Though surely Mrs. O’s dress for the Inaugural Ball will remain a secret until its debut, we can at least begin to pull together an informed short list.

Per NY Mag, both Diane von Furstenberg and Thakoon have submitted designs. Though Thakoon didn’t exactly confirm, we can read between the lines with great delight.

Last night at the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund award dinner Diane Von Furstenberg told us she has submitted sketches for Michelle Obama’s inaugural ball gown. “Well, they asked me to. Of course, everybody has,” she said. Thakoon Panichgul, one of Michelle’s favorite designers, tried to remain elusive when we asked if he’d submitted sketches. “Um … we’ll see what happens,” he said with a devilish smirk.

What other designers should make the list? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Also to note, a few budding designers have contacted us to share their designs for Mrs. O. Notably Tonya Tate, who’s begun a one woman campaign to dress the future First Lady. We’re certain Mrs. O would be touched to know she’s inspiring such creative expression. For those budding designers out there - we’d love you to link to your designs in our comments section.

On a final DVF note, CNN has just debuted a new program “Revealed: Diane von Furstenberg”, which goes behind the scenes of DVF’s New York City office to see what it takes to put on a fashion show in Florence - the designer’s first in Europe. The segment premiered last night, but future airdates can be found here.

For a sneak peek:

Photo used with kind permission from photographer Rusty Martin

We’ve been eager to feature this photo from the second we came across it. Taken in May 2007, Mrs. O visits with the Meyers of western Iowa in a neighborhood backyard. Though endearing on many levels, we were instantly struck by Mrs. O’s ensemble. The deep peach hue of Mrs. O’s silk top, softly folded at the neckline, catches the light and jumps from the page.

Though we most often think of Maria Pinto with respect to dresses for Mrs. O, the designer recently told WWD: “Michelle has [also] worn suits, blouses and skirts, depending on when you catch her,” which may indeed apply to the blouse pictured here. The color, fabric and shape are reminiscent of pieces from Pinto’s Spring 2008 collection, though timing wise, this blouse would have come earlier.

A lovely photo in its own right, it also brought to mind an iconic image from an earlier era. In March of 1962, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy traveled to India with her younger sister Lee Radziwell. Taking a cruise of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Mrs. Kennedy wore an Oleg Cassini dress in a brilliant apricot silk.

Image used with kind permission from the Kennedy Library / Public Domain

“She must have studied terribly carefully. Every dress she wears becomes a marvelous spot of color. The pale apricot silk she wore for the boat ride on Lake Pichola was wonderful against these pink-tinged castles in the water,” an admiring journalist told Joan Braden for the Saturday Evening Post.

Though of course not identical, the similarity of color and the role it plays in each photograph - attracting both light and the eye, and springing forth from the page - make these images feel cut from the same cloth (figuratively speaking, of course). And in contrast, that one is set in Iowa and the other India, only adds to the charm.

Illustration by fabulous young designer Kaitlin Campitelli

In a recent interview with WWD, Maria Pinto clued us in on a future Mrs. O ensemble: “a lean black cashmere number with a cascade effect in back” purchased from the designer’s Chicago boutique a few months ago.

We so enjoyed Miss Kaitlin’s last illustration for us, we asked if she would do another. With only a loose description to work from, we love the thoughtful and inspired interpretation above - sleek, classic and the perfect canvas for a signature Mrs. O brooch. The only question that remains: when and where will Mrs. O debut it?

Photo used with kind permission from The Chicago Tribune; All rights retained

There’s been heated debate in the last two weeks over what the lovely Mrs. O should wear to the Inaugural Ball in January and rightly so - we can’t wait to see what she chooses. But before she goes to the ball, there’s the Inauguration ceremony itself to consider. Currently the hottest ticket in town, with demand for tickets vastly outstripping supply, it’s a moment that will live in the history books forever.

It’s also a tough one to dress for. The average temperature in D.C. in January? Highs of just 42 degrees and lows of 27 - in other words, it’s going to be chilly out there. As anyone who’s ever been to a winter wedding knows, dressing for formal events in the cold is tricky - as well as a great outfit, you need a killer coat to top it all off. So, with the eyes of the world upon her, where should Mrs. O turn for a winter warmer with style credentials?

We know Mrs. O has often turned to Narciso Rodriguez at key moments - not least for her controversial Election Night dress. We adore this beautifully cut coat in Mrs. O’s favorite purple color but we wonder, is the bustle detail a touch too fashion-forward for the occasion?

Thakoon Panichgul could also be a contender with this classic tweed number from his Fall Winter collection. Mrs. O was spotted wearing a jacket in the same fabric on the campaign trail back in October so it should be well within her fashion comfort zone.

Looking beyond Mrs. O’s immediate favorites, other designers have some gems she might consider. Ralph Lauren’s Fall collection featured some great overcoats in the rich jewel colors that Mrs. O rocks so well, while Donna Karan showed classic cuts embellished with hints of sparkle or feathers. We particularly love Look 31, the “tinsel tweed” coat.

So what will Mrs. O choose to ward of the winter wind while building her ever-growing reputation as an international style leader? Whatever she chooses, we’re sure it will be a lesson in how to stay bundled, warm and utmost fashionable.

Photo used with kind permission from Stephanie Himel-Nelson of LightHearted Photography

We tend to focus on Mrs. O’s sartorial pursuits, not because we don’t love shoes, rather, it’s just more difficult to find a good shoe shot. We were thrilled to come across this beauty and thought it deserved a feature. The photograph was taken August 6, 2008 at a roundtable event with military spouses in Norfolk, VA.

Paired with black leggings, Mrs. O wears a pair of black patent leather, square toe ballet flats from Lanvin. The tapered square toe seems to take inspiration from traditional ballet pointe shoes. And though difficult to gauge from this image, we believe this pair may also have a subtle wedge at the heel.

Favored by celebrities like Kate Bosworth and Katie Holmes, Lanvin flats are coveted for their comfort and of-the-moment colors and textures. And at more than $500 per pair, they are a definite investment shoe. Of note, this pair does not appear to be from the current season, which means Mrs. O has likely re-worn them from year to year.

We were able to track down a similar pair at one of our old haunts, The Closet, a fantastic consignment shop on Newbury St. in Boston. If you’re ever in Boston, it’s absolutely worth a pop in: 175 Newbury Street between Dartmouth and Exeter Streets.

Photo from The Closet Boston

Photos from Flickr photographers Ammar Abd Rabbo and Wa-J respectively// Creative Commons

Not since the days of Camelot has political power dressing so consumed the fashion press. Perhaps because for the first time in history the world has not one fashionista First Lady in place, but two. We all know that Mrs. O is well on her way to icon status, but in Madame Sarkozy of France, aka Carla Bruni, has she met her match?

The two first ladies have much in common in the style stakes - a penchant for purple, a taste for flats-so we asked ourselves: who wears it best?

Both women favor regal shades of violet and indigo and both wear them beautifully. We love Ms. Bruni’s exquisite Hermes evening gown, but Mrs. O’s purple Maria Pinto shift was one of the defining fashion moments of recent times. This round surely then belongs to Mrs. O?

We’ve spotted both ladies out and about in remarkably similar pearl-grey coat dresses. A brave, fashion forward choice, but perhaps in this case Carla pulls it off with a little more ease. By keeping things minimal she lets the strong, clean lines of the dress cut through.

Mrs. O added a fresh, relaxed feel to her campaign wardrobe with this floral Moschino shirt dress back in August. Carla kept her cool on a trip to Israel in a more tailored, golden brown option. Both skillfully balance ease and elegance but on balance, we prefer Michelle’s softer look and simpler accessories.

Finally, at 5’11” and 5’9” respectively both Mrs. O and Madame Sarkozy favor a flat. We’ve seen Carla in ballet flats, loafers and gladiators but the shoes of the political season are undoubtedly Mrs. O’s signature silver ballet flats, adding a touch of sparkle to the simplest look. We couldn’t possibly allow them to go unrewarded.

So by today’s reckoning, in our opinion Mrs. O wins by a nose, but who will be crowned the ultimate First Lady of Fashion? Only time will tell. In a recent interview however, Madame Sarkozy confessed that she “can’t wait” to meet Mrs. O - now that’s a fashion moment we’re longing to see.

In their first post-election interview, Steve Kroft of 60 Minutes sits down with president-elect Mr. and Mrs. O. 7:00PM ET tonight on CBS.

Update: Luxaholics raises a good question: does anyone recognize Mrs. O’s deep purple tweed ensemble? We’ve done a bit of research and talked to our contacts, but haven’t had much luck thus far. The group effort has been successful in the past; let’s try to crack this one together.

The Chicago Tribune has come to rescue:
“Purple and Pinto prove a winning pair yet again for Michelle Obama. On 60 Minutes Sunday, Obama wore the ‘Eme’ top and ‘Rani’ skirt in an iris color, designed by Chicago’s Maria Pinto. The ensemble is from Pinto’s spring collection, but rendered in tweed for Obama, a loyal Pinto client. The sleeveless element was retained from the original design.”

Image used with kind permission from Flickr user badbilladams9

As comparisons between Mrs. O and Carla Bruni Sarkozy heat up, Mrs. O was profiled in French publication Paris Match this week. What’s most notable is the absolutely stunning photograph of Mrs. O featured in the article, taken by photographer Annie Leibovitz.

We’re almost certain the photograph is from the same Annie Leibovitz photo shoot with Mrs. O for a Vogue feature in September 2007. Mrs. O’s styling and accessories are identical.

Since we were on the subject of up-dos yesterday, here is yet another example where Mrs. O looks modern and elegant with her hair pulled up.

On the photoshoot, Ingrid Grimes, Mrs. O’s hand-picked makeup woman commented, “Her natural style is classic and elegant. She doesn’t like a lot of fuss.”

Revisiting the Vogue feature, we were also struck that two designer names were mentioned that we don’t often (if ever) hear in relation to Mrs. O’s style: “On the rare occassion she finds a moment to shop, she says, she is drawn to Giorgio Armani or MaxMara for suits.”

Finally, you, like us, may be wondering who designed the lovely dress Mrs. O wears in the photograph. Based on the signature cut-out at the side, we believe it’s very likely Narciso Rodriguez. Update: Click here to see the dress on the runway from Narciso Rodriguez’s Fall 2007 RTW collection.

“…all the things that women are interested in.”

Photo by Flickr user Mike Baird // Creative Commons

After a week of non-stop coverage on Mrs. O’s election night dress, all eyes now look forward. What style influence will Mrs. O have as first lady? And of greatest interest, what and who will she wear for the Inaugural Ball?

Slate Magazine offers “Fashion Advice for Michelle Obama” (and calls us an “obsessive new blog dedicated to her sartorial choices”). A great read and love note to Mrs. O’s style. Our only point of contention is the warning about up-dos. We’ve never seen a Mrs. O up-do we didn’t love. Evidence above.

In an interview with Maria Pinto, WWD uncovers information about a not yet worn Mrs. O ensemble: ”Obama has at least one more [Maria] Pinto design she has yet to wear publicly, a lean black cashmere number with a ‘cascade effect’ in back.” On what she’d like to see Mrs. O wear for the Inaugural Ball, Pinto says: “I see her sleek but with more froth. It’s right for the moment. I don’t see her in a big, poofy ball skirt.” (Thanks for pointing us to this one Audrey.)

Forbes joins the Inaugural Ball speculation with “Ten Inaugural Gowns Fit For Michelle Obama”. A fun read, though they’ve missed a few obvious contenders in their slide show.

Donna Karan talks of designing for Mrs. O in U.K. magazine Grazia: “She has so much of her own style, I would love to dress her. It’s not about her clothes, it’s really about who she is, and her passion for her children, culture and wellness. I’m hoping to get to work with them - it would be my dream.”

From Mrs. O’s hometown, the Chicago Tribune declares: ”Michelle Obama emerges as an American fashion icon”. In the article, Tim Long, Curator of Costumes at the Chicago History Museum, says this of Mrs. O: ”As we learn about how much interest she has in fashion, it will be one other thing that shows a complete picture of these two people, who are sophisticated in many ways.”

Update: Let’s add Jezebel’s latest post “Michelle Obama in Vogue: What Should She Wear?” to the list. (Thanks Lisa for sending us the link.) This post follows much speculation that Vogue has approached Mrs. O to grace its cover. And Jezebel’s sartorial suggestions are spot-on - this purple embellished number in particular.