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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

Mrs. Obama Needs a Stylist on

OMG!

The Yellow Thing was too sparkly for daytime, a design and older woman would wear, and paired with clashing shoes and gloves.

The Curtains-As-Ball-Gown…that looked too young.

PLEASE GET A STYLIST!!

terri on

Well, the yellow dress and coat was not a GREAT choice for her, but the white ball gown was pretty, but too long and not very flattering on her. I think who ever picked out that RED & BLACK thing she wore to the convention made a big mistake, that thing was a very bad choice.
The girls both looked darling, loved their clothes.

Melissa on

I can’t believe some of the stuff I’m reading on here…. It actually makes me sick. I loved both especially the gown. I thought the gown was a beautiful choice and especially so, after I read the designer’s explanation of the dress….symbolizing HOPE. Obviously taste differs from person to person, but she was the one to ultimately decide… whether you or I like it or not! It was HER decision. Please stop being SO CRITICAL. Be HAPPY!

KDee on

Geann, you’re a rude stupid person.

Jain on

Awww…what’s wrong Gean? Are you jealous?

joni on

PEOPLE GOT SO UPSET OVER SARAH PALIN’S EXPENSIVE CLOTHES!!! THIS WAS WAY OVER THAT BUDGET!!!

Allen on

All I’ve got to say is SOW! Oh my who dressed that women? Shes got to be as big as oprah…….she looked like someone dressed her in cheap sears sucker outfits. mo if you are reading this, YOU ARE NOT JACKIE O. And please don’t try to be.

Keisha on

The haters need to stop hating! She is such a beautiful woman…inside and out!

Rosie on

She looked gorgeous in both outfuts!
I liked her yellow better than this gown, though.

P.S. She looks better than Sarah Palin ever hoped to look! :)

Christina on

What matters is that she feels beautiful in it and looks beautiful in it. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

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