Chicago Chic, Circa 2004
Monday, December 15, 2008 at 6:18 PM 
Photo credit: (c) Todd J. Tubutis
It's fair to say that intersecting stories abound in this photograph. Gathered for the November 2004 opening gala of "Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years" at the Field Museum in Chicago, this photograph was taken just days after Mr. O won the junior U.S. Senate seat for the state of Illinois. Mr. O is joined by the ever-glamorous Mrs. O, Senator Ted and Victoria Reggie Kennedy of Massachusetts, and the now controversy-embroiled Rod and Patricia Mell Blagojevich of Illinois - all posed in front of a portrait of Marshall Field, founder of the Chicago-based department stores and the museum's namesake.
Wearing a caramel-gold silk halter paired with a long black velvet skirt, Mrs. O is the epitome of chic. Her dramatic, full hair; her enviable toned arms and back; her clutch demurely tucked behind her back; her rose metallic wrap effortlessly tossed over her wrist - this is why we love and celebrate Mrs. O's style. Taken around the time Mrs. O first began to work with Maria Pinto, it's quite likely that this ensemble is to the designer's credit (our greatest clue is the detailed evening wrap, one of Pinto's specialities).
And for those who have wondered if Mrs. O's fashion prowess might be the result of a calculated campaign effort, rest assured she was stylish long before she was set to become our future First Lady. Remember, this was 2004. While Mrs. O is certainly her own woman, we can't help but embrace the comparisons to Jackie Kennedy. We do genuinely see a link between these two women - in the unparalleled excitement that surrounds Mrs. O, and in her potential to have truly iconic influence.
Not since Jackie Kennedy have we been able to say that about a First Lady, with no disrespect meant to those who came in between. On that night in November 2004, we wonder if Mrs. O found sartorial inspiration in the collection of more than 70 garments once worn by history's great style icon, Jackie Kennedy. And if, perhaps, it crossed Mrs. O's mind just once that she too might have her own White House chapter someday. Just four years later it is our reality - full of hope, excitement, and of course, legend-in-the-making style.
Date: November 12, 2004
Venue: Gala Opening for "Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years" at the Field Museum, Chicago, IL
Outfits
Reader Comments (11)
Her arms and back are so toned.
I can't wait for Lady O to take the world and the White House by storm !!!! Lady O is my inspiration when it comes to fasion now. I'm delighted to see a beatiful black, confident and educated woman on the step of history. I love your website and can wait to come back days, nights, months in the beautiful years ahead.
Wow I love that photo - just look at Mrs O as compared to the other political wives present - Mrs O as usual is fashion forward, in the know, and yes chic !
Her look is so sophisticated in a completely modern, natural way.
There is ease to her chicness and nothing self conscious.
Her effortless glamour blows those other two women away.
This website is just too much sweetness! I love it! And I love what I can make of her outfit too...just stands out. But it is her. She seems to make her clothes that much more. There's something feminine and a bit sexy with her looks. I love that about her.
My only complaint would be that I'd love to see the picture from the other direction.
I want to be like Mrs. O when I grow up!! (LOL) That back...so beautiful...she is sexy in the classiest way.
I love that Mrs. O looks so relaxed and loose...nothing laquered, pinned, or zipped into place. Contrast with Mrs. Blagojevich...who looks lovely, but not particularly comfortable or ready for the dance floor!
Mrs. T: Appreciate the tactfully light wit of your opening sentence - could have been a "where to begin" scenario. But what a story. Mrs. O looks absolutely glamorous in this shot - gorgeous skin tones complemented by the shimmery caramel top. How exciting the future is to have her in the spotlight as a role model on so many different levels. Love all you do with this site!
I have never seen this picture before. Thank you for all your research.
What a beautifully written piece. As much as I am at awe with this photo of Mrs. O, props to Mrs. T and the site for its quality writing.
Michelle has the prettiest mahogany skin. No blemishes to be found.
This is a memorable picture of Mrs. O. I saw pictures of her at Oprah's Legends Ball held a few years ago. Who knew that this "youngin" would turn out to be a legend, inspiration and an icon in her own right?