First Lady fashion

Written by Dana Karlson
26.11.2009

To celebrate Thanksgiving on this side of the pond, we’ve decided to highlight the lovely Michelle Obama. We’re talking the politics of style here.  Barack Obama was elected the first African-American president of the United States a year ago, and since then the fashion set has gone gaga for his stylish wife.  Not since Jackie O. co-reigned over Camelot in the sixties has a First Lady’s wardrobe garnered this much attention.  Whilst Jackie had her wide-rimmed sunglasses, Michelle accessorises with a wide waist belt and pearls.

The First Lady’s appeal lies in her approachable elegance, which shows she’s aware of current fashion trends and adjusts them to suit her personal look.  Mrs. Obama dabbles on the American high street, favouring J.Crew, the Gap and even H&M (remember that stripey calf-length dress that sold out in days?), sources gowns from formerly under-the radar designers, including Maria Pinto, Isabel Toledo, Sophie Theallet who just won the FCDA Fashion Fund award (coincidence?), and frequents Thakoon, Azzedine Alaia and  Michael Kors…to name a few.  No, Mrs. O is not resigned to suiting up in the standard Herrara or de la Renta number, she dresses in bold prints, smart cuts (boat-necks and sheaths) and excels in high-low dressing.

Michelle (first name basis now, right) wore this gorgeous cream and gold gown to meet Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.  The sparkling strapless dress was designed by Indian-born designer Naeem Khan.  All eyes, including the President’s, were surely on the First Lady who looked stunning with a bare neck and a wrist full of silver and gold bangles.

John F. Kennedy once said of his wife, “I am the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris, and I have enjoyed it.” It appears that Barack Obama feels much the same.