January 2009

The giddy anticipation of soon-to-be President Barack Obama being sworn into office is undeniable. What will he say during his inaugural address? Who will be there to celebrate the historic occasion? And what will future First Lady Michelle Obama wear? These seem to be the big buzz questions. In light of these stressful and uncertain times, some may condemn the American public for its passionate curiosity about what dress Michelle wears as light minded and superficial. But, maybe these tough times are the reasons we do care. Taking note and actually seizing pleasure in this fashion discussion is not only an escape from more serious life matters, but it also is an opportunity to observe and experience a visual representation that embodies the message of change, hope and confidence. And we thought we had a hard time finding something to wear!!!

So, on that note, here is an opportunity to create the ideal formal dress for soon-to-be First Lady Michelle Obama so she will authentically stand out at the Inaugural Ball. Since President-elect Barack Obama wanted to have his Inaugural events be all inclusive including the Ball, it is sure to be the lollapalooza of Inaugurations to date! A glamfest which includes celebrities, Washington insiders, and everyday average American guests engaging with one another. Beyonce Knowles is scheduled to sing the Etta James classic “At Last” for the infamous first dance and all eyes will be on the President and Mrs. Obama.

Here’s your chance to dress Michelle Obama for the Inaugural Ball. Below are some inspirational options from talented American designers to consider:

Which type of bodice and neckline details do you think would best flatter Michelle?

ASYMMETICAL: ONE-SHOULDER

Carolina Herrera – R09 – Style – Don Ashby

Monique Lhuillier – PF09 – Style

Monique Lhuillier – S09 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Monique Lhuillier – S09 – Style – Marcio Madeira, top left to bottom right

SYMMETICAL: HALTER

Badgley Mischka – R09 – Style – Don Ashby

Reem Acra – PF09 – Style

Jason Wu – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira, respectively

PORTRAIT, COWL, ILLUSION, PLUNGING VNECK, BEJEWELED, or BATEAU

Barbara Tfank – FW08 – Style

Michael Kors – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira

J.Mendel – PF09 – Style – Kevin Sturman

Monique Lhuillier – FW08 – Style

Monique Lhuillier – S09 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Barbara Tfank – S09 – Style – Marcio Madeira, top left to bottom right

Should Michelle’s dress have sleeves?

SLEEVELESS, THICK STRAPS, PEEK-A-BOO, CAP, SHORT, SHEER, or LONG

Reem Acra – PF09 – Style

Reem Acra – PF09 – Style

Monique Lhuillier – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Lela Rose – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira

J. Mendel – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Chado Ralph Rucci – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira, top left to bottom right

Michelle tends to favor more body conscious silhouettes. Do you think a form fitting, looser sheath or something in-between would look best?

Oscar de la Renta – PF09 – Style – Don Ashby

J. Mendel – PF09 – Style – Kevin Sturman

Reem Acra – PR09 – Style, respectively

If a more form fitted design was selected, then should it have a simple cut or should it include other distinguishing features?

Badgley Mischka – PF09 – Style – Kevin Sturman

Carolina Herrera – S09 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Oscar de la Renta – PF09 – Style – Don Ashby, respectively

What specific types of accents and details would you like to see Michelle’s dress to include?

ACCORDIAN PLEATS, RUFFLES, BEADS, CRYSTALS, SEQUINS or other APPLIQUES

Calvin Klein – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Badgley Mischka – PF09 – Style – Kevin Sturman

Badgley Mischka – R09 – Style – Don Ashby

Oscar de la Renta – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Reem Acra – PF09 – Style

Chado Ralph Rucci – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira, top left to bottom right

Michelle is almost 6 feet tall and has an athletic frame. Do you think her dress should have more emphasis on:

THE TOP

Reem Acra – PF09 – Style

Luca Luca – S09 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Michael Kors – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira, respectively

THE BOTTOM

Monique Lhuillier – PF09 – Style

or BOTH

Oscar de la Renta – S09 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Should Michelle’s dress have a PRINT?

Oscar de la Renta – PF09 – Style – Don Ashby

Jason Wu – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Jason Wu – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira, respectively

What COLOR do you think best suits Michelle and the special occasion?

Reem Acra – PF09 – Style

J. Mendel – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Badgley Mischka – R09 – Style – Don Ashby

Chado Ralph Rucci – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira

J. Mendel – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Jason Wu – S09 – Style – Marcio Madeira, top left to bottom right

What about RED, WHITE or BLUE?

Carolina Herrera – S09 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Monique Lhuillier – PF09 – Style

Carolina Herrera – S09 – Style – Marcio Madeira, respectively

Could classic BLACK or METALLIC work?

J. Mendel – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Michael Kors – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira, respectively

Would you ever consider incorporating more than one color?

Jason Wu – FW08 – Style – Marcio Madeira

Oscar de la Renta – S09 – Style – Marcio Madeira

J. Mendel – PF09 – Style – Kevin Sturman, respectively

Although it is to be expected that soon-to-be First Lady Michelle Obama has already selected her custom designed dress for the Inaugural Ball, Moore On Style thought it might be fun for readers to participate in the creative design process and perhaps her dress may even incorporate some of your ideas. You may also have gotten a better understanding at the pleasurable yet challenging process of selecting a formal gown, especially when all eyes are on you. In any case, January 20th 2009 stands to be a monumental and historic event for the United States of America, its citizens and the Obama’s. We will not have to speculate much longer and whatever Michelle chooses to wear she will undoubtedly exude confidence.

Come on fashionistas, express yourselves! What did you decide would be the best options for Michelle Obama to wear to the upcoming Inaugural Ball? A few designers have started reading Corporate Fashionista posts and we would like to give them your honest feedback about what you find compelling (or not so hot, depending?) about current styles, where and how you wear them, and how you feel in them.

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