According to the Today show this morning, Michelle Obama still has no idea what she is going to wear either to the inaugural ceremony or the balls. Instead, she’ll decide tomorrow morning–waiting until the last minute, as so many of us do. Unlike many of us, I’m sure she has a roomful of delicious dresses and gowns from adoring designers to choose from. Will she pick something by Chicago’s own Maria Pinto, or will she go with a more high-profile American designer? Whatever she picks, I am sure it will reflect her combination of down-to-earth style and a discerning eye for fashion.

Since Mrs. Obama has already brought so much attention to Chicago designers, I thought it would be interesting to ask another local designer what she would create for her to wear on Tuesday. Veronica Sheaffer is the design force behind Chicago women’s clothing label Coco Irene (the other half of the duo is business partner Taryn Parker), a line distinguished by romantic, vintagey details transposed onto contemporary contours.

Veronica came up with this extremely elegant yet modern fitted sheath featuring detachable train in back, which she calls “reminiscent of 60s Hollywood.” She chose the wide neckline to highlight Mrs. Obama’s “lovely neck and shoulders,” while the detailed seams around the bodice add a contemporary (even slightly edgy) touch. The fabric is a goldenrod damask, truly an unusual and eye-catching yet entirely appropriate choice.  Veronica calls it “royal and elegant,” two adjectives that can be applied to Mrs. Obama herself.

I love it. A beautiful design for the matriarch of the new First Family. Maybe Veronica and Taryn should send the sketch to the White House in case they need ideas for the next inauguration!

UPDATE: It looks like Veronica has her finger on the pulse! Mrs. Obama’s day dress is yellow and of a brocade fabric. It’s by the Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo, and one report I saw said that it was not made for her but was actually bought at Ikram, the high-end Chicago designer boutique. More on Mrs. Obama’s inauguration fashion later.

Tags: coco irene, inauguration, maria pinto, michelle obama