A Smithsonian Debut
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 11:39 AM 
Images by Mark Wilson / Getty Images
This morning the first lady will donate her fabulous, frothy Jason Wu inaugural gown to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Mrs. O's inaugural gown will be part of a new gallery, "A First Lady's Debut," which will showcase 11 dresses worn by first ladies. Mrs. O will be joined by designer Jason Wu and a group of design students.
Update #1: Today brings us not just one fabulous dress, but two! For the Smithsonian event, Mrs. O wore a dress from another up-and-coming designer, Prabal Gurung, who was recently highlighted on this blog, here. The dress is a black and white brush painted rose silk twill gazar hand draped off-the-shoulder design from Mr. Gurung's Spring 2010 collection. For a more detailed look, see below.
P.S. How fabulous does Marian Robinson look?
Image by Jewel Samad / Getty Images
Update #2: The first lady's full and entirely inspiring remarks:
MRS. OBAMA: Thank you, everyone. Thanks so much.
Well, clearly, it’s a pleasure and an honor to be here with all of you today.
Let me begin by thanking Secretary Clough for that generous introduction. I want to thank him and his wife Anne for their dedication to the mission of the Smithsonian.
And I want to thank our hosts from the National Museum of American History -– Dr. Brent Glass and John Rogers. Thank you for making these museums such wonderful places for people of all ages to learn and to explore.
And I have to also do my part in recognizing our very special guests, the students and the teachers from Huntington High School, who made the trip all the way from New York to be here. You all please stand so we can see you. (Applause.) Now, there’s a special reason why I invited these students here. They sent me this book of beautifully designed inaugural gowns of their own creations, and I had so much fun looking through all the designs. You all are obviously a very talented and beautiful and handsome group of people. And I am so pleased to be able to share this special day with you. You make us proud. And thank you for the gifts.
And, finally, I also want to thank all the board members, the staff, the supporters of these museums, all of you, for the work that you do every day, and for being here and sharing this moment with me, as well.
So, here we are. It’s the dress. (Laughter.) 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. (Laughter.) So, all of this is a little odd, so forgive me.
But, at the same time, I truly recognize the significance of this day. This gown –- and all of the items that we’ll see in this wonderful exhibit –- help us connect with a moment in history in a very real way.
When we look at the gown that Jackie Kennedy wore 50 years ago, or the one that Mary Todd Lincoln wore more than a hundred years before that, it really takes us beyond the history books and the photographs, and it helps us understand that history is really made by real live people.
The detail of each gown –- the fabric, the cut, the color –- tells us something much more about each single First Lady. It’s a visual reminder that we each come from such different backgrounds, from different generations, and from different walks of life.
Each gown places us right in the moment and makes us wonder about the intimate details of that evening, like how did she feel in the dress? Did her feet hurt in those shoes? (Laughter.) How many times did her husband step on that train? (Laughter.) But, more importantly, these gowns and this exhibit uniquely define a moment in our American history.
When I look at my gown –- which I, in fact, have not seen since the day that I took it off –- memories of that moment truly come rushing back. I remember that it was freezing cold in Washington. I know we all remember that. Yet, despite the frigid temperatures, hundreds of thousands of people flooded the Mall. Nothing was going to stop them from being part of history.
That day was so hectic for us. And I remember the inaugural parade and how the President and I stood and we waved until every last band walked by.
Then we only had less than an hour -- ladies, if you can believe that -- (laughter) -- all of my friends left us in the stands, by the way. (Laughter.) “See ya, good luck!” (Laughter.) I was like, “Yeah, thanks.” (Laughter.) “We have to get ready for the ball.” (Laughter.) Like, “Yeah, so do I.” (Laughter.) So at the time I wasn’t really focused on what I was wearing that evening -– I was really just trying to stay warm.
But I’ll never forget the moment that I slipped on this beautiful gown. I remember how just luscious I felt as the President and I were announced onto the stage for the first of many dances. And I’ll cherish that moment for the rest of my life.
And now that the crowds are gone, and the Mall is silent, and our family has settled into our new home, the White house, this gown is one of the most tangible things I have left to remember that day. And that’s why it will always hold a special place in my heart.
And today, when I look at the dress, I remember all of the incredible people that we met along our journey and on that day, and how warmly -- welcome they received us.
I remember the joy on the faces of so many young people who devoted so much time to getting us to that point.
I remember the wonderful letters we received from folks who were there and others who watched the event from home; people who told us about how much that day meant for them and their families -- letters from octogenarians who told us how they never thought they’d live to see the day.
I remember all the men and women who worked so hard and so long to make sure that every single detail was just perfect.
And I remember the time we shared with Americans from every corner of this nation.
And one of the people who made that day possible is the creator of this beautiful gown, Jason Wu, a young man who, not so long ago, was just an aspiring designer like many of you students here. When Jason was just five years old, growing up in Taiwan, his parents would take him to the bridal shops so that he could sketch the gowns in the windows. He started making clothes for dolls when he was 16, and after studying under some of the best designers in the world, he opened his own shop four years ago with the money he had saved.
And Jason’s dress, as you can see -- this gown is a masterpiece. It is simple, it’s elegant, and it comes from this brilliant young mind, someone who is living the American Dream.
The countless hours that you can see that he spent sewing this piece made my night even more special, and now I am proud that millions of visitors will be able to see just how talented this young man is.
Thank you, Jason. Thank you for your vision and for your hard work, because, in the end of the day, today is about much more than this gown. It’s also about how, with enough focus and with enough determination, someone in this room could be the next Jason Wu. Someone in this room could be the next Barack Obama. It’s about how the American story is written by real people –- not just names on a page. And it’s about how something you create today –- whether it’s a dress, or a painting, or a story or a song –- can help teach the next generation in a way that nothing else can.
Thank you all so much. (Applause.)
Update #3: A fabulous behind-the-scenes video from the Smithsonian:
Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung
Reader Comments (71)
Still looks like a chenille bedspread to me.
It's not glamorous, striking or flattering. The dress is bunched at the waist and flattened at the bust. When I saw it first my thought was ugh, this will be in the Smithsonian with all the inaugural gowns.
The dress today is lovely, love the panels and the accents at shoulder & hip & the way the dress fits, perfectly. You can see from the side photo how well it fits without being tight. Shoes, perfect!
What a lovely speech and event.
Jason Wu is a cutie, isn't he?
Mrs. O seems so in touch with the texture of clothes. How they feel on as well as how they make her feel. I just imagine this dress felt so fresh and luxurious and free.
It's a very optimistic dress.
(LOVE the dress she's wearing today.)
I just looked at pics on Getty and Yahoo and the ones of Mrs. Robinson are too cute. She's beaming from ear to ear as any proud mom would. She is a good looking woman and she and Michelle have a fondness for kitten heels and brooches! Look at our fashionable First Granny!
I loved loved loved the dress that the first lady wore to the ball. It was dreamy, floaty, romantic and made her look like a princess that she really is. The belle of the ball. Any other design or colour would have not worked.
I loved loved loved the green inauguration outfit. It was apprpriate, comfortable and something that I would definitely have worn myself.
The dress that she is wearing today is simply stunning and complements the dress on display without it clashing.
Mrs Robinson looks stunning for a woman of her age.
Re the question up the thread about the jewelry, I read that its designer had donated the jewelry, which was apparently loaned to Mrs. O, to the Smithsonian.
Jason Wu also agreed to the gift to the Smithsonian of the gown she wore. Therefore he did not charge her for it.
All of this was reported in news articles at the time.
NYLON THANK YOU I KNEW YOU WOULD FIND THE VIDEO OF OUR FIRST LADY.
Michelle is such an amazing person .She is so gracious and so inspiring. Thank God her mom is alive to see and share what she and her husband have "produced" - an incredible human being.
It is a shame her dad is gone. He would have been extremely proud of her but I know her mom is and it shows . She carries herself well but above all she is so real. I hope I can do the same for my children.
Many of us are just so ...so ...so .. proud of her, words cannot describe it enough.
God bless Michelle, God bless the president and God bless America!!!.
Michelle if you ever read this website I do design some beautiful necklaces . I have one specially made for you .Lots of love , hugs and kisses.
I'm not sure if I would have liked the gown on anyone else but... I can still remember watching the Neighborhood Ball that night when our President and the First Lady stepped onto that stage. It truly reminded me of a Fairytale but this one was true... thank God! I absolutely adored the gown because she looked so beautiful in it!
I really enjoyed reading Mrs. O's speech from this event. One part that really stood out to me was "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."
Even at an event like this, Mrs. O is still so genuine and sincere. This is what makes her so inspiring to me and many others!
She looks stunning. What a beautiful dress. And Jason Wu must be so thrilled to have his dress in a museum! He's a part of history. That is huge. And..."coo coo ka choo Mrs. Robinson!" :)
That Smithsonian video of the exhibit is a fascinating addition to this post.
Thanks so much for all you do for us, Mrs. T. You're a doll!
Thanks Mrs. T for providing that Youtube video. It was delightful, I just swooned looking at those FLOTUS gowns. You can see not only their style but also their personalities in each garment, as well as what the world was like at that particular time. Most enjoyable!
There may have been a deliberate choice with this particular Gurung dress.....I saw a video on a news channel that showed a brief shot of the FLOTUS standing next to the Inaugural gown before it was encased in glass. The wider left shoulder strap on the Gurung dress almost exactly bookended the wide right shoulder strap of the inaugural ballgown. It almost looked like a down the middle split between her and the dress, while still managing to highlight the sharp contrast between formality and fun in fashion.
Really enjoyed reading the transcript of the speech. It was so true, sincere and heart warming.
About the dress... I remember all the anticipation leading up to inauguration on what the first lady would wear.I even felt sorry for her. Then that evening arrived. I recall seeing Mrs. O on my TV screen when she walked out in her inaugural gown and feeling disappointed. There was so much hype building up to the moment and I recall seeing all the options that the designers sent her.. I didn't like that gown and it wasnt very flattering , but I think that it would look good as a piece of history in the Smithsonian. Uh... I wish she didn't have to give up her jewellery too. I really love those diamond bangles and I know she did too.
Truly an inspiring and lovely speech for this occasion.
dasie that's me minus the "L", but I don't mind.
CMB, you're welcome!!!
UNFORGETTABLE, magical flow. Eye feasting, soft draping, like a waterfall of dreams
come true, and the detailed clusters gives a feeling of things achieved and so much more to come. I adore this dress. It captivates the senses, with enamouring beauty.
Her dress stole the show with grace and sophistication. Like an after dress on an amazing
and historical day, Prince Charming and his Princess on their new journey with a touch of romance.
Congratulations to Jason Wu. He’s an inspiration to fashion designers to dream “Big”.......
dreams do come true. Congrats to Prabal Gurung his wish has been granted. Looking forward to seeing Mrs. O wearing those artistic designs.
What is with the hem of the dress Mrs. Obama is wearing. Is that a slip showing or part of the dress? Either way, not becoming. Detracts from overall look.
Oh my goodness, what a treat! Beautiful inaugural gown AND handpainted shift dress. That Gurung dress is outrageously pretty and stylish. I hope we see more of that designer.
And Mrs Robinson is, pardon me, no slouch! She looks amazing today.
I don't know if someone else already posted this (and apologies if they have) but you can see some of Mrs O's speech on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q00JaFcyvM4
The designer Prabral Gurung has really OUT DONE himself with this dress! The hand-painted rose gradation complements the softness of the fabric. WOW!!! So beautiful on Mrs. Obama!
To me, the Asian designers really know how to work with fabric by adding folds, tufts, gatherings and layerings with in a bodice, neckline, hem or just about wherever it is not the norm, like none other designers that I've seen before. They interchange the neckline, shoulder-straps, bodices, and sleeves of blouses/shirts, dresses and coats by incorporating them with various contrasting widths and lengths, creating an odd, yet acceptable visual. SO CREATIVE!!!!!!
Great speech. Humble, funny and appreciative of the moment. I loved the gown and I am very hopeful we will see her in another one.