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Whose Inaugural Dress Design Do You Prefer?

Antonette Carter (2)

Rogerio Martins (3)

Jose Erazo (1)

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Note: This poll is not scientific and reflects the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The results cannot be assumed to represent public opinion.

Poll Opened: December 26, 2008

Poll Closes: January 20, 2009

Obama Designs: You Be The Judge

As soon as the race to the White House was over, you better believe another one got under way - who will create Michelle Obama's inaugural dress. Top designers are clamoring for the chance to dress the soon-to-be first lady for the Jan. 20 White House Inaugural Ball. And whoever she settles on can expect their profile to be catapulted into the style stratosphere – inaugural dresses are put on permanent display in the Smithsonian's First Ladies Collection.

While fashionistas across the country wait to see what style statement the future first lady will make; we asked some students from the International Academy of Design & Technology to play around with the idea of dressing Obama for the big bash. The resulting sketches would make any fashion-forward first lady proud.

Let the gown countdown begin.

(1) Jose Erazo, 17

For Erazo, a Puerto Rico native, said it was Obama's simple, yet elegant manner that inspired his design.

"I wanted her to be noticed, but I wanted her look like a first lady," says Erazo, a student at the academy since January. "I combined her simplicity with a little of my glitziness."

Erazo came up with a turquoise, one-shoulder knit-garbadine gown with a trumpet skirt. It has a key-hole shoulder strap and features a sprinkling of gold beading along the neckline and a sheer chiffon draped on the left shoulder.

"I love details in a dress," says Erazo, who's been sketching designs since he was in the seventh grade. "[Michelle] Obama is tall and elegant. She can wear a dress with a lot of detail, a lot of beading, and a bright color."

(2) Antonette Carter, 20

An inaugural dress doesn't have to be floor-length, says Carter, a Greensboro, North Carolina native.

"I've watched how Michelle Obama speaks; she speaks with authority, and she likes to move around a lot," says Carter, who will graduate from the Academy in 2010. "She should be classy, cute and really comfortable.

With that in mind, Carter created a smoky grey wrap dress made of cotton blend for "a little give." The collar, neckline and bodice are trimmed with large ruffles. A pleated belt cinches the waist.

"It's very simple," said Carter. "But when the lights hits the fabric; it will radiate."

(3) Rogerio Martins, 38

If you're going to be the first lady, you have to go for high-wattage glamour.

"She [Michelle Obama] has to wear a dress that's going to be remembered," says Brazilian-born Martins. "It has to be very feminine, very classy and very spectacular."

Martins looked to the 1930s for inspiration in creating this form-fitting cobalt blue silk jersey gown with a gathered bodice and a rosette adorning the neckline. It has imperial violet on the waistline and a mermaid skirt.

"The 1930s is a very feminine era," says Martins who will graduate from the academy in March. "And her dark skin will look beautiful in this color. She has a strong personality and the color matches her personality. She will be remembered in this dress."

Michelle Obama's Style Sense

The fashion sense of first ladies has long piqued public interest. But not since Jackie O has the country's style-watchers been so excited about the prospects of a first lady fashionista.

Throughout the campaign, fashion experts say, soon-to-be first lady Michelle Obama has earned some high style marks, with only minor misses. Her simple elegant sheath dresses, smart suits and vintage brooches already have won comparisons with the late Jackie O.

What do you think? Were her fashion looks on the campaign trail more fab or drab, and do you see another White House fashion icon in the making?

Submit your comments below.

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