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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

Holly on January 21st, 2009

I agree, the coloring was off on both outfits and yes, too much sparkle for daytime. The only thing the gown did was show of her fabulously toned back and arms.

She’s said a number of times that she shops on her own, hopefully now that she’s First Lady she won’t have time and will hire a stylist.

T on January 21st, 2009

I she needs some help with her outfits. With the kind of money her hsband is making i am sure she will have several personal shoppers for her. as well as hair and makeup people.

Elle on January 21st, 2009

I think she looked beautiful but i expected something a little different from her. Maybe something a little brighter.

Lana on January 21st, 2009

She is in desperate need of a good stylist. She is an amazon with huge hips and not too very attractive. That white dress with gathers at the waist made her large backside look twice the size it already is. It was a shock to find out that Jason Wu, the Doll Designer for Fashion Royalty Drag Queen dolls designed this dress. Very poor choice of designer.

Shel on January 21st, 2009

Someone please help: I have seen several commments made to “Geann”….yet, I don’t see a posting from a Geann. What did she say?

dawn on January 21st, 2009

First ladies do not use tax dollars to purchase their inaugural gowns. They personally have to pay for them (or the designer donates them because its a great form of advertising) and then the gowns must be donated to the Smithsonian Museum system.

Juanita on January 21st, 2009

I liked both outfits. I wish that I had the curves that she has. When I saw her in the white dress, my impression was that it made her waist look small. As for her hair, I like the way she styles it. As for her brain, I wish that I were as smart as she is.

Dolly on January 21st, 2009

She has such a great figure, the dress, while beautiful, didn’t do her justice. I thought it made her look bottom heavy. Her daytime outfit was nice, very classy.

kjordan on January 21st, 2009

Not so much my favorite, until I sad back and really looked. She is elegant, confident, proud, and absolutely regal.

She carries herself with the respect and glamour and confidence not many of us do. Strangely enough, we all have it in us to increase our beauty by the way we present ourselves. Beauty is truly from within.

Um on January 21st, 2009

I think the dress was very figure flattering. Her hips are wide and the dress evened out her figure. I think the dress was lovely, and she did look stunning in it when she walked out for the first time.

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