Michelle Obama: Inaugural outfit displayed in New York exhibit

Michelle Obama: Inaugural outfit displayed in New York exhibit

The ensemble worn by Michelle Obama on Inauguration Day has been displayed on Wednesday, thereby allowing the public a first close-up look at the design that helped the first lady to earn praise for her fashion sense.

The sheath dress and matching coat appear in a retrospective of designs by Cuban-born Isabel Toledo, who organized her first show in the year 1985 . However she was largely unknown outside the fashion world till Mrs Obama wore the outfit on January 20, 2009.

"This is now one of the most famous dresses in the world," added Valerie Steele, chief curator at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, which is hosting the exhibit. Steele also said, "It's become a piece of history."

Steele continued, "Even people who have little or no interest in fashion will be really interested to see this”.

First lady Michelle Obama has won acclaim for her fashion style, specially for mixing high-and low-end pieces and choosing less known designers over industry stalwarts.

Even her choice of colors -- the Toledo dress is a muted yellow "lemongrass" -- is distinctive compared with most first ladies who largely wore red and blue, experts note.

"She's been able to balance a very precarious thing," said Patricia Mears, the FIT museum's deputy director. "On the one hand she has to look like a first lady. You've got to have a conservative but also powerful presence. At the same time I think she has very much understood she is a pioneer."

The influence of Michelle Obamawas noted at the annual awards festivities that was held on Monday by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, which gave her a special tribute.

"Her meteoric rise in the world of fashion has echoed her husband in the world of politics," added Diane von Furstenberg, the council's president.

Michelle Obama, by means of a taped message, said, "On behalf of women everywhere, I want to thank you for making fashion liberating, inspiring, but most of all, fun."

The Toledo ensemble is on loan for the exhibit and is slated to become part of the permanent collection at the Smithsonian. Obama matched the outfit with shoes by Jimmy Choo, a pricey line, and gloves by the more affordable J.Crew.

Mears added, "It proves good design can be had at all price points,"  "She can still look chic, but so can everybody else. I think it's a wonderful statement to make."

Toledo said her design being chosen by the first lady was the thrill of a lifetime.

She added, "You don't have to be a big corporation in America,""Here I am. It's the American dream."