JASON WU had no idea that Michelle Obama was planning on wearing one of his designs for the presidential commander-in-chief inauguration ball at the Washington Convention Centre.The US First Lady has long been a fan of the New York-based designer, having stepped out in his dresses on numerous occasions - most notably at Barack Obama's first inauguration in 2008, a move that helped Wu become an internationally known fashion name.
"Mrs Obama likes to keep her secrets," Wu told WWD."She surprised me again.She's really good at it.I was so nervous.You'd think I wouldn't be since I'd experienced it before but I really was."
The custom made dress features a white gold ring at the collarbone, which is embellished with pave diamonds.Wu said that the vibrant red colour of the gown had been a well-considered decision.
"Like last time, I had to go with my gut," he said."I instinctively had to think of the woman in the dress.After four years in office, I thought the country was ready to see a confident First Lady in red.It just felt right."
The designer discovered that the First Lady had opted for his dress while at his studio with his 30 staffers.The floor-length style will be donated to the National Archives.
"I was just elated.It's hard to describe," he said.
Earlier on in the day, Obama wore a bespoke Thom Browne jacquard coat to the National Prayer Service - a moment the designer described as "one of the most humbling moments of my career".
"It is such another level [trying] to get something perfect so that she feels really great, comfortable, confident and fashionable," Browne said."She is such an amazingly strong woman who looks good in everything she wears."
Read more:Style File - Michelle Obama
Read more:Inauguration of President Barack Obama