All Aboard

The Obamas are currently traversing their way to Washington, D.C. on board a restored 1930s train cart. One can only imagine the emotions carousing through the carriage as the vehicle speeds towards the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama.
In less than 24 hours, Michelle Obama will join her husband and their two children as the first black family to call The White House home. As popular with the public and press as her charismatic partner, Michelle has enraptured the fashion world with her sharp personal style and strong, powerful beauty and was named one of Vanity Fair's Best Dressed in 2008.

In the shadows of 50 years of Inaugural gowns, Michelle is set to shine. Courted by designers and revered by fashion editors, Mrs. Obama is sure to have had expert advice on hand for her inaugural debut tomorrow. However, Mich need look no further than former first ladies to learn what works.

DO design your own. In 1961, Jackie Kennedy cemented her reputation as a style icon in her own creation: an eye-catching white cape designed and realised with the help of Ethan Frankau.

DO address the economic crisis. In 1977, Rosalynn Carter wore a Mary Matise coat to her husband's inauguration - the same coat she had worn to his earlier gubernatorial inauguration.
DO be G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S. In 1981, Nancy Reagan brought a touch of glamour to the White House with her elegant lace James Galanos dress.
DO support local talent. In 1993, Hilary Clinton supported her hometown by choosing Little Rock designer Sarah Phillips for her inaugural gown.

Whether Michelle chooses to DO any of these, tomorrow will be a memorable day for more than one reason....fashion journalists will no doubt debate how first daughters Malia and Sasha dressed too!