First Lady Inaugural Gown Fashion Competition

Read the Philadelphia Inquirer article about the competition

(Pictured: Kevin Coleman's winning design)

With just a few weeks left in the Fall Quarter, faculty members Karen Karuza and Emil DeJohn challenged Fashion Design students to think ahead to January 2009: Michelle Obama is known for her sense of personal style and self-confidence. What vision would you, an up-and-coming designer, create for our next First Lady at the Inaugural Ball?

31 students submitted fully-illustrated, color sketches of their ideal gown for the First Lady, focusing on spectacular trims, beading and embroidery.

A local panel of judges, headed by fashion boutique owner Joan Shepp, picked the 9 best entries to be sent to New York where Vogue editor-at-large André Leon Talley would choose the winner.

Talley judged the sleek gown designed by Kevin Coleman the best. Maggie Luk's design took 2nd place with Elsa Rodriguez capturing 3rd place.

The students who participated in the competition for the most part tried to create gowns which would reflect Michelle Obama's personality.

Color was the most important consideration in Maggie Luk's blue gown. Kevin Coleman describes his design as "comfortable with an edge" while Brittney Baxter admits she wanted her design to force "everyone to just stand back and watch as she glides across the room."

Philadelphia Inquirer fashion columnist Elizabeth Wellington stopped by The Art Institute of Philadelphia to discuss the contest and the designs with the students for a cover story in the Style and Soul section which can still be read online at philly.com.

Some of the sketches will be on display at Joan Shepp's Walnut Street boutique in celebration of African-American history month in February.