We here at PAPERMAG were overcome with emotion during the inauguration, not only because it was such a historical and groundbreaking political moment, but because Michelle Obama was wearing a dress and coat combo designed by our dear friend designer Isabel Toledo! In the wake of hysteria generated by the dress, we asked Isabel a few questions.

How did you find out that Michelle Obama was going to wear your look?
We found out the same way, along with everyone else in the world. I do think that I absorbed the wave of energy felt by everybody at the same time and that made the impact that much bigger -- like an electric shock!

So tell me about the dress.
It is made of wool lace and lined in silk netting with little secret pashmina tulle layers for warmth and lightness -- I call the color lemongrass, to express an emotion more than a color. The textile reminds me of floating islands connected by a common thread. The empty space gave me the ability to play with the illusion of light escaping from beneath. I love colors that are hard to describe because everyone can own it. To some it's sunflower, corn husk, gold, mustard or sunshine. It's a tone that depends on the observer and is affected by the light.

How would you describe Michelle Obama's natural style?
Michelle has the grace of Mother Nature. Her style is regal and down to earth. She inspires confidence. Her style is open and bold and brave -- those are qualities that I like to cut in my clothes.

How did she learn about your designs?
She first learned about my clothes from Ikram, the woman who has become our fashion ambassador in Chicago, one of the best dressed cities in the world, due to a fantastically groovy-chic group of smart professonal women who really know and wear clothes well.

Why do you think Michelle relates to your work?
It's all about the realness, what it means to be a woman and wear fashion with a purpose. To wear innovation and inventions that can elevate your life, this is why fashion was invented in the first place. It's not about the label -- it's about ideas.

How did you feel her look held up after all those hours wearing it? She went to Church, then to the inauguration, had a luncheon with Congress, then drove and walked to the White House and watched a two-hour-long parade. And it still looked flawless!
Michelle wore it well! With style, grace and ease. And the fact that it kept her warm enough not to shiver for ten hours outdoors made us happy!