mobama watch

Michelle Obama Wore Prabal Gurung to Meet Jason Wu

Jason Wu met Michelle Obama for the first time today when she officially handed her inaugural gown over to the Smithsonian for their First Ladies exhibit. Wu, now 28, was gracious as ever, and thanked Michelle for “letting my story become a small part of the events” of Barack Obama’s historic inauguration. Michelle, who enjoys a good public romp with a hoe and shovel in the garden, felt a little awkward about the whole thing:


“And I have to say, to be honest, I am very honored and very humbled, but I have to say that I’m also a little embarrassed by all the fuss being made over my dress. Like many of you, I’m not used to people wanting to put things I’ve worn on display. So, all of this is a little odd, so forgive me.”

But did the event prove what Michelle has been saying about her style all along — that she’s not really a fashion person?

If she were, she might have chosen to wear something by Wu for the occasion, instead of a spring 2010 dress by Prabal Gurung. That’s what fashion people like to do — wear something by the designer they’re hanging out with, to be supportive and also to show the world they can. However, this is great publicity for Gurung, an up-and-comer himself, and a savvy choice by Michelle (and her unofficial stylist Ikram Goldman).

And it must be noted that Michelle wore a dress by Lanvin (see it here) to celebrate International Women’s Day in the White House yesterday. So as much as she sort of fights it, maybe she is a fashion person as much as a gardener, and should just publicly embrace it.

The Michelle Obama Look Book 2010
Michelle Obama’s inaugural gown goes to Smithsonian — Jason Wu too [LAT]
Michelle Obama Donates “Masterpiece” Inaugural Gown to the Smithsonian [StyleWatch/People]

Michelle Obama Wore Prabal Gurung to Meet Jason Wu