Designers Dream Big for the Obamas’ Inauguration Formal Wear

Courtesy Marc Bouwer

Signing on to dress the first lady for the Inauguration Ball is always a big deal, but this year, “it’s every designer’s dream to dress Michelle Obama,” says New York designer Marc Bouwer. PEOPLE asked Bouwer and designers Reem Acra and Isabel Toledo to come up with sketches of how they’d dress the First-Family-elect, given the honor. Bouwer, whose design appears above, took special inspiration from Michelle, who “has a much more modern approach to dressing,” he says. “She’s probably the most body-conscious dresser out of any First Lady we’ve had, and her clothes have a more modern silhouette.” Plus, as the United States’ first African-American first lady, “She’s the first of her kind,” adds Bouwer. “The designer who gets this will snag a major part of history. This will be remembered now and for forever.” Click through to check out Inauguration Ball sketches by red carpet favorites Isabel Toledo and Reem Acra. Then tell us: Which designer do you think has the winning look? –Charlotte Triggs

Courtesy Reem Acra

Reem Acra’s sketch

Courtesy Isabel Toledo

Isabel Toledo’s sketch