DRESS REHEARSAL

Michelle Obama is already a fashion icon,and with the inaugural ball on January 20,she has captured the popular imagination more than ever. Here,Americas next-generation designers sketch...

Michelle Obama is already a fashion icon,and with the inaugural ball on January 20,she has captured the popular imagination more than ever. Here,Americas next-generation designers sketch their dream gowns for the First Lady-to-be

DOO-RI CHUNG
Chung,honoured in 2006 as best new womenswear designer by the Council of Fashion Designers of America,envisions the first lady as a regal goddess wearing a bold purple silk gown that emphasises the designers signature Grecian draping.

DEREK IAM
He created the swearing-in ensemble Barbara Bush wore to her fathers 2005 inauguration. Lam envisions Michelle Obama in separatesa concept that American designers practically inventedpairing a pale green radzimir silk blouse with a pumice silk faille skirt with a slight train.

KEVAN HALL
Known for his red-carpet gowns for celebs like Vanessa Williams,Hall has come up with a ruby-red silk and wool radzimir dress,with bias insets and a train.

PETER SOM
The designer incorporates grandeur and propriety into his work without sacrificing youthfulness. He envisions the first lady in a white gown of flowing silk marocain. The gown has a modest fishtail hem and a built-in bustier. Som chose white for hope.

TRACY REESE
One of dozens of Seventh Avenue Obama supporters who created merchandise for the campaigns website,Reese created a side-wrapped gown in silk-wool with a deep,V-shaped neckline. She described the colour of the dress as not quite purple and not exactly blue,but pansy.