Must Read Mrs. O
Friday, November 14, 2008 at 5:11 PM 
Photo by Flickr user Mike Baird // Creative Commons
After a week of non-stop coverage on Mrs. O's election night dress, all eyes now look forward. What style influence will Mrs. O have as first lady? And of greatest interest, what and who will she wear for the Inaugural Ball?
Slate Magazine offers "Fashion Advice for Michelle Obama" (and calls us an "obsessive new blog dedicated to her sartorial choices"). A great read and love note to Mrs. O's style. Our only point of contention is the warning about up-dos. We've never seen a Mrs. O up-do we didn't love. Evidence above.
In an interview with Maria Pinto, WWD uncovers information about a not yet worn Mrs. O ensemble: "Obama has at least one more [Maria] Pinto design she has yet to wear publicly, a lean black cashmere number with a 'cascade effect' in back." On what she'd like to see Mrs. O wear for the Inaugural Ball, Pinto says: “I see her sleek but with more froth. It’s right for the moment. I don’t see her in a big, poofy ball skirt.” (Thanks for pointing us to this one Audrey.)
Forbes joins the Inaugural Ball speculation with "Ten Inaugural Gowns Fit For Michelle Obama". A fun read, though they've missed a few obvious contenders in their slide show. Donna Karan talks of designing for Mrs. O in U.K. magazine Grazia: "She has so much of her own style, I would love to dress her. It's not about her clothes, it's really about who she is, and her passion for her children, culture and wellness. I'm hoping to get to work with them - it would be my dream."
From Mrs. O's hometown, the Chicago Tribune declares: "Michelle Obama emerges as an American fashion icon". In the article, Tim Long, Curator of Costumes at the Chicago History Museum, says this of Mrs. O: "As we learn about how much interest she has in fashion, it will be one other thing that shows a complete picture of these two people, who are sophisticated in many ways."
Update: Let's add Jezebel's latest post "Michelle Obama in Vogue: What Should She Wear?" to the list. (Thanks Lisa for sending us the link.) This post follows much speculation that Vogue has approached Mrs. O to grace its cover. And Jezebel's sartorial suggestions are spot-on - this purple embellished number in particular.
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Reader Comments (12)
OMG she would look fab in that purple dress. Points out her virtues (slim top) and hide the lower half, an area most of us would like to hide... And she loves color!
the Elie Tahari suggestion for an inaugural gown in this weeks PEOPLE was quite fabulous, definitely something Michelle would pull off beautifully.
Updo plus the whisper soft romantic gown (Oscar) would be the best so far. The yellow is good but needs to be a bit more flowing. Did not like the Forbes 10 at all.
goodness, she looks lovely in the above picture; the neck line suits her. Having had a look thru the vogue and various other suggestions here, she doesn't appear to be for the choice of "fussy" clothes and some dresses look a bit like night "sheaths". Colors are nice in the forbes picks but she will choose. it's true, she has lovely shoulders.
http://www.karenmillen.com/fcp/category/dept/Dresses?productsPerPage=60
Hope the link works.I love these dresses and rest of the collection-not sure what nationality the designer is.
I love that style of updo on Michelle Obama and I hope she does something similar for the inarguration. Some of thr suggested gowns were lovely and would look great on Michelle. I saw some that would be appropriate for other occasions. I can't wait to see her on the cover of Vogue.
Dear Mona,
Great call on the Elie Tahari design. This should link to it: http://community.livejournal.com/obama_daily/148153.html#cutid1
In the Forbes article, the only gown that was beautiful was the one by Ferragamo, the rest were not that pretty. From what I've seen from this seasons designs, the best designers would be something from Chado Ralph Rucci, Kevan Hall, B Michael, Oscar De La Renta and Maria Pinto.
The dresses at the Karen Millen site are for the most part completely inappropriate for the inaugural ball. This is usually a black tie affair and when the men are in black or white tie (meaning tux or tails), the women should all be in floor length gowns unless they are under the age of 21. Most dresses at that site are merely cocktail dresses and much too short and tight for a woman of Mrs. O's age and physique. Out of all the dresses on these web sites and articles, the one most flattering for her and appropriate for the occasion would be the silver strapless print ballgown worn by the ethnic model at the “Michelle Obama in Vogue: What Should She Wear?” site. That formal gown would show off her nice arms while concealing her rear and it looks very regal. Unless one is JLo, the posterior should not be the most noticeable thing in any outfit. The Farragamo dress looks like a bridesmaid dress and the Von Furstenberg is rather ordinary.
The Ralph Lauren is of a shiny material that always shows off every bump and bulge--thin shiny fabric even makes the navel visible. The Zac Posen dress looks like a sack and I really hope Mrs. O does not wear black. This is a celebration, not a funeral. None of the Forbes dresses is very good for her despite looking nice on the 6 ft 115 lb models. Ruffles and flounces do not suit her manner and clingy chiffons will not flatter her figure. Also, the Rodriguez cutouts are not tasteful for an occasion like this nor for an over 40 woman. This is not Hollywood with a starlet vying for attention--it's Washington and Mrs. O is a mature woman who already has our attention. She will probably stick to an American designer to avoid any recrimination and to appear that she is doing her part for our economy. Then again, perhaps there should be no ball--just as Florida's governor canceled his inaugural party to show some respect for people who are struggling in these harsh economic times. Obama could end up looking like Nero.
cant wait for the ball!
Actually, Inaugural Balls are traditionally "white tie," which means the formal tails, rather than "tuxedo," which is, by definition, "black tie," and less formal. However, Mr. Obama has announced he will be wearing black-tie this year, a move which has the unspoken effect of dressing down the entire occasion. (My first real disappointment with the new administration.)
If you are a stickler, one of the difference this makes for women is in the sleeves. Sleeveless gowns are traditionally worn only to white tie affairs (and often with dramatically long gloves) as are tiaras and other really big bling-bling. Black tie is more subdued - sleeves and less glitter - perhaps more appropriate for the current economic suffering. Either way - long narrow skirted dresses are called for, no separates, no high-hemlines.
I am happy for the casual attitude of the new First Ladies attire. I have also felt that more time should be spent on a First Lady. I hope that Mrs. O does a sufficient job on these attire issues. I have also dedicated a song to Mrs. Obama at www.youtube.com/obamasong2008 Sincerely bigmikecraft