Who Is Thom Browne? 5 Things You Didn't Know About Michelle Obama's Dress Designer (PHOTOS)

Learn more about Michelle Obama's inauguration dress designer.

Michelle Obama's 2013 inauguration dress was a stunning navy Thom Browne coat ensemble, paired with J. Crew pumps and a sparkly belt. (She would later change into boots.) A more solemn contrast with her chartreuse Isabel Toledo dress at the 2009 inauguration, the first lady's look worked splendidly with her new bangs.

But who IS Thom Browne, the designer who snagged this tremendous honor? Here are five things you need to know about the man who's soon to become WAY more of a household name.

  1. Browne, 47, whose business is based in New York, is most famous for his menswear, especially his neatly-tailored suits.

  • He just debuted a line of bizarre square-shaped top hats.
  • Before launching his own label, he lead the design team at Club Monaco.
  • Browne was named the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Menswear Designer of the Year in 2006 -- Tom Ford won the same prize in 2008 -- and named the GQ Designer of the Year in 2008.
  • Some of his womenswear is a little, er, out there, but Michelle's bespoke dress was based on the pattern of one of Browne's ties.
  • Congrats, Thom! To get a better idea of Browne's work, scroll down to see his spring/summer 2013 collection below.

    PHOTOS:

    michelle obama dress

    Clarification: Language has been added to indicate the photo of the first lady is from later in the afternoon.

    Thom Browne Womenswear S/S 2013

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