Michelle Obama's Inaugural Gown Makes History

By Cynthia Gordy

Continuing a long tradition of First Ladies donating gowns to the Smithsonian (their comprehensive collection includes one worn by Martha Washington), today First Lady Michelle Obama presented her 2009 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. You remember the one--the white silk chiffon, one-shouldered number embellished with organza flowers and Swarovski crystals? The dress elicits mixed feelings, but I remember the moment she walked out with President Obama at the inaugural ball I attended last January--she looked strong and modern, with her toned arms and shoulders on display, but also soft and elegant as the sparkling length of the dress floated around her. Needless to say, I'm a fan of the garment. "So here we are. It's the dress," said Mrs. Obama at a brief ceremony at the museum this morning, attended by Smithsonian staff, 32 fashion design students she invited from a high school in Long Island, her mother Marian Robinson, White House Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett, and the gown's designer Jason Wu. "I have to say, to be honest, I am very honored and humbled, but I'm also a little embarrassed at all the fuss being made over my dress." That said, she recognized the significance of Inauguration Day and what it meant for people around the world. "When I look at my gown--which I, in fact, have not seen since the day that I took it off--memories of that moment truly come rushing back." She described how freezing it was in Washington, walking in the inauguration parade with her husband and staying out until every band had passed them by, and having only one hour to prepare for the first of ten balls they attended that evening. "I'll never forget the moment that I slipped on this beautiful gown. I remember how luscious I felt as the President and I were announced onto the stage for the first of many dances, she said. "And now that the crowds are gone, and the Mall is silent, and our family has settled into our new home, the White house, this gown is one of the most tangible things I have left to remember that day. And that's why it will always hold a special place in my heart." I was especially moved by and happy for the ceremony's other special guest, designer Jason Wu, now 28--the youngest designer ever to outfit a First Lady inaugural look. Today was the first time he and Mrs. Obama met, and he looked pretty excited. "To say she has changed my life is truly an understatement," he said in his own speech, describing his background as a Taiwan-born immigrant with childhood dreams of becoming a designer. Wu had no idea that his gown was being seriously considered at all until he saw, along with everyone else, Mrs. Obama wearing it on TV. "Mrs. Obama, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your incredible support," he said. "Thank you for thinking of a young designer who doesn't fit the traditional mold. And thank you for letting my story become a small part of the events of this moment in history." View more of the First Lady's classic looks here... For more of Cynthia Gordy's "Obama Watch" click here... Read More: