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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

Linda on

What’s the big deal is an outfit? If she believed she looked good then to me that’s all that counts. I really don’t care what she wears what I can about is whats going to come out of her. I heard her speak and I think she is dynamic and a sincere person. We should be interested in what she has to say and do then what she is wearing.

ccw on

She looks like Flip Wilson in drag – no matter what outfit she wears. The prettiest gown in the world can’t help that…

Toni on

To Danielle who posted the comment, is that what our tax dollars are paying for, OMG!!!!!!!!!!! get a life, obiviously you must be a Bush fan and voted for that idiot John McCain, you and Elizabeth Hasselbeck of the view belong together!

Give me a break !!! it’s the Obama’s time to shine in the otherwise bleak world that former Bush did nothing about………

kate on

Stunning! Absolutely drop dead gorgeous!!!!!

Raquel on

I’m a Republican and did not vote for Obama but DID vote for McCain. Given this, I personally think that Mrs. Obama looked very elegant and beautiful in both her outfits. She is not a size 0 nor pretends to be. Different people have different tastes. In the next 4 years, I’m sure she’ll wear things I love and things that I hate but we all so that’s life. Oh, Toni, show some class and stop insulting people who are not from your ideology. Obama is trying to bring people together but with your help, he will not succeed.

Meghan on

Ahhh, Elisabeth Hasslebeck. Now THAT is a pretty girl. And at LEAST John McCain led his life and was prepared to lead this country with some morality. More then I can say for the Socialist. And for those of you who dont know…OBAMA IS A SOCIALIST!!!!

New Yorker on

I kind of wished she had choosen a different color, because white on a long gown always ends up looking a little bridal. Nonetheless, I thought she looked elegant and sophisticated. I liked her inauguration day outfit as well.

By the way, to the person who thought our tax dollars pay for this- you’re a fool. You probably supported your tax dollars killing innocent lives abroad and our soldiers meanwhile.

PH on

Neither outfit was particularly bad or particularly good. I don’t really think either one flattered her athletic frame. Jill Biden showed her up on both occasions. Now that woman can dress!

Melissa on

Pretty lady, not-so-pretty choices of dresses yesterday. Honestly, her matching dress and coat looked like they were made out of drapes and the coloring was not particularly flattering. Frankly, I was disappointed in her ball gown choice, as well–it wasn’t all that flattering, either. For someone who so frequently is dressed to a T, I was surprised.

Janet on

This gown is better than the yellow one. That yellow one was just ugly!

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