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First ladies’ frocks: The inauguration gowns

All eyes were on the First Lady as President Barack Obama’s second inauguration was celebrated today.

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Michelle Obama dazzled in a ruby-red Jason Wu designed frock, the same US designer she chose to make her debut in, four years ago, causing the designer’s sales and popularity to surge.

The Smithsonian museum houses a collection of the glamorous inauguration gowns. Click through to see some of our favourites.

Michelle Obama in Jason Wu at the inauguration ball.

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Michelle Obama makes her debut as First lady in 2008.

Michelle’s debut gown was a triumph for designer Jason Wu

Hillary Clinton’s violet lace gown was designed by Sarah Phillips.

This dress made Barbara Bush the “most glamorous grandmother in the United States”.

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Jacqueline Kennedy’s gown was designed from her own sketches.

Nancy Reagan’s 1981 dress was designed by James Galanos.

Laura Bush wore a gown designed by a Texan designer to the 2001 inaugural ball.

She opted for a similar style in the 2005 inauguration.

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Helen Taft began the tradition of donating her gown to the museum in 1909.

Mamie Eisenhower’s gown embroidered with 2,000 rhinestones for the 1953 inaugural balls.

Pat Nixon wore this Karen Stark for Harvey Berin gown in 1969.

Eleanor Roosevelt wore this pink rayon crepe gown to the 1945 inaugural reception.

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Lady Bird Johnson wore this gown after President Johnson’s election in 1965.

Rosalynn Carter’s 1977 inauguration gown.

Michelle Obama’s dress and Jimmy Choo shoes are the latest addition to the collection.

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