INAUGURATION STYLE

by Danielle Fulmer

Photo: Tannen Maury/MCT Campus

Not only is the Presidential Inauguration one of this year’s biggest events, it’s also one of the fashion world’s best friends. All the fashion designers who had created a dress for the incoming First Lady held their breath on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 as they waiting for the arrival of the soon-to-be first family.

All through the presidential campaign, Michelle Obama made fashion news with her impressive, impeccable style, so when she stepped out of the presidential limousine and the world got its first look at the lemongrass dress with the jeweled neckline created by the not-so-well-known Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo, opinions were instantly formed. Although many different thoughts about the outfit were expressed, Toledo received respectable praise. 

“It’s not just my moment and hers, but it’s the world’s,” Toledo told the Associate Press. She said she chose the color to represent optimism. The choice paid off for Toledo, as displays in New York changed to honor the history-making designer.

The outfit couldn’t have been complete without the stylish green gloves by J. Crew. That sent their website to overload. Obama’s Jimmy Choo shoes were also noticed.

Photo: Gabriel B. Tait/MCT Campus

Natalie Reeves, a student at the Metropolitan Community College-Longview, said, “I thought she had a mature, conservative look that complimented the ideas and views of the family.”

Other students commented that they wished she had been bolder when making her evening appearances at the Inauguration Balls.

“I wish she came out with a bang and showed the nation the young, hip side that Washington is now welcoming into the White House,” said Audra Sears, a Longview student who plans to further her education with a fashion degree.

The First Lady made her entrance at the Inauguration Balls wearing a white one-shoulder dress that had waterfalls of featherlike fabric, accented by small, simple jewels that sparkled in the spotlight. The dress was elegant, but it held the safe, simplistic look people weren’t looking for.

Over all, the nation and the world were once again captivated by the new starlet of the fashion world, Mrs. Barack Obama. Now that the First Lady has conquered the fashion world, satisfying most American eyes, the nation will hold its breath to see whether she can help Pres. Obama change the U.S.A.