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Michelle Obama picks Jason Wu, x2: What did you think?

Print | Comments () Posted by Rachel Raczka January 22, 2013 09:04 AM

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REUTERS/Rick Wilking

Mr. President, Twitter wants to see your wife's dress.
— jodikantor (@jodikantor) January 22, 2013

Speculation about who would made Michelle Obama's Inauguration gown was abuzz weeks prior to the Inaugural Ball, but last night we learned the truth: Jason Wu. The Taiwanese-born, New York-based designer had the honor of dressing the president's wife just four years earlier for President Barack Obama's first Inauguration. Mrs. Obama's 2013 custom ruby red gown came in chiffon and velvet with a cross-halter neckline. Cinched at the natural waist, the dress hung loosely on FLOTUS (Mrs. Obama's new Twitter handle, in case you're wondering. And dare we say it? It looked pretty comfortable. Wu told the New York Times that he had no idea that Mrs. Obama had chosen his dress up until the night of the ball. "I'm still floating. It is a big surprise. The White House kept me pretty clueless until five minutes ago," he said. The Times reported that Wu watched the ball on television with his team from his studio in New York.

In 2009, Wu dressed Mrs. Obama in a floaty one-shoulder white gown with a fitted bodice and delicate petal appliques through the skirt. The gown was rather serene as Mrs. Obama and her husband glided across the dance floor. In 2013, red is more of a power color. Whether this was a politically-charged choice or Michelle just thought the color looked fierce with her new bangs, we'll leave it up to you.

Just danced to "Let's Stay Together" with the love of my life and the President of the United States. I’m so proud of Barack. –mo
— FLOTUS (@FLOTUS) January 22, 2013

FLOTUS also wore Jimmy Choo heels and a handmade diamond ring by Kimberly McDonald, who also worked with Wu to create a jewel-encrusted neckline on the gown.

AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Earlier in the Inauguration festivities, Michelle paid tribute to several other American designers, including daywear by Thom Browne and Reed Krakoff and J.Crew footwear and accessories. Malia and Sasha were seen in J.Crew and Kate Spade.

J.Crew creative director Jenna Lyons stopped at "The Today Show" this morning to chat about the Obamas wearing her duds, noting:

Jenna Lyons on @todayshow says the @jcrew belt @flotus wore was actually a sash she refashioned. #inaug2013
— Elizabeth Holmes (@EHolmesWSJ) January 22, 2013

and

Also, @jcrew will continue making Malia's #inaug2013 coat but will retire the color, out of respect for the first family, says Jenna.
— Elizabeth Holmes (@EHolmesWSJ) January 22, 2013

But back to the gown -- we want to know: what did you think? Did you think it was wise of Michelle to wear Jason Wu again? Or is this just another consistency in her style story: brand loyalty? Vote in our poll and comment here.