Michelle Obama’s Inauguration Dress

January 20th, 2009 by crystal

The dress Michelle will wear tonight has caused quite a stir with fashionistas as well as those who could give two flips about fashion. Why such a craze? Because it’s a mysterious secret, that’s why… Keeping the designer a secret is a first for a First Lady and I’m not quite sure how she’s done it. I’ve scoured the Internet, thinking the designer would surely have been leaked by this point. But, alas, there is no ’sneak peek’ or even defined speculation on who the designer will be or what the dress will look like. Michelle’s wide range of favorite designers and fashion tendencies could put her in anything from Oscar De La Renta to J Crew.

Who Is the Designer?

What has happened since November, is hoards of designers have sketched designs of what they think Michelle should wear for the big day. It seems only a select list were commissioned by Michelle herself and even that list has been kept under wraps. Women’s Wear Daily and Vogue have shared a collection of sketches they collected from designers. Those are definitely worth checking out. I have to wonder though…if the designer is actually the chosen one, would he/she submit a sketch to one of these publications? I think not, but you never know.

What the Dress Means

There’s been some talk about how important Michelle’s choice is. It will imply how she’s feeling about her husband’s presidency and what she thinks of the country. Some have said that since we’re in a recession, her choice will be less glam and more practical. She may take a cue from Rosalynn Carter who thriftily wore the same dress she wore for her husband’s gubernatorial inauguration. I can’t imagine she will. And, if I’m going to chime in on this, I really don’t think so much should be interpreted from Michelle’s dress choice. I think we will get yet another sense of her great style, class and taste. I also think its a time to be inspired and I’m sure Michelle’s dress will inspire us all whether it’s designed by Diane Von Furstenberg or White House Black Market. That’s just the way she rolls.

The Possibilities…

As I mentioned before, there have been quite a few sketches created for Michelle’s Inauguration Dress. Check out the WWD sketches or the Vogue sketches for a great selection of them. Here are the sketches from designers who seem to be most in the running.

Kai Milla

Kai Milla is Stevie Wonder’s wife who’s been designing since 2005 under her own label. She’s widely known in some circles, but not as big a name as, say, Chanel. This up-and-comingness makes her even more appealing to Michelle’s underdog sensibilities. And, apparently, Kia and Michelle talked fashion when Stevie performed at an Obama event. So, there’s something in the works…
I really like this design. It’s very classy and elegant, without being too over the top. Going for a separates look makes it a bit more practical, but keeping the skirt full and flowy makes it perfect for a ball!

Diane Von Furstenberg

Diane Von Furstenberg told the New York Times that she officially submitted sketches for Michelle’s dress (she said lots of others have, too). Diane’s always classy, always feminine designs would be a perfect match for Michelle. And, I think, she would be a new designer for our First Lady as well.
This dress is very simple, yet elegant and chic. White is a color we haven’t seen her in very often. She seems to prefer earthy, rich tones. And, she looks great in sleeveless gowns. So, I’m not sure if this would be one she’d lean towards.

Maria Pinto

Maria Pinto, one of Michelle’s favorite designers, has been quite elusive when asked if she’s in the running for the big dress. She’s coyly responded with ‘no comment’ quite a few times. It seems certain she’s designed SOMETHING Michelle will wear on inauguration day, we just don’t know what.
Maria is a Chicago designer whom Michelle worn on quite a few occasions. There doesn’t seem to be a sketch of Maria’s gown for Michelle which might mean she’s the one who designed it! Go to her website to see designs from her Fall 2008 collection.

Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez has also been a favorite of Michelle’s. Before Michelle, he was most widely known for designing the gorgeous wedding dress worn by Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. He designed the red and black dress Michelle wore for Barack’s acceptance speech. He also designed the camel and black ensemble she wore for the Lincoln Memorial visit. So, I guess the question is: will she choose him again?
(Images from Latina and about.com)

Thakoon Panichgul

Like Maria Pinto, Thakoon Panichgul also remained elusive when asked about designing a gown for Michelle. Michelle wore a dress designed by Panichgul during the Democratic National Convention. So, with his elusiveness and no sketch floating around, it’s possible that he’s the one who designed her gown. We shall see.
(Image via LA Times)

Carolina Herrera

I really like this dress! The color is rich and vibrant, the cut is trendy yet classic and it has an elegant simplicity. It’s unlikely that Carolina Herrera will be the designer, but this is a great sketch and design!

Updates

Michelle wears Isabel Toledo to church

This morning, Michelle donned a glamorous, yet conservative shift dress and coat designed by Isabel Toledo.
(Image via Huffington Post)

What do you think?

What does Michelle Obama’s dress signify? Why do you think there is such a huge craze? What would you like to see her wear? Leave your thoughts in the comments…