The Inaugural Balls: Michelle wears Jason Wu

January 20, 9:28 PMNY Fashion ExaminerRuby Charles

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Michelle Obama at the Neighborhood Ball

TEN Inaugural balls! The Neighborhood Ball was the first stop for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle. The couple is handsomely dressed - Barack Obama is presidential in a white bow tie tuxedo and looking British aristocracy-sharp.

Next stop will be the Home State Ball a ball particularly special for democrats as they have not been able to clinch the presidency in almost a decade so this is a long awaited celebration.
 

There was much speculation on who Michelle Obama would honor by wearing their design to the balls. Would she wear Narciso Rodriguez, Thakoon, Oscar de la Renta, Maria Cornejo, and it went on and on. At last, the bride, excuse me, the first Lady wears Jason Wu.

Jason Wu is a Taiwan-born, New York designer and quite popular within the industry. Very early in his career, Wu is 26 now, he showed much promise and he is a celebrated hopeful with a bright future. Well, bright indeed. Wu is a designer name that will now become a household name and go down in history. It is a tradition for the First Lady to donate her dress worn to the ball to the Smithsonian Institute where it will be exhibited at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
 

Barack Obama wore a custom tuxedo made by Chicago-based designer Hart Schaffner Marx. The designer sells at Nordstrom for about $895 and is reportedly Barack Obama's first bought tuxedo in 15 years. Not too bad for Schaffner Marx?

Barack and Michelle Obama at the Neighborhood Ball

Michelle dons a gorgeous white gown, in a venetian one shoulder style and applique everywhere. Wu gowns generally retail between $3000 to $6000. She is gorgeous and she reminds the world that while she embraces tradition, she is also a modern First Lady. The gown was youthful and a modern choice for a modern lady. Bravo.

Their first dance. The moment was breathholding - I held my breath as the gorgeously clad couple took their first dance as our country's new Commander in Chief and First Lady. They danced as Beyonce sang Etta James' At Last - a classic love song.

Did Michelle Obama please all? As Bob Marley states, You can't please all the people all the time.

Beyonce as she sings Etta James' At Last

The balls the couple is scheduled to attend are listed below. The good news for Michelle and Barack is that events 6 through 9 are in the same building. Whew!

1. Neighborhood Ball hosted by Queen Latifah with performances by Will.I.Am, MJP, MAroon 5, Mariah Carey, and Denzel Washington announcing the First Couple.

2. Home-State Ball

3. Commander in Chief Ball where there will be performances by Jordan Sparks and Jon Bon Jovi to name a few.

4. Youth Ball where there will be performances as well - Kanye West and Kid Rock amongst those performances.

5. Biden Home State Ball

6. Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball

7. Western Inaugural Ball

8. Midwest Inaugural Ball

9. Southern Inaugural Ball

10. Eastern Inaugural Ball