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The Scoop on Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Gown and Jewels

01/21/2009 at 01:37 PM ET

Reuters /Landov

Designers from Kai Milla, Marc Bouwer, Reem Acra (who dressed Jill Biden for the big night) and Isabel Toledo, whom she wore to the Inauguration, all sketched potential options for the new First Lady, and the fashion world waited to see her choice with bated breath. Turns out that Michelle chose a one-shouldered silk chiffon Jason Wu number covered in organza flowers and Swarovski cyrstals — and no one was more surprised than the designer himself, who learned of Michelle’s choice with the rest of the world. “I was in awe when I saw her. I was emotional, I was amazed,” Wu tells PEOPLE. The N.Y.C.-based 26-year-old designer, who along with four friends sewed the countless number of flowers onto the dress by hand, says “I wanted the dress to reflect hope, fantasy, a dream [because] this is a pretty surreal moment we’re living in.” As for the color, Wu told Meredith Veira on the Today Show, “I wanted to design a gown that would highlight her best features.” To accent the feminine gown, Michelle chose diamonds from Loree Rodkin, who says “The First Lady is a symbol of hope, courage and great style. Words can not describe the emotions I feel that Michelle Obama has allowed me to be a part of this glorious moment.” From her line, Michelle chose 60-carat white gold and triple rose cut diamond drop earrings, a 10 carat center stone white gold and black rhodium rose cut diamond ring and white gold and diamond bangles, which will become part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum. Check out all of Michelle’s stylish choices from the historic weekend.

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Showing 115 comments

Sarah on

A stunning style star.. I imagine it will be a treat to watch her the next several years.

Lola on

I too, wondered where are her wedding rings? I was disappointed that she felt the need to remove her wedding rings to wear a huge diamond on her middle finger especially when the fingers on the left hand were bare. Go figure.

BK on

I thought it looked like a bad prom gown! What a disappointment after the terrific look she had for the day.

Terry on

I loved the material of the ivory gown, just beautiful!

Does anyone know if the diamonds were loaned, like they do for the stars on red carpet award shows? I can’t imagine that the govt. would buy those huge rocks! If so, I can’t wait for them to send me mine!! LOL

Renee on

This dress was awful! As were the dresses from election night and the inauguration. Someone please get this lady a stylist and stop comparing her to Jackie O!

Deb on

And people had a problem that Sarah Palin spent big bucks on clothes! Our tax dollars at work! If all of this was not “paid for” it was donated which means “Tax Break” for someone!

CAguy on

Um our tax dollars didn’t pay for this. This is free promotion for the designers. Everything she wore was given to her. The diamonds were most likely returned today, after the party.

Danielle, just because your team lost doesn’t mean you need to be bitter about it.

R M Luna on

To Geann: Don’t hate – congratulate! You’re obviously too young to appreciate age-appropriate good taste. She’s the First-lady, for god-sake, what would you have preferred, for her to dress like a “rock star”? Believe me, you’ll grow up to regret your immature comment.

Jenny on

I liked the day look (the gold/green sheath and coat), but thought the ball gown was awful! I normally like the clothes that Mrs. Obama wears and I think she is beautiful and stylish, but I think that ugly wedding/prom dress she had on last night was a really bad choice.

Leah on

Really, it’s ugly. I thought she would have chosen something nice at least.

Blech!

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