Michelle Obama’s now-famous Jason Wu gown isn’t the only piece of Inaugural fashion that is headed for the Smithsonian. The museum is also requesting the now-iconic hat that Aretha Franklin wore while singing at the swearing-in.
Aretha, however, is still undecided about parting with her Luke Song-designed hat. “I am considering it. It would be hard to part with my chapeau since it was such a crowning moment in history,” says the Queen of Soul.
The oath of office flub wasn't the only Inauguration Day snafu: Thousands of ticket-holders were trapped in a tunnel just yards away from the site of President Obama's swearing-in. Already, more than three thousand have joined the "Survivors of the Purple Tunnel of Doom" Facebook group - and many have posted images of their experience on iReport.com.
Were you a purple ticket-holder? Share your Inauguration Day experience on
iReport.com.
(CNN) - President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were dancing their way through 10 official inaugural balls after a day of pomp and circumstance that saw his first presidential address and excitement about her inaugural dress.
Watch: Obama's hit the dance floor
The Obamas were serenaded by Beyoncé during their first dance at the Neighborhood Ball Tuesday night.
Beyoncé sang Etta James' "At Last," from her role in the movie "Cadillac Records" as the couple laughed and took their first spin around the dance floor.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - President Obama's inaugural address was cooler, more measured and reassuring than that of other presidents making it, perhaps, the right speech for the times.
Some inaugural addresses are known for their soaring, inspirational language. Like John F. Kennedy's in 1961: "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country."
Obama's address was less stirring, perhaps, but it was also more candid and down-to-earth.
"Starting today," the new president said, "we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin the work of remaking America."
WASHINGTON (CNN) - It's unlikely President Obama will stop by, but for Hollywood fans the Ibiza nightclub is the hottest ticket in Washington tonight.
A star-studded group strolled the heated red carpet at the Recording Industry Association of America's post-inaugural bash.
Rihanna, who was slated to perform, told CNN's Jessica Yellin that during her travels abroad she'd found tremendous excitement about Obama's election.
"It had such a strong impact all over the world," she said. "The first black president, and being part of that was such a big deal to the rest of the world."
WASHINGTON (CNN) – “What should I wear” is a question many women have asked before dressing for a big event, but if you think you have it rough, step into Michelle Obama’s shoes – Jimmy Choo shoes that is.
Michelle Obama graced the first inaugural ball of the evening in a white, one-shoulder, Jason Wu dress with delicate detailing. Regarded as a fashion no-no, the first lady chose pure white to wear during the winter, and the bold number is getting mixed reviews by the fashion elite.
Hailed by some as the modern-day Jackie O., speculation has swirled over what, or who, the first lady would wear on her husband’s big day. Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, and Marc Jacobs are just a few of the renowned designers who created sketches of possible outfits for the first lady to don on the big night. But ultimately, Michelle decided upon the white detailed number to celebrate her husband’s transition to the Oval Office.
(CNN) - Attendees at tonight’s presidential inaugural balls, like the 11,500 at the official Western ball, were lucky to spend maybe 20 minutes of their night with the president. The rest of the time, they were waiting - and not just for the first family to make an appearance.
They waited to get through security. To check their coats. To buy drink tickets, then to exchange those tickets for plastic glasses of chardonnay and mid-priced champagne. To cycle through buffet lines for plates of pasta and dinner rolls, which they’ll eat standing up.
With a few exceptions – like the events dedicated to military personnel, young people and residents of Washington, DC – most balls featured states grouped together by region. The Western ball drew 11,500 guests, from places like Oregon and Idaho to Montana and Guam. Californians like Director Ron Howard and Curb Your Enthusiasm’s Cheryl Hines mixed with residents of Sarah Palin’s home state of Alaska. Both were serenaded by soft rock standards and BeeGees classics. Later in the evening, singer Marc Anthony was set to take the stage.
WASHINGTON (CNN) – It's Joe Biden's home states ball, but it could be any giant prom or wedding party.
The ball is one of six official galas in the Washington Convention Center on Inauguration night. There's nothing here representing Biden's home states of Delaware and Pennsylvania, but hundreds of revelers were still enjoying themselves, noshing on pasta italiano and crudite.
Lots of people got tickets from friends or coworkers, but if you had to dish out the $150 for a way in, you still had to pay $12 for a glass of champagne. And don't expect Dom Perignon, either. But the dance floor is packed listening to the 11-piece James Gerard Orchestra playing classics like "My Girl," "The Way You Look Tonight" (Sinatra version), "Brick House" and "I Will Survive."
A glimpse of the first lady's gown has been greatly anticipated as part of the inauguration festivities. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
WASHINGTON (CNN) - The president and first lady shared their first ballroom dance togehter since the swearing in when they made an appearance at the Neighborhood Ball Tuesday night.
Related: President, first lady make the rounds at inaugural balls
Before leaving the White House to return to Texas, Former President George W. Bush left a letter on the desk in the Oval Office for his successor President Barack Obama. (Photo Credit: White House photo)
From CNN Politics
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