Designing for Michelle Obama

The Obama family has already saved one person from the recession: Michelle's inaugural gown designer, 26-year-old Jason Wu. Like the rest of America, Wu had no idea which design Michelle had chosen until he saw it on his living room TV. "I know I am an unusual choice for a first lady," he told The New York Times. "I didn't think it was my turn yet." Fashion insiders have been raving about the Taipei-born Wu since he launched his label in 2006. Wu designed three dresses: The one we saw, which was his initial design, plus two colorful ones. "The only protocol, to quote [Michelle fashion adviser] Ikram, was that 'It has to sparkle,' " he said.