The choice of the United States' first black first lady was applauded as a cheerful message of hope and a vote for the American fashion industry as Michelle Obama wearing a yellow dress by designer Isabel Toledo on her husband's Inauguration Day Tuesday.

U.S. President Barack Obama takes the Oath of Office as the 44th U.S. President with his wife Michelle, daughters Malia (2nd R) and Sasha (R) by his side at the U.S. Capitol in Washington January 20, 2009. Obama became the first African-American president in U.S. history. [Xinhua]

"Mrs. Obama is an unusual woman with great fashion instincts and innate style. And she has always supported lesser-known designers like Thakoon, Narciso Rodriguez and Isabel Toledo." said Patricia Mears, deputy director of the Museum at New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology.

Newly-inaugurated US President Barack Obama (2nd L), First lady Michelle Obama (L), former President George W. Bush (2nd R) and his wife Laura Bush (R) walk down the steps during the departure ceremony in Washington D.C. Jan. 20, 2009. [Qi Heng/Xinhua]

Michelle accessorized the dress with unusual green gloves from J. Crew and green shoes.

Toledo, a Cuban-born American designer known for her creativity and technique, designed the outfit with hopes Obama would choose it for the ceremony, though Toledo did not know for certain until Tuesday morning.

"There is nothing that comes close to this moment," Toledo said. "It's not just my moment and hers, but it's the world's...It's not only what she's wearing. It's what the moment represents."

(Xinhua/Agencies January 21, 2009)