Showing a Little Feith
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 2:31 PM 
Photo by Donavan Marks / National Cathedral via Flickr user speakingoffaith
On her first full day as the new First Lady, Mrs. O - along with her husband and the Bidens - attended a multi-denominational service at Washington National Cathedral. She wore a dress by Tracy Feith. The dress has a rounded neck, fitted bodice and waist, and a full skirt-a very modern twist on a 1950s silhouette. It also features one of Feith's trademark bold prints. More photos from the service can be seen here and here.
Tracy Feith's clothes often recall his hippie-luxe-surfer background. Known as a maverick who brings an edgy quality to his designs, Feith is currently working on a lower-priced collection for Target. This collection is expected to debut in early May 2009. After the service at the Cathedral, Mrs. O will be hosting an open house at her new home. So we will be watching to see if she will be wearing this Feith dress then. Update: And indeed, she did.
Tracy Feith in Designers, Inauguration 2008, Media, Misc, Outfits
Reader Comments (172)
This is my first time writing on this blog, but have been reading for a few days... but people, she HAD to wear flats with the Feith dress, she wore heels ALL day yesterday almost 20 hours!
This dress was totally inappropriate for attending prayer service at the national cathedral!!!! I love vintage and it does have a vintage feel but the fabric has to be one of the ugliest I have ever seen!
Michelle has a lot of haters!! I guess this is what happens when your husband kicks republicans a**. We will be there for 8 WHOLE years.
Interesting dress, and while I don't care for the flats, I understand why she's wearing them today.
Would it be wrong to ask for an occasional post about Dr. Jill? I know this blog is all about Mrs. O, but the second lady also has style and is a great role model for those in their 50's. Thanks for considering it.
This dress was GORGEOUS…I can never tire of looking at it. The patterns, the colors, the fit are truly inspirational. Thank you, Mrs. O. You are educating me about fashion and how to select what flatters, not what is in style, not what fashion magazines and television shows say are what we American women must wear to be fashionable. Another big thank you --for choosing the little known designers. Also, Kudos for this great web site.
George 70 million voted for Obama. 80 percent of ppl are supportive of the president (so that cuts into your numbers quite a bit) I'm sorry that you have some issues w/women. Calling them "hos" that is so very Imus of you. This is a fashion blog not a "I'm a crazy wingnut who doesn't want my country to succeed kind of bigot" blog. Most decent human beings, rally around the president during his 1st months in office. That's what happened to Bush even after the disputed election.
Oh and Georgey boy you are a dying bred. 2016 is the year when you will really be pissed off. Be a decent person, and pass the torch w/dignity. My generation has already taken it anyways so it isn't like you have a choice.
Megan
Jackie Kenndy's style wasn't "classic" at the time (see Mamie's dress) I'm just saying. Why would ppl want to still dress like they did 50 YRS ago? My University paper had a big right up about the dress (and I don't live in New York City either) consensus on campus is that it was awesome FRESH, not dowdy diff. Quirky! I know she's 45 (and I find Michelle dressing age appropriate most of the time) but I think she's becoming an honorary member of my generation. She shows ppl how to look fun, fresh, and young w/out looking like a tart.
the interesting thing about Mrs. O is even if I'm not CRAZY about what she wears she always looks AMAZING in it! The Wu dress from last night wasn't my favorite choice but she looked absolutely stunning; same for this Feith dress - so I have to say it's more about her own style that just makes her look amazing all the time. I can learn from that.
Caroline
(Finally a person who has legitimate fashion grips an not just haterade)I'm close to Chicago and I see a lot of ppl that wear stuff like this (or less) when it is freakin cold (it was -21 last week). I couldn't do it. I agree about the it is cold in D.C. thing, but maybe it isn't cold to her (since she grew up in Chicago). Now the heels issue is open to debate, I struggle w/this myself. most times flats are more comfortable, and there are rumors (though I can never get a straight answer from Dr.s) that heels can help cause vericose veins and back problems. I just am glad I wasn't born 20 years ago and I have the option of wearing flats (I remember as a kid I didn't see cute flats in stores).
I wonder what some other ppls take is on the whole flat vs. heels debate.
The dress people! This is exciting, chic business! Let's stay focused on Mrs. O's style and ignore George.
@Caroline G, don't worry. Criticize Mrs. O's fashion all you want. Inherently, it's a subjective matter, and I respect that. The comments just can't get too mean, personal and/or political. Honestly, I rarely delete comments. And the ones that get deleted, well, they're an embarassment. You'd rather not see them.
Now, back to my own rule, the fashion! I remember reading in the January issue of Vogue that Mrs. O had worn Tracy Feith before, but we never got around to figuring it out. Love this dress. What a statement for her first full day as First Lady.
So good to see a first lady wearing dresses instead of pant suits. Feith's dresses contain lot of Japanese influenced patterns. Beautiful works of art. She just stood out from all the other women in the cathedral.
The more I look at this dress, the more I love it.
I loved it from the beginning. But I find myself coming back to look at it again, and then I find new layers for my appreciation. You have to be super, duper brave to wear something that requires for people to think just a little bit more.
Also, I can't emphasize how YOUNG Michelle looks. I have always thought that she was beautiful, and looked great for her age. But she has gone further, I think, to actually really looking like a young woman in certain outfits. Namely this one and the Jason Wu dress.
Her aerms alone make an outfit look great. She h as inspired me to start my arm workouts again. She isnt that graceful, but neither is Julia Roberts. And flats--try walking and dancing for hours, you will wear flats the next day too.
She is just having a ton of fun with clothes. There will be days when she probably doesn't want to get out of bed, and I've learned that on those days it really helps to have something fun to wear enticing you to get up. Not that today is one of those days . . . but geez, let her find out what's best for her. Pretty soon she'll be repeating and then the complaints will really start.
Absolutely gorgeous dress...the cut and the palate are perfect for her! Thats one of those dresses that makes every woman look like a First Lady ;)
I think she is beautiful and looks good most of the times but this dress reminds me of my great grandmother's sofa. I understand the flats for she might have been tired. Her lemon/green dress was beautiful with hair and make up well put together. The ball gown nothing to talk about but understand her not having a classic gown that will require more elegance. To sum it up, clothes does not make a man or in this case a woman for she is truly an educated, family oriented, focused woman.
I love the wisteria print. Although I think where the black background hits would emphasize my hips. I hope there's a possibility of purchasing this dress sometime.
And that black swing coat. I'd love to have that black swing coat.
I don't mind that she wears flats. In fact, I'm happy she does. I can't wear high heels anymore. I have the hardest time with just 2 inch heels. It would be nice for low heels to be more in fashion and so have more choices. And there's nothing wrong with a fashionable flat. I'm sure plenty of women would be more than happy to follow Ms. O's lead for fashionable flat and low heeled shoes.
And...gloves. I'm so happy she's bringing back gloves. And color!
Another Rave Review for Mrs. O's style (And Feith's design). This one from Booth Moore of the LA Times:
"You want to resist the urge to fixate on each and every thing Michelle Obama wears, but it's difficult when she keeps coming out in stunners like the 1950s style dress she wore to the National Prayer Service this morning at the National Cathedral. It's by TracyFeith , an under-the-radar, New York-based designer who is known for his haute hippie surf style and his prints. He has a collection launching at Target in May. The dress is cheery, and reasserts her youthful, feminine approach to fashion."
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/2009/01/michelle-obam-5.html
I wish the First Lady would wear heels instead of flats and kitten heels. She looks divine still.
I love it! With past first ladies you would have seen some kind of a matronly-looking skirt or pantsuit, but this dress, paired with these cute patent-leather flats, has "youth" and "change" written all over it. The dress is feminine, modest, and pretty. I predict that we'll see a lot of copycats in the near future!
I think it is amazing that in a week - a week ! - Mrs O has brought to the forefront of fashion discussions across the land, the names of super talented, intelligent, non-mainstream designers that I have respected and enjoyed for so long, wondering when they would have their so deserved moments of recognition. Well, the moments have arrived en masse !
Toledo, Feith, NR. It is amazing to see these names not just in Vogue, or W or written about by Cathy Horyn over at the NY Times, ( her fashion reportage is supreme and should be checked out by all ! ) but in papers large and small all around the nation ! Their names and designs were debated all day today in my office. I was answering inquisitive questions about Isabel Toledo - I would never have imagined !
Mrs O has a great power to bring to light designers that deserve to have their talents celebrated and respected - and she is using it in an amazingly confident, stylish and for a First Lady and political wife ( of course she is so much more) daring way.
Kudos to Mrs O for the chances she is taking, the fun she is having and most importantly, for the talent that she is educating the public about.
I can't wait to see what / who she wears next and in what original combination and occasion.
She is doing fabulous wonders for American fashion at the moment it needs it the most, and per usual for Mrs O, not in the expected and by- the- book methods one would expect.
She is bucking so much convention already and I think it is just so delicious and chic and exciting.
The National Prayer Service dress was a disaster. As First Lady, Mrs. O has a responsibility to appear in a better manner to suit her station. It will be embarrasing to have guests or staff to the White House be better dressed than her. She needs to ditch the catalogs now. With all the comparisons of the Obama's to the Kennedy's, Mrs. O should look for inspiration from the late Jackie Kennedy and bring some pomp and elegance back to the White House. A few nice jewels wouldn't hurt either.
I love Michelle's lady like taste. Her sheaths, three quarter length sleeves, a sweater with a sheath, her long gloves, and today that stunning 21st century version of fifties vintage. She deserved to be in flats today after being in heels all day yesterday.
Mrs T., Im wondering if you know who designed the jacket Mrs. O is wearing on the cover of this magazine, it FABULOUS!!
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2ZuHDmQhyi0/SWgQ8HTQD4I/AAAAAAAAAbc/hxx-KKxdT7E/s1600-h/michelle.bmp
what happened to Michelle during the campaign? her dresses both of them were awful and what is that she is wearing now. what happened?
With respect to Jackie Kennedy, she wore mostly very expensive european designer clothes. I don't think Michelle would do that, she wants to promote American designers to the world. If she does wear very expensive clothes and diamonds all the time, people will criticise her for extravagance. She's quite aware of the current times and difficulties other people are experiencing.
Hey Frieda, just because you didn't like the outfits it doesn't mean that they were ugly. Probably you have bad taste.
I think her style could only be called ladylike. Mrs O is classy and tailored w/ a great spin in the form of color and texture. Some women do not have the ability to walk or be comfortable in high heels.High fashion mixed w/ affordable is the message and way to go now.Her 'simple' sheaths are MUCH more expensive than most people could possibly imagine. Not only does she dress appropriately, she dresses her daughters that way too. Many young women could take a lesson from the Obamas and go a bit more 'prim and proper'.
Ok..my two cents for today. Everyone knows that I have been screaming since I found this blog that michelle needs to not be afraid of heels.. I don't mind the flats today, yesterday had to be a killer on the feet!!! Bless her!!! But she really needs to work on her posture!! I have to admit I am not feeling this dress and I love prints!! I know she has a great sense of style but there is something to be said about also adding in what works BEST for your figure. She has been on this earth for 45 years and she KNOWS what looks good on her...key point the red Maria Pinto dress when they visited the White House. Michelle is fully aware of her figure and what shows it off greatly and woudl still be appropriate. People please remember that she is a businesswoman and probably has some GREAT stuff in her closet in the way nipped in waist suits, dress and fantastic tops!! I want to see that Michelle that was on the campaign trail. If you got show it off a little bit!! the morning suit yesterday was wonderful.. the ball dress has grown on me... today was a no.
Three words: high heels, pilates
People - if you have yet to read this article in the NY Times - read it now.
And be sure to watch the audio slide show - amazing.
And Cathy Horyn is no pushover !
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/21/us/politics/21fashion.html?ref=fashion
Mrs. O was a delight in that dress. End of story. I am a sucker for that polished cotton wisteria fabric and the cut of the bodice is fabulous. What I love about her choices is the message of accessibility. No one--and I mean no one--was a bigger fan of Jackie than I. But her style was exclusive and elusive and totally upper crust. A big change for her times, but not appropriate for ours. Michelle's image is right on target for her mission as far as I can see. As for the political goofballs and haters, I think we should just ignore them, not censor them. Just don't respond to what they say and they'll go away. I love you guys.
RJK--thank you SO much for the tip about the NYT Slideshow. I enjoyed it so much that I had to watch it twice!
RJT, you are brilliant for posting that video. "Vigorously stylish" - could it be any more perfect? And the drama of her voice. Love it.
Love Love Love the flat shoes Thanks so much Michelle. Maybe now the shoe designers will focus on more wonderful flat styled shoes.
Love this web page dedicated to our First Lady. What a fitting title. She is a real lady: Beautiful, brainy and family, community oriented. So those of you who can not afford a Tracy Feith don't forget Ebay. There are many petite and size two and a few larger items there at very reasonable prices of his work. Forget finding a Jason Wu there. Ebay only features his line of dolls very chic ones. There is a great look at his Spring Resort Collection at: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/2009RST-JASONWU. For the woman Isabel Toledo who made the lemon grass dress try ebay for a scant few of her offerings size 8 and 6 and tee shirts. Her Items are more pricey.Then for those of you who like the quality fabrics and styling of Sonia Rykiel who made the great coat worn by Michelle on the train try Ebay also. EBAy has a host of large and some small size great buys. An alpacca jacket for current bid $16.99. A to-die for close facsimilie of the coat Michelle wore for about $300.00 starting bid that includes a cape/ and pant suit. Vintage dress for starting bid $9.99. I do not work for Ebay. I live on Social Security of less than $600.00 a month and study the fashion trend setters and then go to thrift stores, consignment stores, Ebay etc to create my own style for very minimal bucks. Oh I digress thank you Michelle for opening our eyes to great designers who do quality work and are even going to design for Target! I am impressed by your mix of style and good taste and introducing us to designers we on our American recession budgets can also possibly partake. Kudos Michelle.
Mrs T I am so glad you enjoyed the link.
There is no other fashion reporter like Ms Horyn. She is a beautiful writer.
She is at turns serious, playful, gossipy yet no matter what / who she is writing about the subject is imbued w/ her personal sensibility and intelligence. This woman does not suffer fools gladly.
Her breadth and knowledge of fashion history is astounding and educating. Her boundless curiosity about the fashion world, and the world in general is inspiring. Yet she is very grounded in life away from the 'froth'.
The spring shows are about to start - follow her coverage from NYC to London to Milan to Paris in her official Times articles and behind the scenes and more personal reflections in her fabulous blog 'On the Runway'
Her audio slideshows are not to be missed. Her voice is memorizing, isnt it ?
Mrs T this blog and your research and enthusiasm have had the same effect on me. I love your reporting.
Thanks to you and the other Mrs. for the work you put into this fantastic and endlessly fascinating endeavor. I so appreciate it.
I am just going back through the comments in greater detail and missed a few great ones.
@ Doreen - Thank you for linking to so many wonderful pictures! I hadn't seen the photo of Mrs. O inside the White House yesterday, and agree, I love the Isabel Toledo ensemble even more without the coat. Unbelievable!
@ Layo G - AMAZING jacket! We will begin investigation immediately. Have a few hunches. I wonder when that photo was taken? Mrs. O's hair is in a different style, no?
@ RJT - Just read your long comment from earlier. Thank you for coming to this site and sharing your insight. You always have the perfect words.
@ understanding - I love the tips! In the true spirit of fashion democracy, I think Mrs. O would approve.
@ everyone - Thank you for coming and contributing to the site! It's fascinating to read so many different perspectives. While I don't always agree, the mix of opinions makes this all the more interesting.
We ran numbers on Google Analytics today, and found that people from 192 out of the 195 countries in the entire world have visited Mrs-O.org. Isn't that crazy? Mrs. O's style appeal has no boundaries. A global style icon indeed.
The dresses are absolutely lovely. However, MO needs to wear clothes that flatter her beautiful body and self and that represent her new position. These dresses did not. In the next year's she will be presented with many "fun" and "bold" fashions and designs but, again, she will need to be herself and pick styles that flatter her and maker her comfortable enough to show her inner self.
Jackie was that admired because she was in avantgarde at her time. So is Michelle now. like a fresh air.
even if I do not like everything she puts on, still I admire her "fashion courage"!
Those pleats and the length! bah....no, they are not 2009, perhaps 1909 southern village!
I still love Michelle's ORIGINAL(meaning before becoming 1st lady) sense of style, her values and what she stands for, but sorry this dress is no good any day, certainly not good on day 1. This is not her colours too (have you ever seen her in this colour combination before this?) This dress would be ok perhaps for walking down the streets of hawaii with the President in shorts. This is not "fahion courage" this is "fashion faux pas"
I respect Michelle Obama greatly as a person, for her intellect, and for obviously being a great mom.
That said, her last three outfits have been fashion disasters. Her dress from today is WAY too casual and springlike. It would be great for tea-time, but not for occasions like today. Yellow (or lemongrass) is not a flattering color for her skin tone. The Toledo outfit was way too fussy, the gloves and shoes were two very different shades of green, and a hat would have been nice (go, Aretha!). Mrs. O. looked as if she was freezing, and she probably was. The ball dress looked like a wedding gown. I am confident that she will make better choices in the future!
Mrs. T, as to the magazine cover, Im not sure when the picture was taken, but this is their january 09 issue, so I can't imagine that it was too long ago.
As to her hair, yes, it does seem different...it seems like the usual flip she does on occasion, only pulled back a little more to bring out her face...
yea, that jacket is pretty amazing, I love the chinese collar like neckline, and the dramatic bow in the middle!
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2ZuHDmQhyi0/SWgQ8HTQD4I/AAAAAAAAAbc/hxx-KKxdT7E/s1600-h/michelle.bmp
Love that the First Lady wore a dress. I don't like tha pattern but thats because I'm pretty much a solid color wearer.
I'm not sure how this will sound.....the Jackie O comparisons are growing tiresome...I absolutely LOVED the way she dressed but that being said, Mrs. Obama is her OWN person.
For the record my mother said that many people hated what jackie wore during her time in the white house. They also said she was too bony, her chest was flat, etc. A lot of people then and now don't like change. Michelle like all of us real women will have good and not so good days. As Jackie did as well. And I get such a kick out of the older generations idea of what is appropriate for a 45 year old women to wear. lol
Mrs. O has the opportunity to take an American designer and make him great. A department store designer isn't going to flatter her legacy. As far as the jewelry goes, even Jackie K didn't smother herself in diamonds. You can buy reproductions of her jewelry now on ebay that are inexpensive. [The prayer dress was most inappropriate for the occasion. Mrs. O needs to hire an advisor throughout her stay in the White House. She is not going to have time to worry about her daily couture and all eyes will be on her with critique]
I agree totally with Mrs. H.S. The Jackie O comparisons are getting old. Michelle is an individual with her own sense of style. I am sure she will set new trends on her own.
Out of the box!!!
You can't help but notice HER in the clothes she wears. Love, love, love how she looks in this dress. I could never pull off 1/4 of what she wears.
I think most Americans are pretty blah and boring in what they choose to wear (myself included.) We seem to want women to wear safe clothes like the two meeting the pres and first lady.
No offense to Laura Bush, but I wonder why she chose the dress she did for the inauguration? It seemed like she was attempting to dress like the Groom's mother, which could actually be considered a kind gesture.
Regarding my Jackie K comparison comment, I didn't mean that Mrs. O should copy Jackie K, I meant that she has that kind of status and her couture should reflect that. She should have a (American) designer that works for her and sets the pace for other women to follow if they chose. Not a department store designer that sets the average pace for women already. She should set herself apart for the woman that she is as Jackie K had the grace and courage to do.
I just read online that Michelle will be on the March cover U.S.Vogue.Lets watch and see if that rumour is true.