WASHINGTON – Michelle Obama mixed her wardrobe choices on her first day as first lady, showing that she is indeed that modern style icon who embraces new designers as well as retail standbys, high fashion and mass market.
The white, one-shouldered gown, covered in fabric petals and dotted with beads, that she wore to the rounds of balls Tuesday night was by 26-year-old Jason Wu, a rising star in the fashion world but otherwise not well known.
"Her support means so much to designers who can't afford to advertise," said Nicole Phelps, executive editor at style.com.
The fitted-bodice, gathered-skirt gown was a departure for Obama, who has made a sleek sheath her signature silhouette. She also has shown a fondness for jewel tones. The Isabel Toledo lemongrass-yellow ensemble she wore to the inaugural ceremony and parade was much more what the public has come to expect from Obama.
But the ball gown, worn with red-carpet-worthy dangling diamond earrings by Loree Rodkin, still felt fresh and different.
"It's soft, feminine, but powerful; I wanted to convey all that in a dress," Wu said. "I wanted it to look like a sign of hope."
Read the full article here: Michelle Obama picks inaugural fashion mix
~ Kathy ~ 01/21/09
Kathy's Curvy Corner
