Glam Slam: Belle Of The Ball

Michelle Obama continued to dazzle us with her Capital Couture, this time with her one-shouldered ivory silk chiffon gown, which she wore to the Inaugural Balls last night. Embellished with Swarovski crystals and silver embroidery, it was custom designed and made especially for Michelle by a fairly unknown designer, 26-year-old Taiwanese American Jason Wu.

“I feel like I’m in a dream, still pinching myself,” Jason told us this morning. “I was watching the show like everyone else in America and I was like, I think that’s mine. Oh wait, that’s mine!”

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 2009 Presidential Inauguration Balls

The ethereal gown was so light it seemed to float on air, a departure from Michelle’s more structured signature style. The ivory is a much softer color than the bold hues we have often seen Michelle wearing. I like that she keeps us guessing. Just when we think she will do one thing, she pulls a 180 and surprises us all.

The Inaugural Ball tradition started back in 1809 with First Lady Dolly Madison and became a Washington social institution. Rosalynn Carter committed a major fashion faux pas when she recycled a dress that she had already worn not once… but twice. Nancy Reagan’s Galanos gown was criticized for being “too Hollywood.” Mrs. Reagan was the last First Lady to reveal her arms… until Michelle showed off her toned arms last night.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: 2009 Presidential Inauguration

I think Michelle is right up there with Jackie Kennedy, whose Inaugural Ball gown by Oleg Cassini still looks elegant today - nearly 50 years later.

We’ll be talking about the radiant Michelle and her beautiful Jason Wu gown for decades to come.

For more on Michelle’s Inaugural Ball Style, tune in to Access Hollywood tonight.

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