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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

LF on

I thought her dress beautiful and she looked just breathtaking! I also liked the daytime ensemble she chose with the exception of the shoes. While matchy matchy isn’t good, they were in the wrong hue. The dress and coat had an olive tone while the shoes were teal! Those little ones looked adorable as well.

Melissa on

By the way, why is it that liberal-leaning posters have to resort to name-calling the apparent conservatives who post? I see it in every forum like this far more than I see instances the other way around. Is it just not possible for you to express your opinion based solely on facts, but you have to be rude as well?

Nikki on

NEWSFLASH: this isn’t CNN, it’s people.com. Get over your political views- we’re talking clothes here. And I loved her looks- and the white dress looked beautiful.

Luann on

I loved the inaugural ensemble. The ball gown looked a little too “prom” for a mature woman. I was expecting something more chic….

Mary on

To all of you who are still apparently bitter about the 2008 election and complaining about how this dress is a “waste of taxpayer money”:

She did not pay for this dress! It was likely a gift from the designer, Jason Wu. If you are still somehow incredulous that a designer would just “give” a dress for free, keep in mind that this is the First Lady. Anything she wears in the public spotlight means free publicity for the designer. Fashion designers would KILL to be able to dress up the First Lady on Inauguration Day. As a result, a relatively-unknown American designer is suddenly becoming a known name. Trust me, money couldn’t buy this publicity.

Redd on

Some peoples don’t have good taste in outfit,but we do understand. The Queen/1st.Lady was very beautiful in both outfits!! You go Queen!!

D. on

lOOKS LIKE SHE WAS HIT BY A FEATHER PILLOW, NOW IF SHE COULD ONLY STAND WITH HER HEAD HIGH,HER BACK STRAIGHT & NOT HUNCHED LIKE A AMAZON!

observation on

The dress looked like a vintage chenille bedspread.

bonnie on

she is a very beautiful lady. however humble pie is very sweet.

Gabi on

I dont care how her and her husband can comment on the middle class and how they need more and then she comes out to places wearing outfits that most upper class people cant afford.The obamas r all talk to action!

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