In early 2009, the speculation about what Michelle Obama would wear to the Inaugural Ball became a national obsession among style watchers, with the first lady keeping her frock top secret until the party started.
The gown she chose was a one-shouldered, white chiffon ball gown created by then 26-year-old Taipei-born designer Jason Wu. Before the big reveal, Obama's mystery gown was a topic of endless fascination. Even Forbes magazine offered an article on the topic: "Ten Inaugural Gowns Fit for Michelle Obama."
Four years later, the buzz in the style world is building again.
"Inauguration night is arguably the world's biggest photo opportunity, and the first lady knows all eyes will be on what she's wearing," said Glamour magazine contributing style editor Tracey Lomrantz Lester. "I'm betting she'll showcase another up-and-coming designer, like she did with Jason Wu in 2008. Prabal Gurung is a likely choice. She's been wearing more and more of his clothes lately, and his eveningwear in particular is brilliantly designed and utterly unique."
Given the wide range of designers that Obama has worn over the past four years, predicting who'll do the inaugural gown is tricky. Not only has she been favoring Gurung, but more recently she wore two dresses from up-and-coming New York-based designer Laura Smalls.
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Given the first lady's penchant for helping new designers, Small has become a serious contender for crafting the coveted gown. Her designs are bold and feminine, but also classic enough to fit Obama's taste. There are also wild card possibilities such as Chris Benz.
Here's our unofficial list of contenders who have may have opportunity to design the first lady's dress.
Long shot
Oscar de la Renta: The designer has been a frequent critic of Obama's decision to wear international designers. De la Renta told Women's Wear Daily: "Do you think Kate Middleton is going to be married in Marc Jacobs? Or you'd see Carla Bruni dressing in American clothes? This is a big industry in this country. Mrs. Obama does look great. She should take that and do something. She could do a great good for our industry." A bit of fashion trivia: de la Renta — who's known for his sumptuous and ultra-feminine gowns — famously dressed Jackie Kennedy in the 1960s.
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Who are seven of the likely designers?
Christopher Muther can be reached at muther@globe.com.