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Fashion Flashback: Michelle Obama’s 2008 Inaugural Gown

Michelle Obama Inaugural 011
michelle obama

On the second inauguration of President Barack H. Obama, Fashion Reverie looks back at the first lady, Michelle Obama’s gown from the 2008 inauguration.  Designed by Jason Wu, the first lady’s inaugural gown in 2008 was a white, one-shoulder silk chiffon gown embellished with Swarovski crystals.

When Taiwan-born Jason Wu received the nod to design Michelle Obama’s inaugural gown, Wu detailed in the Huffington Post, “In terms of design, my only instruction was that the dress needed to sparkle, which I hope it did. It had about a million Swarovski crystals on it! I know it sounds corny, but I had this vision of the dress immediately. I knew it had to be white. I wanted it to be romantic, strong, energetic—everything Michelle Obama stands for.”

Michelle Obama Vogue cover


Since the 2008 election, Michelle Obama has been named one of the “10 Best Dressed People” by Vanity Fair, has appeared in on the cover and in a spread for the 2009 issue of American Vogue. And is often seen wearing garments by such illustrious designers as Calvin Klein, Isabel Toledo, Byron Lars, Narcisco Rodriquez, Tracey Reese, Maria Pinto, and many others.

—Staff

Image credits

  • michelle-obama.jpg — Editorial image.
  • michelle-obama-vogue-cover.jpg — Editorial image.
  • michelle-obama-inaugural-011.jpg — Editorial image.

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