Given the hype about her inaugural gown, Michelle Obama had better choose wisely. Who will she wear? Thakoon Panichgul, who designed her dress for her husband’s Convention acceptance speech? Narciso Rodriguez, who designed her black and red Election Night dress? Or perhaps Chicago-based designer Maria Pinto, who designed many of the candy-colored sheath dresses that Michelle wore on the campaign trail?

CNN reports today that Maria Pinto is a top contender to design the inaugural gown, which will someday be displayed in the National Museum of American History:

Many speculate Pinto is designing Obama’s inaugural gown, a big honor because inaugural dresses are put on permanent display in the Smithsonian’s First Ladies Collection.

Citing her client’s privacy, Pinto declined to confirm that she’s “the one” but did hint that Obama and “others” will be wearing Pinto creations on January 20, the day of the inauguration.

Michelle Obama in Maria PintoWhether or not Michelle Obama wears Maria Pinto on January 20th, the first-lady-to-be has propelled the designer to the fashion spotlight. Perhaps we’ll see a Maria Pinto runway show at New York Fashion Week in the future–and Michelle Obama front row?