Tuesday
Nov112008
Vogue Knows Best
Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 6:35 PM 
Photo from Flickr user Barack Obama via David Katz for Obama for America // Creative Commons
Mrs. O topped another best-dressed list this week. But this wasn't just any list - it was Vogue's.
And rather than a nod to Mrs. O's general sartorial savvy, this was a celebration of a very specific dress. The Narciso Rodriguez election night dress. In black and red embroidered silk chiffon and black satin, it's a sight we now know well.
We've combed through the comments and have a good sense of the sentiments out there. But despite the groundswell of feelings a tad towards the negative, we're going to call for a bow to the fashion gods here.
If we know anything, it's that in the realm of fashion forward, Vogue knows best. We think it's only fitting that they have the final word on this one.
tagged Narciso Rodriguez in Outfits
Narciso Rodriguez in Outfits
Reader Comments (22)
A good read from the Chicago Tribune:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/shopping/custom/fashion/chi-111208-michelle-fashion-story,0,6312439.story
ehh...I know it's Vogue and all, but I trust my eyes first. Michelle is amazing, but that dress was not one of my favs. Sorry, Mr. Talley.
I can't wait to see Mrs O on the cover of Vogue in 09.
Thanks for the update. I made the point earlier that I thought anything unflattering about the dress was an illusion as captured in some t.v. and photo angles. To me, the dress as photographed above looks terrific on Michelle. Glad Vogue agrees. Love your site.
LOVE Mrs Biden's pea green suit: fitting for the occasion, classy, well-defined. Ms. O? No. Wrong choice. Like the outfit she wore to the Big House however..
Yes! Vindicated by Vogue.
These people are freaking nuts. I LOVE this dress.
I have loved everything Mrs. O has worn, except this dress. She recovered fabulously with the red dress she wore on her White House visit.
very p.c. of Vogue
I think it is time we let Michelle Obama be Michelle Obama. She is NOT JACKIE KENNEDY and never will be. Let her be herself and let Jackie rest in peace. Jackie Kennedy had style, grace and class and I'm sure with time Mrs Obama might too.
I thought it was so unique and so unexpected. I love her style. I really like the red & black.
Jackie Kennedy was a beautiful, graceful woman and I argue that Michelle is already as beautiful and graceful she doesn't need time. She will only get better, she is already great!
Like Monica, I also loved Jill Biden's suit. She looked great. The red in Michelle Obama's dress and green in Biden's suit were a nice contrast, kinda like candy apples.
Vogue=Anna Wintour and Andre Leon Talley.
Didn't Mr. Talley put Jennifer Hudson in that god awful bolero?
Anyhoo.
I don't need Vogue to form an opinion. My gut reaction when I saw it, was that it was a fugly dress. One week later and it's still ugly.
I wonder why Mrs. Obama didn't wear the great dress she wore to White House to meet the Bushes on election night. She even has on heels-very appropriate.
I didn't think this dress looked that great, BUT I like her bold choices. Jill Biden is ADORABLE her in suit, but it's so safe.
Also, thanks for this blog. I look forward to coming here during the next four years!
Well, Vogue's opinion either way wouldn't have altered my own.
So, having swung from "Ugh!" to "Aah!" I'm still very much in love with this firecracker of an election night dress.
Re Jill B.
The suit is not entirely safe. In the annals of most political wife-wear it's eye-catching, with the pop of lime, the intricate (brocade?) detailing, and the form-fitting shape (shoes are nice, too). But next to Michelle ...
I hope, in addition to keeping her job as a professor she takes some fashion cues from Michelle and also pushes the envelope fashion-wise.
I like that she took a risk but I am not loving that dress. It does nothing for her figure, it's a little too....wrong. But again, good for taking that risk. She really is changing the fashion scene. No ill fitting pants suits up in the White House. Real fashion! Amen.
Jill B's pea green suit left her face looking a bit washed out. I adore the cut of the suit, but that particular color wasn't for her. As for Mrs O. (I do indeed adore her) I'm kind of on the fence as far as her attire goes. I do like the fact that her dress complimented Barack's suit and tie.
I agree with Vogue. But most importantly, I bet Barack thought his wife looked beautiful and that's probably enough for Michelle!
I like Jill's suit, just not on election night. Election night requires something other than a day suit.
Yes, in this pic, she does look good. But come on, honestly, the outfit looks like a black-widow spider, and that's just not a good comparison for her to be making. I just don't like the dress at all.
I have to say, this is the 1st dress on Mrs O that I did not like. I love vogue and all, and this would not have been questioned in the high fashion world, where most loved it, but we have to remember that Mrs. O is dressing for a global audience that might not appreciate a dress like this.
I love Mrs. O, but she takes a hit for this one
ps: Jill Biden looks awsome. She has also been looking VERY fashionable lately, I will love for this cite to feature them together more, great pair!
pps: I LOVE THIS CITE, a place to go into my mrs. O obsession!!