Top 5 Designers Worn by Michelle Obama

Not since Jacqueline Kennedy have we had a First Lady who has so thoroughly captivated the attention of the fashion world. From her amazing crystal-studded gowns to her beautiful, casual wrap dresses, Michelle Obama never fails to look amazing in any photo. Her style advisor during the Obama administration has been Ikram Goldman of Ikram Boutique in Chicago. All of her inaugural styles were specially ordered through the boutique, which showcases fashions from the American, European, and Japanese fashion worlds. But it’s her day-to-day fashion, the pictures we see when Michelle looks so gracefully polished while simply out meeting citizens, that have us captured. Here are the top five designers that have graced the First Lady’s closet:

1. Maria Pinto

Maria Pinto is a Chicago-based designer who provided most of the perfectly tailored sheath dresses that Michelle wore on the campaign trail before Barack Obama became president. In fact, the night that the Obamas found out that Barack was the new President of the United States, Michelle was wearing a purple Maria Pinto sheath.

Maria Pinto started as an assistant to Geoffrey Beene, and later debuted an accessories collection at Bergdorf Goodman. After a total label reboot in 2004, she drew the attention of Michelle Obama as well as other names, and sells her pieces through high-end stores like Barney’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Takashimaya.

2. Jason Wu

The famous one-shoulder, ivory gown that the First Lady wore at the inauguration ball was designed by Jason Wu, who covered the gown in Swarovski crystals and organza appliques. At the 2013 ball, she wore a red velvet and chiffon Wu. She’s also worn his work elsewhere; her Barbara Walters interview included a silk dress with embroidered rosettes by Wu, and her first cover on Vogue was in a magenta Jason Wu silk sheath. She’s also been seen in a Wu coat when she and Barack visited the Queen of England, as well as a teal dress by Wu during her visit to the Royal Opera House.

Jason Wu is a New-York based designer from Taiwan, whose clients have also included January Jones, Amber Valletta, RuPaul, and Ivana Trump. As of 2013, he oversaw the womenswear branch of Hugo Boss.

3. Narcisco Rodriguez

One of the most well-known images of Michelle Obama is from election night, 2008: Her red and black dress caused a polarizing debate among critics: some loved the bold style, while others found the criss-crossing belt in the middle to be a total fashion faux-pas. Whatever your stance, there is no denying that this dress, designed by Narcisco Rodriguez, drew attention.

This Cuban-American designer also provided the First Lady with her camel and black suit that appeased far more viewers with its classy color and cut.

These three designers have made their mark on the fashion of First Ladies to come. Two more names that rounded out Michelle’s gorgeous array of fashionable choices include: