First Lady’s Inaugural Wear Shows Michelle Obama a Trendsetter

In one of the most anticipated moments of the inauguration, Michelle Obama presented the fashion-conscious females their greatest delight, the unveiling of “the dress.”

Of course, there were two dresses for the inauguration, the one for the day’s activities and the major event, Barack Obama’s oath of office in taking the Presidency of the United States. Later the presentation of the second dress came at the beginning of the evening as Michelle Obama stepped out to be the central figure and the best of the belles of the 10 balls Barack Obama and the First Lady were to attend the evening of the inauguration. The dress for the inauguration was a pale golden form-fitting dress with matching coat. The designer, Isabel Toledo, did not know that her design had been selected for the big event until the day of the inauguration and was said to be thrilled by it. Critics applauded Michelle Obama’s choice of a cheerful outfit and her advocacy of the American fashion industry. On television the outfit had a slight greenish cast that went nicely with the green gloves and green patent pumps Mrs. Obama wore. Hamish Bowles of Vogue magazine said of Ms. Obama’s choice for the inaugural, “She’s off to an auspicious start. Ms. Obama’s choice today was appropriate, dignified and elegant, but it also had a considerable element of fashion panache.” For the evening events Michelle Obama wore a long, one-shouldered airy dress by Jason Lu. It is described as cream-colored with beaded work. Ms. Obama is said to have been a long-time fan of Wu’s work since she wore one of his designs for her interview with Barbara Walters. The dress valued at $3510 of raw silk decorated with hand-embroidered rosettes was paid for by Ms. Obama. Like designer Toledo, Wu found out about his fashion outfit being selected by the First Lady on inauguration day. He told television reporters on CNN on Tuesday evening how thrilled he was to have the privilege of being a designer favored by Ms. Obama for the spectacular evening of special inaugural balls. He said that he had designed a dress to help make the history, to reflect a dreamlike quality. Michelle Obama is being looked at by the fashion industry as a possible trendsetter in the same way that Jackie Kennedy, the wife of John F. Kennedy had been when she was first lady. In the next few days critics will be lining up on one side or the other to favor or disfavor the choices she made for the inaugural activities on Tuesday. .