First Lady Michelle Obama Donates Inaugural Gown to Smithsonian Institution

March 9, 2010— -- Michelle Obama's inaugural gown took its place alongside the dresses of Eleanor Roosevelt, Mary Todd Lincoln, Jacqueline Kennedy, Nancy Reagan and many other first ladies in the Smithsonian Institution today. Mrs. Obama was on hand at the Smithsonian Museum of American History to donate her gown to a collection that now includes items from 24 presidents' wives.

Calling the golden, beaded ball gown "one of the most tangible things I have left to remember that day," Mrs. Obama said she was still "embarrassed over the fuss" being made over her dress.

"I'll never forget the moment that I slipped on this beautiful gown," she said. "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."

Mrs. Obama's gown was designed by 27-year-old Jason Wu, a first-generation American who immigrated from Taiwan. Wu began sketching wedding gowns at age 5, went on to work around the world and opened his own store just four years ago.

"What an honor," Wu said to the first lady. "Thank you for having the courage and vision to choose a gown made by a young designer who didn't fit the traditional mold. Thank you for reminding us all that in this country, nothing is impossible."

Michelle Obama's fashion choices are deliberate and a powerful means of communication, said Kate Betts, a contributing editor at TIME magazine and author of the forthcoming book, "Michelle Obama: The Power of Style."

"Michelle Obama comes to the White House like Jackie Kennedy, with a fluency in style and fashion. She really loves fashion. She's not afraid of it," Betts said.

"In the beginning of the administration, she really spoke a lot through her clothing," she said, adding that unlike first ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush, who dressed for the role of first lady, Michelle Obama was first-and-foremost "dressing for herself."

Mrs. Obama's gown joins a collection of dresses that spans the history of the country, everything from Eleanor Roosevelt's modest crepe gown with minimal trim to Barbara Bush's signature royal blue with pearls. Every gown has a unique message.

"Each dress stands alone in time," Betts said. "It's not like they're related or you can see an evolution or a connection between each dress. [...] It's a fascinating mix of public symbol and personal story."