"So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled...Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."
-- Barack Obama in his Inaugural Address, January 20, 2009
America was dressed splendidly and appropriately for one of the biggest historical moments of my lifetime. Even the capitol was dressed gloriously!
I live in Maryland and I felt the energy everywhere I went. Children were staying home from school, friends were volunteering at the Inauguration, flags were waving and everyone was glued to their TV set. I was proud, I cried and I was lifted up on a wave of hope and optimism...
And, I'll be honest, I was fascinated by what everyone chose to wear. OK, OK. Call me shallow but I'm really not...that's why I began this post the way I did. I just love the idea of clothes, needle and thread, which fabrics people choose for very special occasions and the designers who make them.
Mind you. I searched hundreds of photos online this morning looking for a close-up of Michelle Obama's FABRICS.
color "lemongrass", Swiss wool lace, layers of pashmina tulle, french silk lining, green sash closes the coat, matching Jimmy Choo shoes and J. Crew gloves, rhinestone collar necklace --I couldn't figure out what made this fabric sparkle -- I guess I'll have to wait for the magazines...
The Evening Gown
soft and flowing, Jason Wu (a Tai-Pei-born designer in his 20s), one-shoulder gown
silk chiffon, organza embellishment, swarovski crystals, silver thread embroidery
Yes, that's right, embroidery
made by Jason Wu himself
Yes, BY HIMSELF!
But, by far, for me, 7 year-old Sasha's pink coat with orange sash, scarf and gloves was my fave for the day, designed by J. Crew especially for the occasion. Not available for sale on the J. Crew website, I checked.
That's OK because Aretha Franklin wore a great hat! And sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee" with heart and soul. AMEN.
Her hat reminded me of a photography book titled Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats. It's a wonderful book with striking images.
It was a day chock-full of creative expression. John Williams, known to millions of movie-goers as the man behind the score for the Star Wars films, wrote a special composition for the inauguration, which was performed by the violinist Itzhak Perlman and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Wow. Based on Shaker tune by Sydney Carter Lord of the Dance.
The most striking image for me yesterday was this one. And it reminds me the words of poet Elizabeth Alexander from her inaugural poem, Praise Song for the Day:
Yes, that's right, embroidery
made by Jason Wu himself
Yes, BY HIMSELF!
Oh, still my beating heart. There's hope for all you beautiful seamstresses out there!
And check out this post from ART TEA LIFE on Inaugural Gowns Revisited.
And check out this post from ART TEA LIFE on Inaugural Gowns Revisited.
And, romantic that I am...here is my favorite shot of the couple.
But, by far, for me, 7 year-old Sasha's pink coat with orange sash, scarf and gloves was my fave for the day, designed by J. Crew especially for the occasion. Not available for sale on the J. Crew website, I checked.
I thought the whole family looked splendid. I only wish Michelle had chosen to wear a hat. But hey, I respect her individual style and statement -- I guess hat's just aren't "her".
That's OK because Aretha Franklin wore a great hat! And sang "My Country 'Tis of Thee" with heart and soul. AMEN.
Her hat reminded me of a photography book titled Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats. It's a wonderful book with striking images.
It was a day chock-full of creative expression. John Williams, known to millions of movie-goers as the man behind the score for the Star Wars films, wrote a special composition for the inauguration, which was performed by the violinist Itzhak Perlman and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Wow. Based on Shaker tune by Sydney Carter Lord of the Dance.
The most striking image for me yesterday was this one. And it reminds me the words of poet Elizabeth Alexander from her inaugural poem, Praise Song for the Day:
"On the brink, on the brim, on the cusp -- praise song for walking forward in that light."
A Thumb's Up day for America...
all around.
all around.
