As to your Qs (Part 1 of 8)

Thank you for submitting such wonderful questions for the Mrs. O book contest! We're going to answer them 10 at a time, in the order they were submitted, and then announce the winner at the end of the week.

@AnicoleArcher Is there one outfit of Mrs. O. that both designers and ordinary citizens agree was not her best?

A: I didn’t ask the designers that question, so I can’t answer from their perspective. In terms of "ordinary citizens", I would say one of the most controversial looks was the Junya Watanabe cardigan (asymmetric, argyle and sequined) worn in London. It happens, also, to be one of my personal favorites! I think it was more daring and avant garde than anything we’ve seen a first lady wear before, Mrs. O or otherwise.

@Tiffany W. Is the title "Mrs. O" a play on Jackie-O? Of course you may have heard or seen the comparison between the too iconic First Ladies.

A:  “Mrs. O” is meant to be a reference to Jackie O, with a twist. My mother passed down a fascination with Jacqueline Kennedy’s style. When I began to take notice of Michelle Obama’s style, I sensed that my generation had found its Jackie O. While the excitement and intrigue that surrounds both women is similar, Michelle Obama certainly has her own, unique sense of style. I think the name “Mrs. O” captures that balance – a reference to Jackie O, but not too literal.  

@Maya Thomas Two-part question: What do you consider the First Lady's best look (silhouette, cut, color, trend) and why?

A: More than any look, what I love most about Mrs. O’s style is her inventive use of accessories, particularly brooches. Brooches had not been part of my own style lexicon, which made them feel all the more unexpected and exciitng as I discovered them through Mrs. O. I think they show Mrs. O's creativity.

@O.D. What inspired you to write a book chronicling Mrs. O's fashion choices? Is it because she's relatable? Her personality or seeing her transformation?

A: A week after the election (at this point the blog had been live for less than two months) I was approached by an editor at a publishing house, who contacted me through Mrs-O.org. At that point, a book was not something I had considered, but an opportunity that couldn't be passed up. As it became a reality, there was an abundance of inspiration to draw upon. I was fascinated by the new designer names emerging through Mrs. O's style, many of whom I was discovering for the first time, and of course, by the democratic mix of high, medium and low price points in her wardrobe.  

@Siv Can you elaborate more on how the First Lady has defined the new era of American fashion?

A: For context, the phrase that Siv refers to - “the book reveals the story of a new era of American fashion” - is included in the Amazon description for the book and on the book jacket. It was one of the last things written, when the book was essentially finished. It captured several of the key themes I encountered while working on the project. In part, it refers to a new guard of American fashion designers that Mrs. O has introduced us to. A year ago, names like Jason Wu and Isabel Toledo were lesser known; now they’re household. It also speaks to the democratic mix of high and low, and an increased value placed on artistry and craftsmanship. I think all of these things will shape American fashion going forward, and we have Mrs. O's influence, in great part, to thank.

@aphrochic Throughout the process of putting together this book, were there thoughts or interviews that focused on how Mrs. Obama's fashion has impacted democracy and the view of the First Lady around the world? It seems to me, that like Jackie O., Mrs. Obama is using fashion as a way to break down barriers and through fashion, engage a global audience. Do you examine this in the book?

A: As work on the book was well underway, the Obamas went to Europe. The worldwide impact of that trip was so great, it merited a mini-chapter (Chapter 7). I do examine how Mrs. O’s use of style positively impacted the perception of American culture abroad, and on one of the stops, how her style was used to acknowledge, if quietly, the rich fashion history of her host nation France.

@Beth If you haven't met Mrs. O, what would you ask her about/talk to her about if you met her? (besides gushing of course!)If you were her stylist, what looks would you keep? What might you add?

A: When Mrs. O was about my age, she switched career paths, leaving a job in corporate law for one in public service. I would love to know how she made that decision.

If I were her stylist, well, I can’t imagine that I would change much! There are a few dresses from the past that I would love to see Mrs. O bring back. She has been photographed wearing a black jersey Zero+Maria Cornejo dress that I would love to see her wear again.

@maraabout40 What was the best part about doing this project and how has it changed your life?

A: The best part was the opportunity to meet designers who I greatly admire them. Everytime I set out to do an interview I felt a mix of nerves and pure excitement. I can’t say how this experience has changed my life, though I’m sure it has. Certainly I've met a wide range of new, interesting and kind people. A year ago, I never imagined I would be an author, so that is new too!

@Georgia I really like the chapter titles. My questions are: How did you develop the chapter titles?  On the first page of each chapter, how did you decide on which outfit (and which photograph of the selected outfit) would illustrate the concept behind each chapter's title?

A: Thanks Georgia! Writing the chapter titles was an iterative process. They had to be pithy but descriptive of the content. I gave it my best go, and then sought help from Steven Brinlee, who does fashion copywriting. The selection of the lead photograph was actually most impacted by whether the photo worked across the double page spread format. It had to be beautiful and dramatic, and relevant to the chapter content, of course, but there were suprisingly few photos that worked well in the space.

@Marcie Q. What is your favorite Mrs. O look in the book?

A: Every time I see the image of Mrs. O wearing the floor length Peter Soronen gown, accessorized with a Tom Binns necklace for the National Governors Association dinner, I just think, “Wow”. Modern is a word thrown around quite a bit when speaking of Mrs. O's style, but that look genuinely projected modern, twenty-first century glamour. I think that's my favorite look in the book.

10 down, 73 to go! I'm hoping for at least a few repeats. Heh! Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy is available on Amazon, here.

Comments

[Siv]

I love the comprehensive answers. Looking forward to reading more!

[Rashmi]

Hi Mrs, T, I have a question. it's regarding the Cost of the dresses. Do you think Mrs Obama actually purchases the dresses or Ikram purchases them and she gets to wear for free in return for Ikram benefitting for getting more customers. Or do the designers just hand their outfits as complimentary? I'm just curious. Thank you.

[aphrochic]

Thank you so much for answering my question. I cannot wait to read the book!