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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

Ann on January 21st, 2009

I expected more,she really does need some advice on style. I do think she is a lovely woman and tries to promote young designers but needs to keep in mind how a designers clothes look on her.

Colleen on January 21st, 2009

I voted for Obama, but politics aside… she does make some terrible fashion choices. Her dress at the convention looked like curtains and the inaguation day dress did not suit the occasion at all. The color was ok, but there wsa too much sparkle for the daytime. And did anyone see those green gloves she wore?? As for the ball gown, the color was good on her but it was just ill-fitting. It almost looks like toilet paper balls were stuck to her dress- not chic or flattering.

I’m sure she’s a nice woman and her children looked adorable, but she needs a (new) stylist if she’s going to be in the public eye. Maybe she can get some tips from Biden’s wife. She looked adoorable.

Kat on January 21st, 2009

I liked the evening dress and the fact she used a no name designer makes it even more appealing. The day dress left a lot to be desired. It was a horrid color and I didn’t like what appeared like a vest sort of thing on the inside when it opened up. She was beautiful none the less with her wonderful smile and adoration for her husband and this nation.

Denise on January 21st, 2009

I liked the white, which always looks good on dark skin but the dress was not attractive nor figure flattering at all. Made her look heavy through her waistline.

Gloria Island on January 21st, 2009

Just like typical americans, we complain and
criticize. We would rather look rich than be
rich, never mind good intentions. Come on
people – let’s get our own act together.

Kal on January 21st, 2009

I think she looked stunningly beautiful and the two girls were so cute. I’m proud to have her as our First Lady and her husband as our President. I haven’t felt that way for oh.. about 8 years now….

Meghan on January 21st, 2009

Im sorry, did someone say “trendsetter”, or “transgender”??? Just asking.

Trish on January 21st, 2009

She keeps wearing clothes that make her wide hips look even wider and I know she cannot help it but her posture is very bad. The outfit she wore yesterday was way too matronly for her.

joni on January 21st, 2009

The dress was pretty, but way too long, she kept fumbling with it while trying to dance! Alot of money went in to that elaborate affair and the pomp and circumstance, with speeches, parades, clothes, limos, luncheons, dinners, etc., what about all the middle class and poor people of this country who cannot afford to pay their rent or buy groceries or prescriptions for their families? Alot of that money spent, could go for more important causes!!!

nora on January 21st, 2009

GIVE ME A BREAK! Both outfits were perhaps unique, and not the usual conservative stuff the first lady would wear…….however, I don’t get where everyone compliments her taste. The YELLOW NIGHTMARE did not fit her well, and was paired w/ shoes and gloves that clashed. It’s one thing not to match, but they clashed! The ball gown was just sort of boring.

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