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.

Mrs. O in Thom Browne

It's a DNC double take! For the final presidential debate at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, Mrs. O wears a grey short sleeve dress with black lace overlay by designer Thom Browne, seen in September 2012 here. The first lady refreshed her DNC look, adding a solid black belt at the waist and a crystal bow pin at the shoulder. Lovely!

Ladylike Lace

The First Lady is viewing the DNC speeches from her FLOTUS box this evening joined by friends and family including Craig Robinson, Maya Soetoro-Ng, Mayor Julian Castro, Honorable Kathleen Sebelius, Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, Bill Daley, Alfre Woodard, David Axelrod and others. 

For the evening, which features a speech by former President Bill Clinton, Mrs. O is wearing a grey short sleeve dress with black lace overlay. Lovely!

Update: Mrs. O wore a custom Thom Browne dress, confirmed by the designer via Twitter (and many of you!). Browne was the 2012 winner of the National Design Award for Fashion Design, honored by the First Lady at the White House award ceremony. A few weeks prior, Mrs.O wore a stripe top from Brooks Brothers Black Fleece, a label that Browne also designs.