Reed Krakoff didn't tell any of his staff they were creating a dress for Michelle Obama.

The designer created the ultramarine abstract wash print silk shift and matching sweater which the US First Lady wore to her husband President Barack Obama's swearing in ceremony yesterday (20.01.13) but none of his six-strong team knew where the outfit was to be worn.

He admitted: ''No one knew.''

Reed admitted seeing Michelle wearing the dress to such an important occasion was the highlight of his career so far, and he learned a lot working on the gown.

He told WWD: ''What's so amazing is it's such a singular moment. It really is a highlight of my career.

''What we are most proud of is that she would choose to wear something we created for her in New York, and to have that kind of back and forth.

''What was amazing about the process was that you learn so much about yourself as a designer and your team. More than anything what this gives us is a sense of purpose that what we're doing is on the right track.

''It will long outlive the moment but at the same time we are incredibly honoured.''