Michelle Obama's dress designer has local ties

WASHINGTON D.C. -- It was the big question on the minds of fashionistas, what would Michelle Obama wear to the Presidential Inauguration?

ABC 57 learned the man behind the clothes has local ties. Thom Browne is a Notre Dame graduate.

He's only been designing women's clothing for two years. He says the inspiration for the first lady's dress and jacket came from men's ties.

"People know me as a menswear designer and now I think they will start looking at my women's with a different eye," said Browne.

This kind of national attention could end up making Browne a household name.