If you saw coverage of last night's Inaugural Ball, I'm sure you noticed the stunning gown worn by the super-stylish Michelle Obama. The gown was designed by 26 year old Parsons graduate Jason Wu. Commissioned last year, Wu's only instruction was it "needed to sparkle". The new First Lady, who is being referred to as "the new Jackie O" looked stunning in the one-shoulder white chiffon number covered in Swarovski crystals. Apparently, the designer fronted the money for the gown himself and says he plans to donate the garment to the Smithsonian, and that it will never be re-created in any collection, in order to preserve the uniqueness of the piece. I have to applaud Michelle for reaching out to young, relatively unknown designers. The First Lady's inaugural day ensemble was also designed by a relative-unknown, Isabel Toledo, a Cuban-born designer who attended my alma mater, the Fashion Institute of Technology. With all of America watching - and copying - what she wears, she has the power to launch careers. Could this be part of her husband's plan to create jobs? OK, probably not, but I'm sure the designers who will now be selling the clothes she wears like hotcakes will feel an economic boost.
Isabel Toledo ensemble, J Crew gloves.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment