Michelle Obama's Inaugural Look

No matter which designer labels Michelle Obama chooses to wear to her the inaugural galas honoring her husband, Barack, she's guaranteed to send shock waves through the fashion world.














Mickalene Thomas' "Michelle O" Photo: Libby Rosof/Flickr

That's why the suspense among we, the armchair stylists, is so palpable.
That's why her gowns for the occasions are destined already for The Smithsonian.
Let's just pray the dresses don't wear her.
The First Lady In Waiting is always at her most dazzling when she boldly embraces what feels right.
Stay tuned for a great gathering of news (speculative, or not) about the designers on Mrs. Obama's short list. Meanwhile, dig into the fascinating collection of sketches Women's Wear Daily (wwd.com) has gathered from prestige labels willing to pitch a look Michelle might grasp.
The best among them (Mizrahi, De La Renta, Herrera, and Lagerfeld) seem to proudly strike similar chords for the brands, while leaving the woman room for self-expression.
The least likely to be picked (Betsey Johnson's "Old Glory" broomstick dress, and Badgley Mischka's cocktail send-ups) confer improper caricatures; as if the next First Lady is not a woman of substance.
Often, there are radical hairstyle changes proposed that mock Mrs. Obama's level of maturity and accomplishment. (Blonde streaks, indeed.) Remarkably, not one of the designers submitting sketches is black.
What great statement would Michelle make if she stepped out in Tracy Reese?
That's just my take. You view the 40 looks WWD.com's assembled so far (as well as other renderings as the ESS team compiles them) and decide for yourself. If not for Michelle.