Obama girls spark J. Crew frenzy

Fashion site crashes as Americans clamour for First Family style

US high street store J. Crew has seen sales soar and its website crash, after being worn by Barack Obama, his wife and daughters, during last Tuesday's inauguration.

Michelle Obama officially became First Lady wearing a pair of J. Crew green leather gloves, while daughters Malia and Sasha were dressed in custom-made colourful coats, gloves and scarves, all created specially for them by the label.

Even the new President himself got in the on act, wearing a J. Crew white bow tie on Tuesday evening, as he toured the ten inaugural balls.

The high street store has been quick to trumpet its famous fans, and as a result, its site crashed as fans flocked to try to snap up some first family style.

For the many wanting to replicate the look, they were sadly out of luck, with all pieces being designed specifically for the Obama family.

Jenna Lyons, creative director of J. Crew, commented on the designs, 'We wanted to offer a collection that would let their own personalities show through.'

She added 'We will not be producing exact replicas. We want the Obamas to feel that their pieces are uniquely their own.'

Last Tuesday's historic events were not the first time that the Obamas have favoured the brand. The First Lady has been a firm fan for a while, wearing the label's clothing head-to-toe for an appearance on the Jay Leno show, and again for the children's inaugural ball last week.

Her high street saviness proved a bold contrast to Republican vice-presidential contender Sarah Palin, who was criticised when it emerged that the Republican National Committee had spent $150,000 on clothing for her to wear during the campaign trail.

SEE ALL THE INAUGURATION PICS HERE