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.

Essence

The First Lady will grace the October 2011 cover of Essence magazine, where she is named one of the world’s most influential Black women on the publications’s annual ‘2011 Power List.' For the cover, Mrs. O wears a fabulous floral frock -- a 1950s Silk Brocade Dress from New York Vintage.

More on the Essence story can be found here.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful and restful Labor Day weekend!

Update: On the jewelry front, Mrs. Obama is wearing Cathy Waterman 22k recycled gold and ethically sourced fire opal leaftop arabesque earrings.

Electric Blue

Photo by Chris Radburn / AP Images

Ahead of schedule, the President and First Lady travelled to London this evening to avoid travel complications from the Icelandic ash cloud. Arriving at Stansted Airport, Mrs. O deplaned in a stunning mix of colors and print, debuting a sleek electric blue skirt suit paired with a geometric print top and green kitten heels. Cathy Waterman earrings added a punch of orange color to complete the look. Love!

Update: Per Red Carpet Fashion Awards, Mrs. O wears an ensemble by Preen from the label's Fall 2011 collection, which was inspired by the Northern California Arts and Crafts movement. The choice is noteworthy, as Preen is a London-based label designed by Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi. To my knowledge, this is the first time that the First Lady has worn Preen for a public event. Perhaps it's a sign that Mrs. O will be making a sartorial nod or two over the coming days?

Mrs. O Wears a L'Wren Scott Jumpsuit

Photo by Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP Images

First Lady in a jumpsuit? This must be new sartorial ground. Following yesterday's student workshop, Mrs. O attended the White House Music Series event saluting Motown. For the concert, the First Lady wore a black satin and silk taffeta jumpsuit by L'Wren Scott. For inquiring minds, the jumpsuit is look 20 from the designer's Spring 2010 collection, seen here. Cathy Waterman jewelry completed the look.