Michelle Obama's Inaugural Gown, 2009

Gift of Jason Wu in honor of First Lady Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama wore this one-shouldered white silk chiffon gown embellished with organza flowers with Swarovski crystal centers to the 2009 inaugural balls. It was designed by Jason Wu. No details of the dress were released before the balls and Wu did not know that Mrs. Obama had selected his design, which he intended to symbolize hope, until he saw it on television. With the gown, Mrs. Obama wore shoes by Jimmy Choo and diamond earrings, bracelets and a ring designed for her by Loree Rodkin.

Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History