Washington D.C. is obviously the place to be today as the town revels in a stream of inauguration festivities. And so we all wait with bated breath to see what the Barack Obama era will mean for our economy, the war and fashion. Yes, I said it, fashion. A New York Times article has already called Michelle “fashion’s one-woman bailout” (could the expectations of her be any higher?).
Rather than take the fashion risk she did with her love-it-or-hate-it, red and black Narciso Rodriguez dress on election night, she opted for a decidedly American chic and modern route (which works really well for her) for inaugural week. She began the festivities in a Zero + Maria Cornejo suit for the Whistle Stop train tour into D.C. and continued the week in a Narciso Rodriguez camel and black suit for the inaugural We Are One concert. Her choice for the big day? A feminine and optimistic yellow ensemble by, Isabel Toledo, an esoteric designer and fashion insider favorite she has worn before. Later that night, she chose a sublime ivory silk chiffon gown, designed by Jason Wu, who is 26 and popular in New York fashion land but relatively unknown internationally. Both are unexpected inaugural choices for an institution usually dominated by boring, staid red and blue Oscar de la Renta ensembles.
It all sends a definite message. “We’re used to seeing women in the White House choosing very safe names, very safe choices. Michelle is adventurous and taking chances. It’s a totally refreshing change for the White House,” says Constance White, eBay’s style director. “But most importantly, her way of dressing is very accessible and relatable to everyday women,” she adds. And the American fashion industry lets out a collective cheer. -Kenya Hunt
P.S. You can view a recap of all of the inauguration happenings through the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s Flickr photostream here.
