National Design Awards

On Friday, the First Lady hosted a luncheon in honor of the winners of the 2013 National Design Awards, which are organized by the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. For more on the 2013 winners, click here.

Above, Mrs. O poses for a photo with the National Student Poets award winners in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House.

Per the Wall Street Journal, Mrs. O wore a "sleeveless dress in autumnal burgundy and blackberry tones by New York designer Reed Krakoff."

"Michelle Obama Hosts Lunch For Fashion Stars" [Wall Street Journal]

A Return to Vogue

Photos via Vogue.com

As had been speculated, Mrs. O is on the cover of Vogue for April 2013, out on newstands in less than two weeks. Per Robin Givhan of the Washington Post, "She’s wardrobed from her own closet in a Reed Krakoff sheath in cerulean blue with a flourish of purple at the neckline." Vogue reveals that Mrs. O paired the dress Kimberly McDonald geode-and-diamond drop earrings. In a new photo on the magazine's website, the First Lady can also be seen wearing a stunning Michael Kors sweater and ball skirt.

In the interview, the First Lady describes her relationship to fashion as follows:

“I always say that women should wear whatever makes them feel good about themselves. That’s what I always try to do. . . . I also believe that if you’re comfortable in your clothes it’s easy to connect with people and make them feel comfortable as well. In every interaction that I have with people, I always want to show them my most authentic self.”

As many will recall, the First Lady also appeared on the March 2009 cover of Vogue, seen here.

For further reading:

"Leading by Example: First Lady Michelle Obama" [Vogue]

"Michelle Obama returns to Vogue as first lady who's melded style, influence" [Washington Post]

Bonus: "Michelle Obama's Best Looks" [Vogue]

A Moment in History

On this very special day, the clothes are certainly more than just garments - they are an instant part of our social history. In 2009, Mrs. O wore an Isabel Toledo ensemble in a sunny lemongrass color that signaled newfound optimism. In 2012, the first lady's choice is symbolic in a different sense. Designed by Thom Browne, the 2012 recipient of the National Design Award in Fashion Design, this choice seems to honor the craft and artistry of fashion as a whole.

Per the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum: "Thom Browne’s meticulous aesthetic is rooted in an American sensibility evocative of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Browne opened his doors in the fall of 2001, offering bespoke tailored clothing; he introduced ready-to-wear menswear in 2004 and womenswear in 2010."

From a White House official via the pool report: "The First Lady is wearing a navy Thom Browne coat and dress. The fabric was developed based on the style of man's silk tie. The belt and gloves she is wearing are from J.Crew and her earrings are designed by Cathy Waterman. She is also wearing Reed Krakoff boots. At the end of the Inaugural festivities, the outfit and accompanying accessories will go to the National Archives."

Update: Dr. Biden wears a Lela Rose silk bow coat per Eric Wilson of the New York Times.

Mrs. O in Reed Krakoff

President Obama took the official oath of office today, with Mrs. O right by his side! Of note, the bible used for the oath of office belonged to Mrs. Obama's grandparents.

Per the pool report, a White House official has indicated that the first lady is wearing a dark blue dress by Reed Krakoff. Krakoff has been the creative director at Coach since 1996 and launched his own eponymous line in 2010. To see Mrs. O's previous selections from the designer, click here.

Mrs. O Does Push-Ups

For those who missed Ellen on Thursday, this video is a must-watch. Mrs. O and Ellen do push-ups ... and a lot of them! On the fashion front: a Duro Olowu top and Reed Krakoff blazer, both worn previously by the first lady.