Speculation rampant on Michelle Obama inauguration gown
Will she wear red, white or blue or will she shake things up with a nonpartisan yellow?
Will she be regal, corporate, princess or diva?
Will she wear something off-the-rack?
So much to think about.
Well, yesterday’s Women’s Wear Daily added to the Obama dress watch with a slew of wonderful sketches from top fashion houses around the nation.
Among the designers featured (clockwise from top left) Monique Lhuillier, Diane Von Furstenberg, Badgley Mischka, Christian Lacroix, Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta and Issac Mizrahi (the latter two offered up styles for Sasha and Malia as well, click any image to enlarge).
The 35 sketches featured were mere speculation and just the fact that they were published means that Obama would probably not select them. WWD reports that some notable designers opted out of submitted sketches precisely because they are under close consideration for the dress Obama will select from in January.
Still, WWD, the most esteemed fashion newspaper in the world, was able to convince more than 30 designers to submit their ideal look for Obama. The fashion industry overwhelmingly supported Barack Obama’s campaign for president and many even designed exclusive merchandise sold on his website to raise campaign funds.
American designers are courting the First Lady-elect actively because they expect her to once again elevate America’s design houses by flaunting their apparel on the world’s highest stage.
Victoria Beckham may cause a splash with a snazzy frock, but Obama’s inaugural gown will go down in history. The photos will appear in newspapers and magazines all over the globe. It’s an opportunity worth jockeying for.
But by now, we’ve come to expect a personal style from Obama that is feircely independent. She never looks “styled” even though she’s stylish.
Obama, obviously, dresses for herself and like her husband manages to always look terribly comfortable having her every movement watched and analyzed.
The WWD story reports: “Step aside, Angelina. You too, Madonna, not to mention the bevy of pop tarts, gossip girls, ‘High School Musical’ grads and even potential Oscar divas, now all suddenly second-tier.
The American fashion industry hasn’t had a catch this big since, well, since another icon of Democratic chic took up residency on Pennsylvania Avenue in 1961.”
A wayward soul from Las Vegas, Nevada, who now calls St. Louis home and believes that fashion is relative and capricious, but style is always in favor. 
Regardless of who she wears, unless it includes a mask it won’t help…