National Prayer Service in Naeem Khan

The first lady wears a custom ivory wool-applique 3/4 sleeve coat and dress by Naeem Khan for the National Prayer Service this morning at the Washington National Cathedral. Note the jeweled neckline and trim. J.Crew Valentina patent pumps in Apricot Mist complete the neutral mix. So chic!

Mrs. O Wows in Ruby Jason Wu

For a second time, Jason Wu has designed Mrs. O's inaugural ball gown. In some sense, it's bit of a surprise. If there's one way to describe the first lady's style, it's diverse. Over the past four years, Mrs. O has worn more than 50 designers, and that's a conservative count. While Jason Wu has remained consistently in the mix - most recently, Mrs. O has worn pieces from the designer's Miss Wu line - new names have emerged too. When polled last week, 10% of you thought Mrs. O would wear Jason Wu for this occasion. This choice indicates a lasting affinity for the designer, and a connection between Wu and Mrs. O that takes on new, even greater status.

As for the dress: the cut of the gown highlights Mrs. O's enviable arms, shoulders and back. The color reads power, and provides an energetic shift away from the subdued hues of the weekend. The lightness and movement of the fabric connotes an easy femininity. All in all, a winning combination.

Per a White House official via the pool report: "The first lady is wearing a custom Jason Wu ruby colored chiffon and velvet gown, shoes by Jimmy Choo, and a handmade diamond embellished ring by jewelry designer Kimberly McDonald. At the end of the inaugural festivities, the outfit and accompanying accessories will go to the National Archives."

Of note, I believe the Kimberly McDonald "embellished ring" is incorporated into the neckline of the dress, per the sketch below. To see more of the first lady's inaugural jewels from Kimberly McDonald, click here.

For further reading:

"Mrs. Obama's Inaugural Wardrobe by Many Designers" [New York Times]

"Picking a Winner Among a Field of Bold Theories" [New York Times]

"First lady Michelle Obama serves as fashion icon" [Washington Post]

A sketch of the gown via CNN's @AlinaChoCNN:

Inaugural Luncheon

... and a look at what was underneath the coat!

A Moment in History

On this very special day, the clothes are certainly more than just garments - they are an instant part of our social history. In 2009, Mrs. O wore an Isabel Toledo ensemble in a sunny lemongrass color that signaled newfound optimism. In 2012, the first lady's choice is symbolic in a different sense. Designed by Thom Browne, the 2012 recipient of the National Design Award in Fashion Design, this choice seems to honor the craft and artistry of fashion as a whole.

Per the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum: "Thom Browne’s meticulous aesthetic is rooted in an American sensibility evocative of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Browne opened his doors in the fall of 2001, offering bespoke tailored clothing; he introduced ready-to-wear menswear in 2004 and womenswear in 2010."

From a White House official via the pool report: "The First Lady is wearing a navy Thom Browne coat and dress. The fabric was developed based on the style of man's silk tie. The belt and gloves she is wearing are from J.Crew and her earrings are designed by Cathy Waterman. She is also wearing Reed Krakoff boots. At the end of the Inaugural festivities, the outfit and accompanying accessories will go to the National Archives."

Update: Dr. Biden wears a Lela Rose silk bow coat per Eric Wilson of the New York Times.

First Peek

The first lady wears a custom Thom Browne coat and dress, "both made of silk jacquard based on a necktie fabric," reports Eric Wilson of the New York Times.

The full scoop from a White House official via the press pool:

"The First Lady is wearing a navy Thom Browne coat and dress. The fabric was developed based on the style of a men's silk tie. The belt she is wearing is from J.Crew, the cardigan is designed by Reed Krakoff and her necklace is designed by Cathy Waterman. She is also wearing J.Crew shoes. At the end of the inauguration, the outfit and accompanying accessories will go to the National Archives.

Malia Obama is wearing a J.Crew ensemble. Sasha Obama is wearing a Kate Spade coat and dress."

Additional details to note: Marian Robinson wears hand carved, hand painted Lucite allegory flower earrings in black from Alexis Bittar.

This is not the first time that Mrs. O has worn Thom Browne. The first lady wore his lace overlay dress for the Democratic National Convention in September 2012, seen here. The designer is the recipient of the 2012 National Design Award in Fashion Design, celebrated with a White House luncheon ceremony hosted by the first lady.