Anticipation Reaches Fever Pitch (Updated)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 9:04 AM 
Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images
With the Obamas scheduled to touch down in London this evening, the eyes of the world are clearly on the outcome of the G20. Yet amidst heated political speculation, Europe’s press are nevertheless finding time to ask, alongside just about every fashionista on the planet: What will Mrs. O be wearing?
Mrs. O has been a huge hit with the European fashion press. Her fashion-forward approach, her willingness to take risks with her style and her eagerness to embrace designers outside the mainstream have all been lauded by the critics. It's an mark of her extraordinary impact that designers like Maria Pinto, Thakoon, Jason Wu and Maria Cornejo who are not widely available in Europe are nevertheless regularly featured in the style press as faces to watch. Yet if coverage of her Inaugural wardrobe is any barometer, her every G20 ensemble will go far beyond the fashion pages to make front page news around the world.
Commentators usually more at home with foreign policy than frocks will be on the hunt for the “message” implicit in Mrs. O’s style choices. The major UK broadsheets have certainly found time, amidst policy analysis, to ponder the implications of the First Lady’s wardrobe. Among the other logistical hurdles posed by a Presidential visit, The Telegraph noted the challenge of packing “for a first lady who is also an international style icon,” while Rupert Cornwell writing in The Independent observes Mrs. O’s emergence as an international megastar:
"Two months into her husband's term, Michelle is a superstar in her own right. Her every appearance is a major news event; her every move is tracked by an army of bloggers. Her fashions, her hairdos, not to mention her choice of presidential pet, command headlines worthy of Jackie in Camelot's heyday."
Anticipation is further heightened by the fact that Mrs. O will not be the only political spouse on the international stage this week. Fashion journalists are feverishly anticipating the first meeting between Michelle Obama and France’s Premiere Dame, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. While Madame Sarkozy will not be attending the G20, the ladies are scheduled to meet at a European summit on Saturday in what will almost certainly be a meeting of fashion minds. Avid First Lady watchers will remember Carla’s first state visit to Britain, in which the former supermodel dazzled in classic Dior. Ms. Bruni aside, the world’s most influential political spouses will descend en masse on the UK this week but there is little doubt in anyone’s mind that Mrs. O’s star is shining brightest. To quote The Independent once more:
“The most important person on Mrs. Brown's guest list will be Michelle Obama, the "First Lady of First Ladies." Mrs. O has already scored a diplomatic triumph by securing a personal meeting with the Queen. On Wednesday afternoon – so long as the anarchists haven't forced the Royal Family into hiding – the world's most powerful couple will meet Prince Charles and Camilla before taking tea with Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace. Everyone else will have to content themselves with a brief handshake at an official reception.”
So once again, the eyes of the world are on Mrs. O’s wardrobe, yet we have no doubt she will pull off yet another fashion coup. With her sense of occasion, her eye for detail and her abilty to use her clothing to make subtle personal statements Mrs. O has mastered the fine art of fashion diplomacy. When Mrs. O met HRH will undoubtedly be one of the fashion moments of 2009. Update: Mrs. O wears a Thakoon custom ivory tulle tweed coat with grosgrain piping. For additional photos, click here (thanks Edwina).
Michael Kors, Thakoon in Outfits
Reader Comments (103)
Very nice, classy, apropriate and quiet look. But no matter how popular the kitten heel shoes are - I do not like them at all! I am very tall and if I use them, I always feel as if something is missing. A stylish wider heel might have looked better.
If Mrs.O's traveling ensemble is any indication - she is certainly going to dazzle during this trip w/ her easy, spare, yet elegant all American chic.
I am breathless w/ anticipation and, as is apparent, is the rest of the world !
Allison, I too would love to run my hands over that coat. I don't have a mental picture of what "tulle tweed" is.
I think of Thakoon as making some of Michelle's more unusual dresses. It's interesting to see this quieter choice. I think it's appropriate; I don't know if the walk to and from the plane is the time to really go haute couture on us.
The photo linked to above, from the back, is really striking,and makes me feel a lot better about this look.
There's just something about the combination of the new hairstyle, heavier makeup, pearls, ivory/white fabric that is a teensy bit dowdy.
Christina,
I think because of the fact that this Thakoon is so obviously Chanel inspired and pared down, that he may be working with Mrs. O in person. I haven't seen his latest line, but because it's so un-Thankoon, it must be made custom for Mrs. O. And if that's true, that's a pretty great thing! Cause custom made equals great fit!
They're landing right now. I hope Johnny Wright hooked Mrs. O's hair up!
I am always amazed at all the comments regarding Michelle's shoes. I am five years older than Michelle and I wouldn't even dare think about wearing 'higher' heels if I were her - the lower heels are much more comfortable and when your feet aren't hurting it is easier to have a smile on your face all day. When you put in long days and are on your feet wearing heels for more than an hour or two would be torture.
I suspect Michelle will be wearing very low heels or even flats to some of the events abroad such as when she tours the health facility and cathedral.
They've just landed in London. Michelle is wearing a different outfit
OMG, a new outfit! Fabulous!! Fitted!!!
She changed! she changed!
I am disappointed.
I wish Michelle had worn the White and Black outfit getting off of the plane in London - instead of the yellow and green(?)
She should have worn them in reverse.
new dress now that she arrived in the UK. Belted, more when I see it.
OH YES SHE CHANGED HER CLOTHES. I AM LOVING THIS!!!!!!!!
OMG She looks beautiful, WHats that? A yellow dress? OMG never been so excited!
Yay! She changed clothes..I saw that belt she wore to Ft. Bragg belted around a yellow dress. It was dark, but when the cameras flashed, I saw a yellow dress with a dark jacket and that black belt that I love that was last worn to NC.
But of course, all I really saw was her great smile. She was beaming.
Just saw them land, this is definitely more like it!! more her!! with her favorite black belt of course
I LOVE IT!!!
HERE COMES MRS. O!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok, I'm feeling really good about this now, and her hair was on point getting off the plane. The second outfit was fitted, brightly colored, modern, and had a hit of sexy to it. Perfect, and I didn't even get a good look at it! If she's got two outfits just for the ride over, this is gonna be a good week, y'all!!
Yea it was dark, I can't wait to see the pics
YES!! Wardrobe change...go 'head Michelle. I was clapping like a circus seal when she got off the plane. So proud of the President, the First Lady and America!
Gosh, I can't wait to see the second oufit!! I have been refreshing the yahoo news page but no luck so far. I am soooo glad she changed outfits though. London deserves to have a bit of surprise. I can't wait to see it.
MissPB,
They looked dashing, didn't they. I think they are more beautiful than Jack and Jackie. They were definitely good looking, but Barack and Michelle are exceptionally beautiful. They looked like two models walking off that plane. Gorgeous.
They both look FABULOUS! I thought it was another black and white ensemble but was perhaps distorted by the weird night lighting. This is just so much fun.
Its not a great picture but you get to see her outfit pretty well:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/064P4cW3lVax9
This is a shot of the outfit
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1165669/Welcome-Britain-Obama-lands-Stansted-Airport-ahead-G20-talks-world-leaders.html
My comment is awaiting moderation but if anyone wants to see the outfit, it's on Daily Mail website
Better look at the outfit!! Don't look at their eyes though. LOL
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7974867.stm
Very sexy! And the hair and makeup is on FIRE!
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//090331/ids_photos_wl/r670211184.jpg/#photoViewer=/090331/481/5452c5a8f0254509bace04ceca97f3cc
Here's a pic. Not the best, but it'll do for now.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45621000/jpg/_45621141_007103644-1.jpg
MissPB you weren't the only one clapping-they both looked gorgeous getting off that plane! Michelle's dress was green??fitted, with an overcoat that subtly emphasized her figure. Looked sexy Imo but not glaringly so. Hair on point.
go head Miss thang! Work it now!
lol
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama;_ylt=Ar7RxdzlHNgL9BqizafZaAIKO7gF#photoViewer=/090331/ids_photos_wl/r1168249584.jpg
The pictures are finally in! Woooow. Amazing. I am very surprised by how sexy and daring it is. I was expecting that she would emerge in a different outfit but more like another skirtsuit in a shade of red or something. NOT this yellow number. She looks like a jewel! And it is definitely something Laura Bush wouldn't wear, which is how we know Michelle is being true to her style. She looks lovely, young, modern, and not at all dowdy.
I know i agree she looks very sexy with that yellow outfit
And SWOON over her hair. Gone is the subdued bob from this morning.
She looks super youthful. This morning's outfit and hair definitely aged her, even though I really liked the general look. The yellow dress is much more age-appropriate I think.
OMGGGGGGGGGGGGG
Caught a glimpse of her outfit and it looks FABULOUS!
Go Mrs. O!
There is a short little video of the Obamas landing and being welcomed at this link. Michelle looks very happy and incredibly poised.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7974867.stm
I can just imagine them landing in London. Lol, makes me think of that Estelle song American Boy.
Beautiful fabric! I normally detest the black and yellow combo but it looks like a beautiful and interesting shade of yellow and it really becomes her. Very, very feminine. And she's wearing her lucky belt!
What I know now is this: The outfits will be on point. I have no fear that FLOTUS and her glam squad won't drop the ball. They will make touchdowns all this week.
What I'm unsure about it whether she'll be "safe", elegant, and classic as she was this morning, or give us vintage Michelle, modern, sexy, colorful. Who knows?! But that's what's so fun about watching this First Lady!
Link to several outfit shots all on one page:
http://www.daylife.com/topic/Barack_Obama/photos/1/grid
Why didn't Barack bother to change? LOL
Women have it so tough, seriously. We're judged so much on externals.
Are there events planned for this evening? Is that why there was an outfit change?
Jenna-
Thanks for posting the video link.
Actually it was better for Michelle to have changed since it is fairly dark there then the White and Black outfit would not have looked as well as it did in the daytime while they were still in D.C. The London outfit was more appropriate for 'sundown' time.
I forgot to add .. that I hope Michelle will wear the 'white and black' outfit again overseas. It was too good to just wear for only boarding MarineOne and AirForceOne.
very 1st lady-like look, more traditional than her usual flare....but I love it.
I love the white outfit. So French, v. Chanel and elegant. I agree that its too good for just a plane trip.
I just read in Politico.com that the black dress she wore this morning is Michael Kors. Love both outfits. So modern, so simple yet so Elegant. Loving this trip so far!!
Re: "I think they are more beautiful than Jack and Jackie."
Michelle and Obama look great, but they aren't a patch on the Kennedys.
she looks fabulous, and this site is a daily pilgrimage for me too
i was just discussing with a girlfriend yesterday that we've seen her so far in mauve, indigo, aqua, yellow-green for the inauguration, red for the white house visit, red-black for inauguration night and the 3nd DNC, tan-and-black, and a whole lot of hot pink on those magazine covers. a little bit of yellow on the 'O' cover, too, but not a whole dress - so it is indeed nice to see her in a yellow dress today. love the neckline, and is this the 'star trek' belt ?
hope we'll see her in a white dress sometime this week, also maybe a soft baby pink with soft make-up, and olive/khaki. hope she continues experimenting with textures too - love her in lace, of course, and the crepe sheaths
This outfit is a little on the dowdy side, but she looks nice. Finally, a Thakoon outfit that is alright. I haven't been a fan of the other Thakoon outfits that she has worn.
I'm not particularly feeling the makeup though.
OMG ! I can't believe I actually called it accurately, in my post above - a few hours ahead of time...please please let's informally start guessing/betting on what colour she wears next
i was about to add 'and some silver' after seeing her 'goldenrod' dress, and 'perhaps baby blue too', to the post above (honest) - don't know what stopped me
i'm guessing something fiery and solid/dark/unicolor next, and baby blue sometime this week...
Love this coat and dress. Very smart, very classic. Needs higher heels in my view but then for flying, who cares!
Mrs. Obama is short waisted and should wear longer sweaters/jackets to balance her body. Leave the belt off - this look is cutting her torso. Play up the long lean look that her long legs offer. Love her soft sweater look, love her showing her arms. Fresh and feminine.