Michelle Obama's 2009 (left) and 2013 (right) Inauguration Ball dresses, both designed by Jason Wu
Michelle Obama surprised many fashion insiders on Monday night with her decision to wear Jason Wu again to the Inaugural Ball, including the designer himself. “#Inshock!!!” Wu tweeted shortly after the First Lady stepped out in his red, velvet and chiffon gown. The custom dress featured halter straps and a loose, flowy skirt, not unlike the ethereal white gown she wore by Wu in 2009.
Both dresses were sleeveless, allowing Obama to flaut her famously fit arms, but her latest gown came in bright red, a striking departure from the white dress she wore for her first Inauguration Ball. It also came with less embellishments than the white number, which was adorned with organza flowers that had Swarovski crystal pieces in the center. The overall fit and silhouette, however, were mostly the same.
(PHOTOS: Michelle Obama’s Second-Term Style)
Wu, who became an internationally known designer after Obama stepped out in his creation in 2009, says the process was more collaborative the second time. While the First Lady didn’t make any suggestions when Wu was working on her first inaugural dress, she chimed in to say she agreed that red was a good color choice this time. Despite the closer working relationship, Wu was still just as surprised last night as he was in 2009 to see Obama wearing his dress.
“When I saw it, I was just floored,” he told CBS. “I just couldn’t believe that she chose me for the second time … I am so proud of it.”
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