaign trail (who can forget that little sundress from the Gap?!?) have undoubtedly caused quite the stir. But many experts say that her choice of attire for the Inauguration Ball tonight will set the tone for the presidential campaign throughout the year.
Now while I’m clearly all about fashion, I’m not sure how much one dress can affect the tone of the next four years but O.K., I get the point, it’s undoubtedly an important decision.Then again, if you take a look back in time, you can see the point in the seemingly outlandish statement. Case in point, Nancy Regan, who chose a John Galanos white asymmetrical gown for her husband’s inauguration, which was followed by, what parentdish.com writer Susan Wagner calls “eight years of White House glamour.”
Roslynn Carter chose to wear a Mary Matise for Jimmae gown for her husband’s inauguration which she had also worn to her husband’s swearing in as governor. The country was in an economic slump of the time and her choice to repurpose an already worn gown, clearly reflected that.
For Michelle, I’m hoping to see something bold, something designer and something that hopefully makes a nod to positive changes ahead. I’m thinking Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren or Carolina Herrera, designers that are undoubtedly classic American.
WWD asked designers for some sketches of what the First Lady should wear this evening and here, are a few of my favorites.
Luckily, all our curiosities will be answered tonight but the most interesting of questions to be answered more than likely is, will the new First Lady choose stand by her husband clad in something glamorous befitting of her new post or will she, yet again, reach for something a bit more modest and go with a relatively unknown designer or, (dare I even say it?) off-the-rack.
Personally, I’m hoping for something elegant and upscale because she is, after all, the new First Lady and her gown should absolutely reflect that and give the rest of us Americans, something to pine for.
Sketch by Badgley Mischka
sketch by Diane von Furstenberg
sketch by Monique Llulhier (and my personal fave)
sketch by Issac Mizrahi
sketch by Peter Som
my fave is the DVF dress – would look great on her. i think the first sketch by Badgely is WAY off and inappropriate for a first lady. all the others would work well.
Oh I liked the green this morning! But maybe not for the event? I DO think she’d look so great in the red Monique Lhuillier above. Hope to see that one tonight!!
Sure Michelle might not have been stylish, but Barack sure is. Finally a fashionable president! Now if we could just see him in a powdered wig…
People, I think your tv’s needed adjusting! Michelle was wearing a gold, if not yellow outfit this morning. At least at the swearing in. I personally loved it. I emailed my sister and was like, “she definitely reminds me of the old photos of Jackie Kennedy.” I can’t wait to see what she wears tonight! Of the sketches above my fave is also the Monique Llulhier. She would look so dynamic and lovely in that. She’s got great curves and I think her dress should show them off. That was the only thing I didn’t like about the gold ensemble this morning, it just kind of hanged from the shoulders down. Not a lot of shape. But then again, maybe the dress was more snug-fitting and all we saw was the jacket. Does anyone know who it was? I thought it looked kind of St John-y.
Red! Red! Red!
I thought Mrs. O looked lovely in the sparkly number she donned today. I thought it had just the right about of glitz to it. The first two dresses are my fave, though the second looks a bit wedding-ish.
Ya the green was not the best look for her. Ick
I vote for the Badgley MIschka
How interesting? I had know idea about Roslynn Carter. That is so great! Only time will tell for the new first lady! What will be the new outfit to talk about?!
I have to say that I was extremely impressed with what Michelle Obama wore to, now, President Obama’s swearing it. And as for the 10 extravagant balls she attended last night, her dress was more than impressive. I feel that she is reinstating what has been said all along, simpler is better.
Red for sure. Especially with her skin. It’s bold, patriotic and chic. 2nd up – DVF. Elegant and classy.
The Monique is my fav by far!!! so chic and classy- First Lady material for sure!!
Hello, I view all your posts, keep them coming.