Michelle Obama Wears Jason Wu-Designed Inaugural Gown

At last! Not just the first song that President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama danced to, but now we have seen the First Lady's much-anticipated inaugural gown. The white gown, designed by Taipei-born, New York-based designer Jason Wu, has a full, slightly trailing skirt with, as the AP reports, "a strap across her right shoulder, a ruched bodice, fluffy appliques and sparkly beading." The President, in white tie, approved, asking the crowd at the Neighborhood Ball, "How good-looking is my wife?"

Last month, Wu—a Parsons graduate and former intern of another favorite Obama designer, Narcisco Rodriguez— spoke to the Wall Street Journal after Michelle Obama wore one of his sheath dresses in an interview with Barbara Walters. Wu said seeing her in the white with black florets dress was "surreal," and when the reporter mentioned the Inaugural gown, he said, "Oh, that’s a long shot!” More recently, in an interview with The Advocate, Wu discussed the simple sheath dress, “It worked because she’s not ornate. She’s fresh. But beyond that, I think she’s made an even bigger statement by wearing brands that are more budget-conscious, like J. Crew," and added, “She’s just the ultimate person to dress.”

Los Angeles Times fashion critic Booth Moore writes of the gown, "An unusual choice, Obama is wearing white in the winter and white at night. But she looks every inch the style icon she is becoming." And gown is destined for the Smithsonian.

Update: Newsday has two diverging opinions. Stylist Robert Verdi was disappointed, "It's an inauguration, not a prom. I was expecting a different silhouette like a halter - and color. Nancy Reagan wore a one-shouldered Galanos, Laura Bush wore white and of course, Jackie Kennedy wore it. Wearing white is the historic route and I thought she'd do something different." However, Oprah magazine creative director Adam Glassman said, "I love that she's wearing white. It's about optimism and a new start and a fresh moment; she's the bride of the evening. I think she looks modern, youthful and fresh."

And the Caucus, with NY Times fashion writer Cathy Horyn noticing how the dress was "young and romantic," caught up with Wu, who said, “I love the fantasy quality" of his gown. “I can’t really believe this presidency is happening in my lifetime. It has a dreamlike quality.” He added that 8 to 10 yards of silk chiffon were used for the dress.