Mania over president barack obama has reached the catwalks of rome , where a top haute couture designer showed off a kaftan emblazoned with his face and another dedicated a gown of " hope " to his wife michelle .
" I was in times square when he was elected and it was like just such a beautiful emotion . I had the sensation of flying , " guillermo mariotto , who designed the kaftan for roman fashion house gattinoni , told reporters .
