What Will Michelle Obama Wear for Inauguration Balls?

Monique Lhuillier

The hoopla over what First Lady Michelle Obama will wear on Monday for the swearing ceremony and the official inauguration balls has taken over fashion blogs this week. The topic of conversation on Twitter and among fashionistas is ‘Who will design Michelle’s inauguration gown?” If you recall, the ethereal white Jason Wu gown Mrs. Obama wore to the first Inaugural ball four years ago launched Jason Wu’s career and put him the fashion map. Four years later and one emerging designer is hoping to replicate Wu’s luck.

WWD is reporting that over 20 designers were asked to submit gowns to the East Wing of the White House for consideration and the list is impressive.

The names include:

Michael Kors
Derek Lam
Naeem Khan
Marchesa’s Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig
Prabal Gurung
Jason Wu
Bibhu Mohapatra
Thakoon Panichgul
Tracy Reese
Chris Benz
Tory Burch
Narciso Rodriguez
Zac Posen
Maria Cornejo
Thom Browne
Barbara Tfank
Laura Smalls

So who will get the honor of designing Mrs. Obama’s gown? You’ll have to wait to find out on Monday night. Until then, we’re adding Peter Som, Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren to the list. As a bonus, feast your eyes of a few sketches from 13 designers interpreting looks both Mrs. Obama and her two girls should wear for both the swearing in and the Inaugural Balls.