Michelle Obama wore red and Jason Wu again to Inaugural ball | Daily Times Nigeria

Article | January 22, 2013 - 3:49pm | By Enakeno Oju

First Lady Michelle Obama surprised fashion observers again on Monday night by wearing yet another Jason Wu creation - a sexy, low-back sleeveless red silk gown to the 2013 Inaugural Ball in Washington.  She paired the dress with a handmade diamond embellished ring by jewellery designer Kimberly McDonald, and red satin heels designed by Jimmy Choo.

Michelle Obama’s red halter dress felt so different yet so similar to the white Wu gown she wore in 2009. That perfect blend of contrast and continuity would lead you to think that she worked with Jason Wu on the custom creation. But just like last inauguration, Wu didn’t realize that the FLOTUS had selected his design until she stepped out wearing it.
She also surprised all 20 designers who were invited to submit their creations to the First Lady, each one anxiously awaiting her appearance to see if she was wearing his or her design.
Thom Brownewho designed her tailored fit checkered-patterned flare coat and dress in a menswear fabric, that she wore earlier in the day; didn't know that she was going to wear his submission until he got emails while he was in Paris on business.
"I can't believe it. It's crazy," said Wu, reached at his Manhattan studio. "To have done it once was already the experience of my life. To have a second time is tremendous."
The red halter dress was the only one Wu, who went from fashion insider to household name on this night in 2009, submitted for Mrs. Obama's consideration. He collaborated with McDonald on the jewelled neckline. "For this occasion, it had to be real diamonds," Wu said.
He said he felt the dress showed how he has grown up as a designer and how Mrs. Obama's style has evolved to be even more confident.
For the first dance of the evening, the Obamas danced to Jennifer Hudson,singingAl Green's classic "Let's Stay Together."
President Barack Obama called his wife to the stage, referring to her as "my better half -- and my dance partner," before the two danced as Jennifer Hudson sang a live rendition of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together."
"She makes me a better man and a better president," Mr. Obama said of the first lady. "I'm lucky to have her."