Did the US First Lady wear a secondhand dress?

Mrs O decided to wear a pre-owned dress to an Xmas event on December 12!

Fashion icon and US First Lady Michelle Obama has once again set the style world abuzz by wearing a second-hand dress to a Christmas celebration in Washington.

According to seasoned observers, Mrs Obama is the first presidential wife in recent memory to wear a vintage outfit to a public event.

She donned a black 1950s frock made by the late American designer Norman Norelli, who is regarded as one of the most influential of his era.

But that doesn't exactly mean it came cheap -- the gown was bought from New York Vintage, Chelsea, for an estimated 2,500 dollars (1,600 pounds)!

Jon Schneck, the co-owner of the shop, said he was "truly honoured" by Mrs Obama's choice.

"Other dresses from our archive have been scheduled for use by the first lady later this year," the Telegraph quoted him as telling the Huffington Post.

Image: Michelle Obama, in her vintage number, greets a child dressed as an elf at the Christmas in Washington Celebration on December 12. US President Barack Obama and their daughters Malia and Sasha are seen in the background.

Photograph: Yuri Gripas/Reuters