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Michelle Obama Style and the Inauguration Dress

by Terri Potratz | November 11, 2008 at 03:48 pm

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Fashion insiders, designers and various critics worldwide will be watching Michelle Obama on January 20th to see what gown she will wear on the Inauguration Day for Barack Obama. Anticipation is high because Michelle Obama's fashion choices will easily become iconic emblems of First Lady style, much as Jackie Kennedy's white inaugural gown still elicits attention and discussion today.

On January 20th there will be an initial swearing-in ceremony held during the daytime followed by a celebratory ball in the evening, and all eyes will be on Michelle Obama - or more specifically, her clothing. The future First Lady has already been hailed as a fashion icon for her seemingly effortless style and keen ability to transition from casual to distinguished in a heartbeat. Says Elle magazine fashion market director Joann Pailey:

"What I think can make Michelle Obama so influential in fashion is that she has a sensibility that's younger and more modern. She can wear designers like Thakoon and Narciso [Rodriguez], yet speak to a more mature audience."

Forbes has compiled a list of the top 10 inauguration gowns they think would suit Mrs. Obama.

Michelle Obama has struck the fine balance between high fashion and practical, affordable style; she presents an image that everyday women can aspire to, an image that is glamorous yet attainable. This was evident even on election night, when she paired the Narciso Rodriguez designer dress (freshly plucked off the runway for Spring/Summer 2009 and redrafted for her) with a down-to-earth cardigan and nondescript kitten heels.

This isn't a fashion decision to take lightly, says Bridget Foley, executive editor of W magazine and Women's Wear Daily, recommending Obama try on many looks before making her final choice.

"The dress will live in perpetuity and it will go into the Smithsonian," Foley says.

"I'd like to see Michelle Obama take the elegant route - and push it," she adds. "There are so many wonderful clothes out there but so often people in the public arena think they have to play it safe. I think she should really look around and try something long and curvy - with colour. That would work."

A strong colour, symbolic of a strong, confident woman, was a consistent answer from fashion designers asked about their vision for Obama and a special gown.

Maria Pinto spoke recently about Michelle Obama's style after the future first lady wore a Pinto dress during a November 10th visit to the White House, but remained mum as to whether Obama might don one of her dresses again for the inaugural event.

As to whether Obama will heed Pinto’s wardrobe advice for Jan. 20, the designer offered a polite “no comment.” However, asked if she thinks that for her inaugural gown Obama should choose a columnar variation of the simple sheaths she favors, or something a bit frothier, Pinto didn’t hesitate. “I see her sleek but with more froth,” she said. “It’s right for the moment. I don’t see her in a big, poufy ball skirt.”

Michelle Obama has been a key supporter of emerging American designers, so it should come as no surprise if she opts for a more obscure label for her Inauguration Day dress. The fashion world waits with bated breath.

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Blue Crush

at 11:21 on November 12th, 2008

It's all the buzz on fashion blogs that New York designer Cassandra Bromfield was already commissioned to custom make her Inauguration Day dress. She's considered one of today's top black fashion designers for social occasions and wedding dresses. On her own blog she says, "I love weddings and all that pretty stuff that makes you go ahhh."

Here's her website: http://www.cassandrabromfield.com/

SavannahLegacy (not verified)

at 10:56 on November 20th, 2008

Oh really I read on some other blogs that it was Brooklyn bridal designer and store owner Michelle Fields of Michelle New York. As a fashion student I believe that her designs from Bridal to everyday wear would suit Michelle Obama's fashion sense quite well. I hope that she will be designing Obama's inauguration dress be it the day dress or the evening dress for the ball. Can't wait to see what she comes up with, her windows are usually quite well displayed, she might even have a replica of Obama's selected dress in the window display

T. Johnson (not verified)

at 12:39 on December 9th, 2008

I hope she wears something elegant yet modest and not something that the "Housewives of Atlanta" stars would wear. I think that a First Lady should not be bearing her shoulders and cleavage!!!