Designer
While the world is speculating about who will dress the nation’s first lady-to be Michelle Obama, internationally recognized fashion designer b. michael has already been tapped to provide day and evening wear for Washington, D.C.’s first lady Michelle Fenty and inaugural poet Elizabeth Alexander.
The couturier says he is excited to be a part of the 56th inaugural ceremony. “I was at home on a holiday weekend and I got the call from a friend that we [michael and Alexander] share, and it went from there. This will be our coming together,” shares michael.
The designer recently met Alexander, whom he describes as having a “wonderful, beautiful spirit.” Since the meeting, michael says that that he feels “compelled and honored” to be working with her.
“It’s a great time to be alive … I am sure that we will have experiences many times over when we elect presidents of color, but this is the first time, and we will get to experience a moment in history that will be read about 100 years from now. I think this is going to be an incredible, moving day for America and worldwide,” he says.
The distinguished designer and member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, wouldn’t reveal his plans for Alexander or Fenty’s inaugural celebration designs. However, his fashions, which have been featured in several prestigious fashion magazines, are innovative.
This past September, michael showcased a fiercely fabulous collection during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York. His past muses include actress Lynn Whitfield, New York socialite and author Susan Fales Hill, and Hollywood film producer Debra Martin Chase. His ready-to-wear and couture collection can be purchased at select Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor stores.
–yvette caslin
