Want to know my thoughts on the inaugural festivities? Check out my latest article at The Weekly Standard, “Fashion Capital: Washington Gets a Makeover.” It’s available online here. An excerpt:

WASHINGTONIANS EXPECT THE ROAD closures and Metro delays, the stuffy black-tie galas and VIP sightings, and the patriotic decorations and memorabilia on every street corner. This inauguration was different. When Barack Obama was sworn-in on Tuesday the nation’s capital was suddenly turned into a center for fashion and celebrity, and for once, Washington was considered “cool.” All fashionable eyes focused on the city of pantsuits and photo-ID badges — and nearly all of Hollywood was in town for the festivities.

The fashion industry caught inauguration fever, bad. Top designers like Donna Karan and Zac Posen designed commemorative T-shirts, tote bags, and other souvenirs at designer prices. Fashion royalty like Diane von Furstenberg and Vogue editor-at-large André Leon Talley were reportedly in town for the festivities (von Furstenberg schmoozed with reporters at Maureen Dowd’s posh party in Georgetown). Fashion publications like Vogue, Glamour, and Women’s Wear Daily covered the style of both the visiting celebrities and average Washingtonians.

While Barack Obama looked dapper in his Hart Schaffner Marx suit during the swearing-in ceremony, the fashion industry’s star was his wife Michelle. Sure, she’s had her hits, like the candy-colored Maria Pinto sheath dresses she wore on the campaign trail. And she does know how to mix and match high fashion ($1,000+ Thakoon dresses, an Azzedine Alaia belt) with off-the-rack items (J. Crew cardigans, White House Black Market dress). But she’s had her misses too — the red and black Narciso Rodriguez dress she wore on Election Night springs to mind, and she received mixed reviews of her “lemongrass” inauguration day outfit and ivory chiffon gown. Nonetheless, she’s already been dubbed a fashion icon.

You can read the rest online here.