Here's what Mrs Obama wore at the swearing-in ceremony -- a lovely glimmering yellow-green dress and matching coat by Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo. On her feet are classic green patent leather pumps by Jimmy Choo.

Says Indian designer Narendra Kumar, "I think this outfit suited her very much -- it was a great choice that speaks volumes about the person she is. It's reflective of a very middle path -- not too flashy or flamboyant, just a touch of sheen. It was practical too, taking into consideration the weather and she was sensible to pick a neutral colour. Michelle Obama's swearing-in cermony ensemble was an overall reflection of what she stands for -- she is an achiever in her own right, assertive of her own personality and still committed to the people. I am a great supporter."

Nil of designer duo Dev r Nil was also all praises for this outfit. "It's great that she chose an unknown designer's work," he enthuses. "She's one of those women who has a mind of her own and that outfit says a lot about her standing as the First Lady of America. She's got her own mind, her own path and supports non-mainstream brands -- that's unspoken support for the underdog."

So what about how the ensemble looked on her? "From what I saw, it was rather heavily textured and embroidered, but it was still quite prim and proper. The whole look, with her green gloves and shoes, was appropriate for the occasion. But yes, the choice of colour -- banana leaf yellow -- was rather unpredictable. It's a lovely, fresh hue, not coservative like boring black that you'd assume a First Lady would wear. And she carried it off brilliantly -- her confidence and sense of style are beyond judgement."

Designer Falguni Peacock, of duo Falguni and Shane Peacock, concurs. "This outfit is chic and elegant at the same time, understated but strong. It's exactly what a First Lady should wear," she says.

Photograph: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque

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