Dressing Michelle Obama

The Ball Gown Design goes to . . .Jason Wu!

2009-01-20T21:28:00.003-06:00

America,

Now we know what our new first lady has chosen to wear. It's an ultra-feminime white gown with luxe appliques and a slight train by Jason Wu.

Photo courtesy of Bloomalicious.com:
http://www.bloomacious.com/bloomacious/2009/01/michelle-obama-inaugural-fashion-part-three-a-vision-in-white-.html

Excitement is Everywhere!

2009-01-20T00:27:00.007-06:00

Hello America!

It's 1:28am and I'm in my hotel room in Columbia, MD getting ready to head into DC to stake my claim on a prime spot to experience the inaugural festivities. Yes, it's cold. Yes, it's crowded. But I would not want to be anywhere else today 1/20/2009.

No word yet on the chosen designer for any of the Inaugural ensembles. The word on the street it that a formal announcement will be made tomorrow morning.

I have explored my sparkly side and designed this gown featuring a simple silhouette, sleeveless which we know Michelle likes, and subtle iridescent sequins. This gown also features a silk taffeta ruffle collar which contrasts with the roughness of the sequins. It's done in a cool ice blue befitting a winter event and a really hot, salsa version which would be a great contrast to the DC weather. Take a look and let me know what you think!

In Our Nation's Capital

2009-01-17T17:55:00.003-06:00

Good Evening Fellow Americans,

Ove the next few days I will be detouring slightly from my normal fashion posts as my friends and I have safely arrived in the center of the universe for the next week - Washington, DC. Tonight we will be dining at Copelands which features New Orleans-style menu.

In the mean time, here is another beautiful design for Mrs. Obama to wear to balls, state dinners, and other formal events. It's a straples sheath with an asymetrical ruffle detail the flows gracefully into a mermaid skirt.

Chat Soon - Toodles!

Expressing Style

2009-01-10T19:09:00.010-06:00

Back in 1981, I was captivated by the fairy tale story of Diana Spencer and Prince Charles. Being a teenager at this time, I was of course fascinated by the idea of the common girl marrying the rich, not-so-handsome heir to the British throne. What captivated me more was the fashion story. I loved what we all thought was a charmed life filled with beautiful gowns, diamond tiaras, feathery hats, and fur-trimmed coats. Of course we later learned better.

One fashion memory of Pricess Di came on the last night of the royal couple’s tour of Australia in 1983 when she gave the world it’s first real glimpse of her independent sense of style. Instead of the more conservative, full, ruffly gowns she’d been wearing, she chose a white, heavily beaded, off-the-shoulder gown by Hachi, a Japanese designer working in London.

Our Michelle is a wee bit older than Princess Di was when she joined the ranks of most-watched women. As such, she already has a solid handle on her own style. Given what we know about Michelle so far, I began thinking about what she might wear if she wanted to go outside the box. I came up with this rich chocolate gown with zebra-esque detailing. I think it’s still in line with the basics of her style but is stretches them a bit.

America, let me know what you think – comment away!

A Fresh Wind Blowing in Fashion

2009-01-10T00:11:00.003-06:00

The closer I get to the magical day – January 20th – Inauguration Day, the more inspired I become. I saw a story today with Stacey London from TLC’s What Not To Wear and the topic was “Can Michelle Obama Save the Fashion Industry?”

I definitely think that Mrs. Obama has the unique opportunity to expand the boundaries of fashion. Unknown designers can become household names. New standards of beauty. I can really see her revolutionizing the traditional idea that it takes a lot of money to really be well-dressed. Michelle started sending this message with the J. Crew outfit she wore on Jay Leno.

Anywho, here are some new gowns that I think are fitting for Michelle. They speak to her youth, femininity, and vitality. Let me know what you think of them by sending a comment.

And the Winners Are. . .

2009-01-07T03:02:00.008-06:00

Happy New Year America!

You have spoken and the winning design for the Inaugural Ball Gown is the Royal Gown with 88% of the vote. The winning design for the Swearing-In Ceremony & Parade Coat is the Black & Bone Quilt Coat with 55% of the vote. Honorable mention must be given to the Blue Olive Coat which garnered 27% o the vote.

Thanks to each of you who took the time to cast your vote! Stay tuned for more fashion elections throughout the year!

2008-12-20T21:40:00.006-06:00

The Day Dress

Hi America, I’m back with more designs! I’m sure that day dresses will pay a major role in Mrs. Obama’s official wardrobe. Here are some designs that I think will look great on our new first lady.

As you can tell by now, I love color! Michelle can definitely wear color so I’ve designed these color-enhanced dresses for her.

Michelle on the Cover - Essence

2008-12-17T11:48:00.004-06:00

The January issue of Essence magazine features dual covers of Barak Obama and Michelle. I picked up the version with Michelle on the cover. The main editorial is titled "Celebrating the Dream" and features reflections from various people including Bill Cosby, Gwen Ifill, and CNN correspondant Roland Martin. It's a pretty good article and will probably be a collectors item one day.

Grand Occasions

2008-12-03T21:33:00.005-06:00

Of all the events ahead for our new first lady, a state visit is one of the most fashion-intensive. I was able to find out more about them in this article on The White House’s website.

The biggest state visit in recent history was that of Queen Elizabeth II in May 2007. This visit included numerous events, the most glamorous of which was the State Dinner. Below is a formal photo of the Queen, Prince Phillip, and President & First Lady Laura Bush.

My design for Michelle is an off-the-shoulder black silk gown with an satin waist accent and organza overlay speckled with embroidered satin floral appliques. The design also has an embroidered floral applique on the shoulder.

Okay America, let me know what you think about this design. Add comments!

The Good Dress

2008-11-30T05:41:00.009-06:00

One of the reasons that I want to design for Michelle Obama is because our fashion tastes are very similar. Pearls, brooches, simple sheaths, vivid colors – these are all elements that Michelle and I have in common. I hear many people say that pearls are for dressier occasions but I don’t subscribe to that idea. I wear pearls to work at least once a week, often with very non-traditional clothing.

One of the foundations of a good wardrobe is a classic sheath. It’s a very versatile piece that can be dressed up or down depending on what you wear with it. I have designed a high-necked, long sleeve version to wear under the inaugural coat designs. It can also be worn alone in warmer weather or with cardigans on cool Autumn days. Several versions of this classic silhouette have appeared on the campaign trail so far.

This version is done in a rich mango with 3/4 sleeves and a basic neckline. Simply paired with pearls.

This version is done in a aqua blue with 3/4 sleeves and an open 'V' neckline. This look features a daisy-inspired brooch.

Left is one of my designs I call the Diana dress, named for Princess Di. This version has a center front seam with keyhole detail at the neckline and small split at the hem. This is the ideal dress to wear for a day of shopping, sightseeing, or lunch with the girls. This version is made with pink coriander fabric from the Belle collection by Amy Butler, one of my favorite fabric designers.

Day 7 - Cold Weather Fashion

2008-11-24T21:09:00.014-06:00

Today is Day 7 and it has been unseasonably cold here in Memphis, down in the twenties. I started thinking about January 20th, Inauguration Day, and the weather in DC. The highs are in the 40’s and the low’s in the twenties so we can comfortably say it will be very cold.

The swearing-in ceremony and the parade will both require fashion made for cold weather. Here are photos of former first ladies fashions on this auspicious occasion.

What should our pending First Lady wear on one of the most important days of her life? Here are few designs that I think respect her style, the occasion, and the weather conditions. Vote for your favorite on the poll to the right. (now closed)

Design 1 - BlueOlive Coat

This design features bubble sleeves, nehru collar, and waist detailing on the coat. This ensemble also includes a fitted sheath underneath with sleeve length of Mrs. O's choice. Both pieces would look great in a wool crepe, fully lined. This look also has a matching twenties-style, two-toned flapper hat which is designed to protect the ears from wind while still allowing the face to be visible.

Design 2 - Bone & Black Quilt Coat

This design was inspired by strip quilting and features black bars on a creamy bed of snowy winter white. This ensemble also has a matching high-necked under dress. Includes a matching short-brimmed hat.

Design 4 - Tapestry Coat
This coat is made in a luxe tapestry fabric accented with faux fur with matching fur hat. Paired with a coordinating olive green sheath and brown leather boots.

Day 3 - Yes She Did

2008-11-20T21:43:00.008-06:00

I just posted the You Tube gadget that shows Oprah Winfrey coming on the David Letterman show after 16.5 years. If it took David that long to get Oprah to come on his show, surely I can design a dress for Mrs. O in the next 4 - 8 years!

I saw the show and I LOVED the gown she had on so much that I sketched it and said that I would make me somethng similar for myself one day. If anyone knows who the designer is please let me know.

Here is my sketch of Oprah’s gown. The second one I modified to better fit my more ‘robust’ top half.

Mrs. O in Japan

2008-11-20T21:05:00.004-06:00

Today is Day 3 of the Dressing Michelle Obama campaign. So far, no word from the Obama camp but I’m confident that this will be remedied, it’s just a matter of time!

To help things along, I spent a today building press releases and emailing news sites to ask them to help me get the word out. I’m glad to report that another cool site Mrs.O was kind enough to give me some press for which I am eternally grateful. I really like the moniker “Mrs.O” so I’ve decided to use it from now.

On the fashion tip, I began thinking about the possible state events that Mrs.O may need to attend. Imagine a state visit to Japan. This design mixes kimono elements with warm fall colors for a dramatically different look. This design would work well a a walking suit or an evening gown & coat in an iridescent silk.

Inaugural Gowns

2008-11-18T22:07:00.003-06:00

One of Michelle's first fashion showcases will be the January 20th Inaugural events. That night the newly minted President & First Lady Obama will attend a series of officially-sanctioned balls with names such as the Freedom Ball and the Democracy Ball.

Here some photos of Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush at their Inaugural balls:

Here are some designs that I think would look wonderful on Michelle and that fit her modern, simple, clean style. Strangely, when I was deciding on colors I was feeling very patriotic. At the top of my list was Red. Not just any old tomato red, but a rich luxe berry red. America, here are the designs. Take the poll on the right to pick your favorite.

The Royal Gown

This design was originally a bridal gown called The Flapper beause it was partnered with a lace beaded skull cap. The version for Michelle is done in a rich red taffetta.

The Cherry Blossom Gown

This gown was inspired by the cherry blossoms that bloom in the Spring. Before they bloom they form these neat-looking buds.

The Choir Robe Gown

I call this gown the Choir Robe Gown. The sleeves remind of those commonly found on choir robes. They are embellished with ribbon work, embroidery, and maybe some light beading.

The Bubble Gown

I like this design because it's part sheath with ball gown aspirations. It's very wearable and comfortable for a night of multiple limo transfers, entrances, and dancing. It could be accented by a diamond broach or bejewelled silk flower pin.

Stay Tuned for More!

Day 1 - Dressing Michelle!

2008-11-18T21:48:00.002-06:00

Hello America!

I'm Tonya, an aspiring fashion designer. My dream has always been to start my own clothing line and I think now is the time to make this dream a reality!

Starting today, I'm launching a "David Letterman/Oprah" style campaign to meet Michelle Obama, and design a dress that she will wear to one of the numerous public engagements she will have as our new First Lady. This blog will serve as the headquarters for this campaign.

America - I need your help to make this a reality! Email your friends, co-workers, & family to spread the word about my campaign! Below is a banner that you ca put on your website to encourage your contacts to visit this site and vote on the many designs that will be posted here.

To start things off, I've designed some gowns that she could wear to the Inaugural Ball. Check them out and vote on your favorite!

Remember America - YES WE CAN!

This is Tonya - Aspiring Fashion Designer - and I approved this message!