DRESS DESIGNER: `CAN'T BELIEVE IT'

(AP) DRESS DESIGNER: `CAN’T BELIEVE IT’
By The Associated Press
AP Fashion Writer Samatha Critchell has just filed this dispatch about The Dress:

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Michelle Obama made it a fashion tradition tonight, wearing a custom-made Jason Wu gown to the inauguration balls. The ruby-colored dress was a follow-up to the white gown Wu made for her four years ago when she was new to Washington, the pomp and circumstance and the fashion press.

She now emerged in velvet and chiffon as a bona fide trendsetter.

“I can’t believe it. It’s crazy,” says Wu, reached at his Manhattan studio. “To have done it once was already the experience of my life. To have a second time is tremendous.”

The red halter dress was the only one Wu, who went from fashion insider to household name on this night in 2009, submitted for Mrs. Obama’s consideration. He collaborated with jeweler Kimberly McDonald on the jeweled neckline. “For this occasion,” says Wu, “it had to be real diamonds.”

_ Samantha Critchell _ Twitter http://twitter.com/Sam_Critchell

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Inauguration Watch follows the events of President Barack Obama’s second inaugural. Look for short items and photos throughout the day.