Our First Lady
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 8:21 AM 
Photo credit: Flickr user Barack Obama via Jeffrey Katz for Obama for America // Creative Commons
Mrs. O, our first lady. We are thrilled! To celebrate this historic evening, Mrs. O wore a Narciso Rodriguez frock from the designer's Spring 2009 RTW collection. Mrs. O paired the dress with a black cardigan and kitten heels, adding a touch of sparkle with diamond bangles and earrings. Malia and Sasha were adorably coordinated in red and black.
Clearly there are a range of opinions about last night's dress, many of them quite strong. And while admittedly it's not our favorite of Mrs. O's frocks, we don't feel as negatively as some. As others have observed, it would have nice to see the dress sans cardigan.
One of the strengths of the design is the hourglass shape created by the diagonal bands of black satin in contrast to the red textured fabric. Already a rather complex design, the addition of the cardigan perhaps cluttered the look and diminished the hourglass effect.
For you adamant naysayers, New York Magazine does point out that the Narciso Rodriguez collection the dress stems from was one of the most critically acclaimed of New York Fashion Week. Though not our Maria Pinto prediction, Narciso Rodriguez was another likely candidate. Mrs. O has been seen in his designs several times before, most recently at the second Presidential Debate.
Update: There's a great piece on BlackBook in praise of Mrs. O's dress. The author asserts the dress is Mrs. O's "most commendable fashion statement as of yet." Judging by the comments left here, it seems most would disagree. But this polarization is a good thing. It means the dress is interesting, which is far better than the alternative - boring. Love it or hate it, this dress will forever be part of our memory of last night and our first look at Mrs. O as first lady (past wishful thinking aside). We will begin eagerly anticipating the Inaugural Ball.
Narciso Rodriguez Spring 2009 Collection: Photo courtesy of Narciso Rodriguez
Narciso Rodriguez in Outfits
Reader Comments (340)
OMG! She looked like a panda with a rash! What pops on a white model, may not, on even the highest yellow black woman! Not playing the race card here, just look at the model and compare.
A gorgeoso transparent wrap, which allowed the design to reveal its full architecture, would have been much preferable to a dowdy old cardigan!
While mastering the modern technology of digital communication, they obviously have yet to realize that a subtle, albeit bright, pattern doe not translate to DTV.
I would have died if she had worn the coral MP!!! Just dead!
Oh well, it was HIS night, But she needs major rehab before the BALLS!!!
Are you kidding me? Who's comparing this Black Widow with Jackie O? Not even close. The American people have gone crazy!!!!!
I agree, the cardiagn makes it look entirely different and I think the dress would be great without it.
it was an optical illusion and so omg unflattering from every angle! bleeding pixels!even so still i love her and they all looked amazing...goes to show how really secondary what you wear is
Thank goodness I fell asleep before seeing what she actually wore on election night! My eyes would have been hurting. I like the previous entry with the sketch prediction -- it would have been a far better choice for her!! I like your blog, keep up the good work! The writing for this entry hit it right on the nail, thanks! :)
Michelle Obama is a very classy, elegant lady, or at least could be. As the first attractive, young first family we have had in a long time, she has the opportunity to influence many young people. (Possibly to the point of influencing them to wear clothes instead of having all the wrong body parts hanging out and pants falling off.) Actually what I am trying to say is they can be role models in many ways to our nations young people, by giving people someone to imitate as the Kennedy's did. Michelle you can be more of a role model that Jackie. The whole family was gorgeous last night except for the nightmare that Michelle wore. Please, please Michelle think of the influence you have over many of today's youth and don't wear that again.
I liked the dress and I love this blog. Mentioned it on my blog http://sisterly2.blogspot.com/.
When I finally snapped out of the moment of sheer amazement, and the initial "out of body and mind" experience of last night I did get around to noticing what everyone was wearing. I initially also wondered "what does she have on?". But that thought quickly disappeared being replaced with admiration of the confidence, boldness and poise she showed in that American designer outfit, her appropriate and realistic approach to fashion, comfort and style,and her example of loving and intelligent wife and mother. Although it's not my favorite dress, I'm sooo looking forward to any and all photos of her. I grew up admiring the Camelot of the Kennedys and the 60s Jackie O iconic fashion era (why I love MadMen and my "Donna Reed-style" dresses). On ocassion I have "liked less" an outfit that Jackie wore but that should never warrant opinionated critism or judgement of her or overshadow the woman as a role model. I absolutely think that the new 1st family embodies a new Camelot with as much elegance as the original. The whole family was gorgeous - period!
The dress was horrid. I go along with the "spider" analogy. It was just awful and it also accentuated her bowed legs. Why would she pick RED on a dem night anyway? Bad choice all the way around.
I think she is a woman who knows herself and her style. I think the dress was great because she liked it. She is not here to please our sense of style but be true to thine ownself. I think she will always wear something we just love or just do not care for.. but that is what I call life..it is called freedom of choice and I think she always looks good because it is from the heart that beauty shines..shine on Mrs. O!
I loved the dress, I was trying to find out who designed it, she has an impeccable taste, and with her hight she can wear any thing. No stylist need to apply, she is doing fine by her self.
Just wanted to say that this is such a great blog - I especially like the pieces about J. Crew (up here in Canada we don't get a lot of wardrobe coverage ^_^).
Great story, Mrs. T - astute observations, balanced commentary. You have such a polite way of delivering a less than ringing endorsement here. I'm hooked on your site AND getting quite an education on current fashion. How thrilling that Mrs. O is part of ushering in a new era for our country!
I'm pretty surprised by the strong reactions. One of my first thoughts seeing her walk out was how fabulous and unusual her dress looked. It might not be her most striking and timeless, but it looked good. "Awful"? "Hideous"? Have we forgotten Cindy McCain's wardrobe already?
I love Michelle Obama, but that dress was HORRIBLE! It even looks horrible on a professional model. I call it the Vampire dress. Looks like a black dress with blood splashed all over it. She needs someone to be real honest with her on choices of dress!!!!!!!!
The dress is not pretty and it looked frumpy/tacky on Michelle. A horrible choice. I don't get the red, I think the family should've accented with a nice Democratic blue for the big night. I do love the little black dress the youngest daughter is wearing, it's absolutely adorable. I'm not crazy about the red dress, but at least it is more age appropriate than some of the outfits she was worn on stage (I'm not a fan of spaghetti straps on kids for a political event.)
she looked awful. ugh. someone should have told her.
It was a very bold, fabulous choice! It shows the raw passion of a couple who are still in love. BTW When was the last time America had a president who was still sleeping with his wife?
Keep in mind we would have been shocked if a grieving family had appeared in pastels (the girls have just lost their grandma).
That was truly a disaster and the most unflattering dress. She has needed a fashion consultant before now and must get one soon before becoming the first lady. Very sad choice.
Mrs. Obama is tall and lovely but she does have a bit of a tummy. Empire waisted dresses (as opposed to those hitting the natural waist) look fabulous on her for this reason. Last night's dress emphasized what is perhaps not her best feature and covered over one of her best, her arms. The idea is to create the illusion of hourglass proportions. She has done it before and I am sure will do it again. I would suggest a cashmere shrug for sleeveless empire waisted dresses worn in winter or perhaps a short perfectly fitted bolero jacket created specifically for the dress.
I saw it, and knew people wouldn't like it, but I loved it. It's modest, but modern and edgy, just like she is.
AWFUL dress, she looked pregnant
I don't really like the dress, but I love that Michelle is bold enough to wear it. She is fierce! Can't wait to see what she wears to the inaugural ball.
The modifications to the (original runway) dress ruined it. But the bigger problem is the Mrs. "O" needs some guidance in posture. She's always hunching her shoulders, pushing her head forward, leading with her knees when she walks and standing with her feet planted far apart and toes pointed in (check out the photo above - a perfect example of her posture). Someone get this woman walking around with a book on her head like back in the day...get her shoulders back and her head up, proud!
I believe it's poor modification of the dress.
The problem is the red should have gone no further than the top of the hips. It went down to mid thigh.
Plus it went too high up and lost the V neck. Straight neckline is not flattering either.
On the model the red is used as a delicate speckle, or highlight, but the red on her dress is too concentrated - more like a block.
Someone should make this dress for her again.
I actually really liked the dress: modern and definitely nicely themed with the "change" campaign. A suit or a cliche first lady dress wouldn't have fit Michelle or her husband's campaign. But I do agree that the cardigan should have been switched- maybe a funky Jacket with a bold ruffle collar-up look.
The red and black theme for the family outfits is interesting. Reminds me of Tiger Woods dressing in his red and black "power colors" for final rounds of golf tournaments.
BlueBee.com has an amazing selection of Loree Rodkin jewelry, the designer responsible for Mrs. O.'s gorgeous earrings she wore on election night!
I LOVED the dress. Actually...the more I see it...the more I love it. I believe it was EXTREMELY fashion forward and daringly powerful. She made one thing PERFECTLY clear...she's got this.
The dress is really fashion forward but not too appropriate for the occasion. Could have been as suggested by others with a stylish jacket instead of the cardigan. Regarding her posture when standing, agree with Lucy. Ms. J from ANTM should be able to help her.
Как тебе новость на премьершипе:
"Тоттенхэм хочет приобрести Шея Гивена.
Главный тренер лондонского "Тоттенхэма" Харри Рэднапп признался, что он является личным поклонником таланта голкипера "Ньюкасла" Шея Гивена и хотел бы заполучить этого игрока в свой клуб.
"Шей Гивен - великолепный голкипер, я им восхищаюсь. Любой тренер хотел бы его приобрести, если бы это был возможно", - цитирует Рэднаппа газета Daily Mail."
It was hideous. The world's eye is upon her for heaven's sake. Maybe she could find some help finding a little "grace".
I like that Michelle is a very stylish woman. I really liked her dress choice for Election Night. Now she is demand with Vogue Magazine. Read about it on my blog.
http://www.busyfashion.blogspot.com
Initially I was surprised by Mrs. Obama's choice, but after reflecting for a moment I am in love with it. The shape and cut of the dress was impeccable. The colors were strong, yet still managed to be subtle enough not to outshine the star of the night. I think she made a clear fashion statement. "I am a woman who understands what flatters her and what is happening in fashion at the moment as well as what is classic and elegant." The dress was a strong choice, and I think will go down in history as an inspired one. I cannot wait to see the evolution of her style over the course of the next administration. Congratulations Mrs. Obama. The world is watching, and waiting, and she clearly has what it takes to satisfy our curiousity. Good luck!
people with higher thinking level and intelligence choose their attire carefully,which represents their state of mind and the significance of the event . Usually, such levels are not in balance with the rest of population. Look at the colors of her dress and what her kids are wearing and how the two strong colors of red and black come together at her core, the strongest part of her body, and the rest of us. Pay attention to the details, now as you grasp the smart move in her choice of dress and comprehend the symbolism of it, go ahead and give yourself an A, as you have discovered a unique woman.......worthy to be called the First Lady.
I, too, was taken by surprise by her choice, but you know what? Good for her! Kudos for being modern, bold, and unique. The dress is growing on me the more I look at it. It's gonna be great to have a First Lady whose fashion is so varied. Better than always being seen in a suit. I bet Barack loved it, too! And that's always the most important thing about a woman's dress.
HELP! Michelle Obama needs my granddaughter to design for her. SHe looked TERRIBLE. Black women should not wear black and that HORRIBLE creation made her look hippier and fatter than she already is- and that BUTT! Please, someone step up and give her some class! SHe is TERRIBLE!
i thought it was great it hid her big hips and made her legs almost thin.this is the best outfit for plus size woman everywear.
I LOVE Mrs. O --- but oh my, when I saw that dress my heart sank! I am sorry that people who don't like the Obama's to start with are using this as a reason to put her down, AND it's also true that that dress was just a terrible choice for a night such as this (or anytime). It came across on the tv as two giant red blobs; looked like some kind of Halloween costume. Really sad; and I hope we don't see repeats of this kind of thing; so much for taking risks.
Michelle Obama is a pretty woman, but OH MY.........that dress was hideous. When she walked out, I was stunned to say the least!!! It looked like she had been hit by two red paintballs! All focal points towards her stomach and breasts. Who's idea was this dress??? Anyone know??? Hopefully, they won't be dressing her for the inagural ball!
The dress was gross!!!! Too bad Michelle didn't consult with someone with taste before making that fashion blunder. I hope this isn't a taste of what's to come...how embarrassing. The rest of the family looked great!
My husband, whose idea of high fashion is a new pair of jeans every couple of years, was the first to comment on Michelle's election night-mare. "She looks like a cow," he said, and he was referring to the business end of Bossy. Maybe it wasn't so bad in person, but on TV, when Michelle turned toward Malia's red dress, the two merged and the front Mom's dress seemed to "jump out" and fluoresce. Looked like a big red balloon.
Frankly, I 'm surprised Michelle has won awards for her outfits. Her preoccupation with weird neckline adornments(flowers, etc.) sure doesn't do it for me. Nor do I think she chooses always outfits that compliment her figure. Sometimes, just the opposite - like peplum jackets.
I was kinda hoping Oprah would take her under her wing for a wardrobe makeover.
I would love to see Michelle in classics. I think she should go with solid-color outfits with a small color accent, such as a red shell under a blazer and matching skirt or pants, or a colorful scarf draped at the neckline of a solid-colored dress.
I think she is a beautiful, intelligent, interesting woman, and I don't want to be distracted by bad fashion when I am listening to her. And believe me, I am not a fashion-oriented person. I only notice when it looks baaad!
I think dressing like a black widow spider perfectly matches her personality. I only hope some consultant can train this poor gal how to walk, sit and stand like a woman!!
Great website idea...I think Michelle is gorgeous and usually looks fantastic, I also loveeeeee Narciso Rodriguez, but I could tell right away that the dress wasn't translating well through those digital 1s and 0s...it's going to be exciting to watch Michelle over the next 4-8 years to see how her fashion taste evolves.
Thanks! Nice post.
I liked the way Michelle coordinated the family attire in red and black. The outfits were perfect for the occasion. "A new era of class has arrived to the 21st century." Thanks Michelle.
I though it was a fun dress, not boring at all. It may not be her best choice, but I certainly don't understand the very strong negative reactions to it.
I also want to add that some of these comments are out of line and should have been deleted with the others. I think the name calling and nasty remarks are uncalled for.
Nice post u have here :D Added to my RSS reader
The dress is beautiful. Red and black are the best color combination in the world!