Jason Wu's Sparkling White Inaugural Ball Gown for First Lady, Michelle Obama Evokes Youth, Freshness & Vitality

At the Neighborhood Ball this evening in Washington's Convention Center, President Barack Obama, asked: "First of all, how good-looking is my wife?"

First Lady, Michelle Obama's white chiffon one-shoulder Inaugural Ball Gown was created by young fashion designer, Jason Wu. The full-skirted dress features a ruched bodice and is embellished with Swarovski crystals and fabric petals.

Jason Wu, 26, was born in Taiwan and studied at Parsons in New York.
Wu told CNN:

"It's about hope. It's about newness. It's all a little dream-like.
I wanted it (the gown) to have a dreamlike quality."

Wu continued:

"I think Michelle is statuesque. She's beautiful.
I wanted to design a gown that would highlight her best features.
I see her as a powerful, energetic woman."

"It's soft, feminine, but powerful;
I wanted to convey all that in a dress.
I wanted it to look like a sign of hope.''

Wu said he didn't find out until Tuesday that Mrs. Obama had chosen his dress for the evening. "I wasn't given any hints," Wu told CNN, "It's a dream come true."

Mrs. Obama's gown will be donated to the Smithsonian and will be displayed alongside the Inaugural Ball Gowns of the preceding First Ladies.

The Wall Street Journal reports Wu's evening wear sells for $3,000 to $6,000.

Mrs. Obama's jewelry was loaned by designer Loree Rodkin. Earrings about $14,000; bangles about $1000 each, and ring around $6,000.

Simple white satin peep toes with a diamante buckle and kitten heel, about $940 custom-made by Jimmy Choo, completed her evening ensemble.

President Obama was attired in a custom tuxedo made by Chicago-based designer Hart Schaffner Marx. The brand's suits typically retail at Nordstrom for about $895.

After Tuesday's glitz and glamour, it's down to business bright and early tomorrow morning at the White House.

First Lady Michelle Obama Goes For The Gold On Inauguration Day !

Michelle Obama has been widely compared to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Well, Washington D. C., there's a new Mrs. "O" in town, and her style is classic, timeless and fabulous!

While the fashion world was buzzing with speculation that Mrs. Obama's Inauguration Day attire would include her signature sheath and pearls, our new First Lady chose instead to dazzle the nation with sparkle.

Yes, the sheath appeared, but barely recognizable in it's former form. The First Lady's sunny gold brocade coat and dress with bejeweled neckline by designer Isabel Toledo, was fashion forward, yet appropriately regal.

Mrs. Obama's ensemble was paired with classic, green Jimmy Choo 'Glacier' pumps.
The First Lady's only other Inaugural Day ornamentation consisted of a substantial pair of glittering diamond stud earrings, and a dazzling smile!

The Daily News has reported that "a spring version of the dress -- which will retail for around $1,500 - will hit Barney's in March."

Her Jimmy Choo pumps retail for $695.00. The First Lady's olive green leather gloves from J. Crew originally retailed for $130.00. As of early this afternoon, they are sold out.