Oh, What Shall We Wear?

The latest fashion buzz isn't about the spring collections or Mr. Blackwell's Worst Dressed Women List. Rather, it's what the First Family, particularly Hillary Rodham Clinton, is going to be wearing at the upcoming inaugural events on January 20th. Two top design houses were consulted by the "Daily News" -- Liz Claiborne and Ellen Tracy -- to provide their thoughts about the First Lady's ensemble. One suggestion was to have Mrs. Clinton wear an off-the-shoulder, fitted bodice, full-length gow n to the inagural balls. Elayne Aschkenes, president of Liz Claiborne dresses says, "She is the wife of the President of the United States, not a fashion plate. She looks stylish when she chooses fresh, modern clothes -- like Nancy Reagan did -- bu t not too trendy." Liz Claiborne would, of course, create an off-the-shoulder, fitted bodice gown for the First Lady if asked to do so. Linda Allard, who designs the Ellen Tracy collection, agrees that, "She (Hillary) is very petite on top, and of f-the-shoulder designs work really well on her, while a fitted bodice emphasizes her tiny waist." Allard would like to see Mrs. Clinton avoid the traditional outfits with red and navy as prominent colors for the daytime activities. She sees the First Lady in a modern, tailored camel-colored, cashmere coat, matching dress, opaque brown ribbed tights and matching color shoes.for the swearing-in ceremony.

When we last heard, Mrs. Clinton had narrowed the list of potential inaugural gown designers down to two: an established New York society designer; or two Seventh Avenue whiz kids. She is said to be leaning heavily towards the kids, better known as Mar k Badgley and James Mischka, over the famous veteran Oscar de la Renta. Badgley and Mischka, both 35 years old, trained at Parsons Scool of design, and are known for their "drop-dead" glamorous, beaded evening wear. They are wildly popul ar with such Hollywood's luminaries as Winona Ryder, Sandra Bullock, Sharon Stone and Whitney Houston. "I think we would put her (Hilary) in a long, antique-gold textured lace column gown with long sleeves, a high neckline and a touch of beading and lace," Badgley said last week . We won't have to wait much longer to see who the winner is. The hour grows nigh, as they said in yonder days.

As for Chelsea, Tommy Hilfiger weighed in with his ideas. He feels her dress should be "fun." The skirt should be ivory, the top navy, and a large gold star should be embedded smack in the middle of Chelsea's midriff.

The President, rumor has it, has been on the phone with avant-garde designer Dennis Rodman, also known as the Bad Boy of the NBA. Rodman's been seen adorned in womens' clothes from time to time. We figure he sees the young Chief Executive in a dari ng white taffeta dress with plunging neckline and a large pink rose at the waist. A light purple tutu would be ideal. A white veil is desirable, but not necessary. It might make him appear too academic. Shocking pink hair would add dramatically to the day 's festivities. Or option two, which is far more simple: The President could wear a long white dress, strap a couple of danish to his head and give his inaugural address in the spirit of Star Wars heroine, Princess Lea. What his final choice will be won' t be evident till inauguration day. "It's a top security issue," the White House tells us. But let's put it this way, there's about as much anticipation about what the President will wear as there is about who he'll tap to be head janitor for the Agricult ure Department. Believe it or not!


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