Project Michelle O: The Inauguration gown

January 6, 11:41 AMNY Fashion ExaminerRuby Charles

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Christian Lacroix

Who can impose a Project Runway-like competition upon the world's top designers? Michelle Obama. Not that she will actually select from any of these designers. My guess is that she will be in Narciso Rodriguez.

The fashion community is all a buzz about who and what the lady with the new patent on the most coveted letter 'O' will be graced in for all the Inaugural festivities. Well, WWD requested a few sketches from designers who dare to indulge in dreaming up garments for the new First Lady of fashion.

I have highlighted below my favorite sketches of the dozens submitted.

Christian Lacroix is the grandest of them all but not very 'Michelle Obama' in nationality or bravado. The fair lady would be gorgeous in any of the Lacroix sketches - there were maybe 6 sketches submitted by the house. If I could impose my preferences on Lady O, it would be Lacroix and pearls - the two normally go together.
 

Of the designers who submitted sketches, blue seemed to be the preferred color for Michelle O. I understand the choice - it suggests royalty, nobility and all that is respectable. Fitting. 
 

Kai Milla

Designer Kai Milla sketched a gorgeous silhouette with a flattering play on chocolate tones suggesting the fabric would capture light spectacularly. The design is grand without being flagrant. It would blend lovingly with Michelle's complexion.

Diane Von Furstenberg

Diane Von Furstenberg's sketch is elegance at its finest. The great lady of fashion would understand how to dress another great lady. The slimming and chic sketches would be difficult to pass and would be flattering on Michelle O's figure. White would be a wise choice.
 

Isaac Mizrahi

Isaac Mizrahi has a lovely silhouette and striking choice of color for the O ladies. How scrumptious! This option would be such a treat for the Obama adoring public. We just might try to eat them up off our widescreens.
 

Left, Rachel Roy, right, Peter Som

Rachel Roy and Peter Som seem to know the First Lady-elect's fashion habits with two great sketches of low key but elegant designs in very light shades.

Some other designers who submitted sketches: Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Badgley Mischka, Monique LHuillier, Marc Jacobs, Tracy Reese, Rodarte, and Betsey Johnson.

While the state of the economy puts a damper on New York Fashion Week, Michelle O's wardrobing and designer choice for the events later this month gives us something to ponder and keep a close watch on.