Tea with the Queen
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 3:11 PM 
Photo by John Stillwell /Getty Images 
Photo by Stefan Rousseau / Getty Images
For her historic meeting with the Queen, we were delighted to see First Lady Mrs. O choose an ivory and black silk crepe dress by Isabel Toledo, paired with a black satin opera coat by Jason Wu. As many will recall, Mrs. O wore ensembles from the same winning combination of designers for the Inauguration. We cannot help but think back to the morning of January 21, when both Ms. Toledo and Mr. Wu were guests on the Today Show, exuding pure joy, excitement and gratitude.
It is wonderful to see both of these American design talents, heralded for their craftsmanship and artistry, brought to the world stage once more. Mrs. O's Isabel Toledo dress features an origami-inspired bow detail at the waistline. She paired the dress with a black cashmere cardigan by Alaia and a double strand of pearls.
Alaia, Isabel Toledo, Jason Wu in Outfits
Reader Comments (159)
I don't love this---even the beautiful opera coat doesn't seem right. A suit doesn't have to be dowdy---and another type of dress would have been more flattering. I don't dig the fuller skirts on her. I DO understand about being yourself--but she needs some further fashion advice. She could be stunning.
I do think the dinner outfit was a bit dowdy.. I always like Mrs. O in long figure fitting gowns (like the black sparkly one she wore to a dinner at the white house.) That's my all time fave.. but it seems she like these a line type things alot.. either way she looks unique. i think a suit is too predictable and very un-Mrs O. I can't remember the last time we saw Mrs. O in a suit. She rarely wears them. I don't see why ppl keep wanting her to wear suits.. If you don't like cardigans.. you might just have to get used to it.. she loves those things (not my personal fave) but she wears them well.
I'm sorry, or am I? I love Michelle's attitude and she is doing a great job as First Lady thus far. However, I may add that her couture efforts - or lack thereof - leave a lot to be desired. A cardigan to see the Queen of England? Is she MAKING the tea??? I think it would be in Michelle's best interests to seek advice from Valentino (who has claimed he has nothing to do) or St. John. They will not steer her wrong, whomever she goes to meet with!
"This meeting was completely different and informal. No comparisons, and I think people need to put away their Jackie O fetish now and realize that this is 2009. President Obama is not the new JFK, FDR, or whomever, and Michelle Obama is not the new Jackie O. -IVA"
I have been pointing that out for some time now that the Obamas are not the Kennedys. Sure, the Obama has the same charisma that the Kennedys had in their heyday. But this is the 21st folks and the Obamas belong to a whole new different era. Michelle will dress like a woman in her time and carry herself as a former professional career woman.
I am just so very proud!
"Is she MAKING the tea??? I think it would be in Michelle’s best interests to seek advice from Valentino (who has claimed he has nothing to do) or St. John. They will not steer her wrong, whomever she goes to meet with! "-Dionne
And when the right wing starts screaming she spending loads of money for Gucci etc... You'll be there to remind us that Michelle should have kept in mind of the economic times before visiting such expensive places. Michelle dress fine for the era she is living in right now. Which a "Recession."
If you look at all the attendees at this dinner, you will see that Mrs. O looks great, not over the top and approachable. I also think how difficult it must be to be comfortable, assert your own style, and keep in mind the image of the US and the statement of your clothes that could reflect on the President.
I was thinking of how the President wants this "listen and still lead" approach to his agenda. He wants to solve the problems and be inclusive of other nations. The social secretary Desiree Rogers described Mrs. O's staff as blending the East and West Wings--adding value to the President's policies and this includes being approachable. If she looks over the top at an informal tea (not a state event) and then less formal dinner, how does this all play out politically with all eyes on her husband and Michelle?
This is a sticky tight rope, whether she likes it or not, that she has to walk. I would hate to be in her shoes everyday. Being reminded that even though she's intelligent and stylish, what she wears has an impact on her husband and the US.
She's fierce, beautiful, and I can't wait for her autobiography on the back story of these events!
Why is she not wearing any taylored jackets? She always has a tight (not the correct size for her) cardigan. The top is always casual and her skirts are formal....an amizing jacket and skirt would have been more in line for tea with the Queen. Also fit is so important. A $50 peice of clothing can look amaizing if it is taylored and fits.
I think the Toledo dress is simple, somber and elegant - and do I detect a tulle underskirt ?
I am in the camp that thinks a different cover-up rather than the cardigan would have been a more thoughtful / fashionable choice for the moment when Mrs O was required to be 'covered', but the Wu coat, and the dress itself are fabulous and I am sure in person, much more beautiful in structure, detail and fabric than they appear in photos.
The more I see of this dress, the better I like it. It is quite sophisticated in its detailing. Maybe trading out the cardi for a jacket might have worked, but it also might have overpowered the simple, delicate origami-type detailing of the dress. I can absolutely live with the cardi, which was a neutral element. The smashing opera coat is a full outfit in itself. I've loved her looks today!
I found the more that I looked at this dress in various photographs,the more I like it. Michelle looks very sweet and demure and she's rocking a 60's look with that hair. Compared to the other women, she's a total star.
I completely agree with all of the posters who are gently chiding our self-appointed etiquette experts. We are all Emily Post now, or maybe only in our minds. I'm not sure too many of us are well versed on royal protocol, but one thing for sure is that the Obama's have been thouroughly briefed on all aspects.
During this time of excitement it might be a good time to pause and remember who Michelle is inside:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Utt-6HumUU
Love that bio of her!
Can you all just imagine the right wing screams if she dressed in diamonds and expensive beautiful dress. Nancy Regan anyone remember what happen to her during the 80's recession.
I can hear it now from Rush Limbaugh saying "Why Americans lose jobs by the thousands Michelle Obama is having tea wearing diamonds and dressed in million dollar outfits." Can you folks now picture why she chose to dress understated on purpose. Michelle is smart then we want to give her credit when it comes to fashion.
She knows her husbands political enemies want to use her fashion, public issues anything that she touches against President Obama.
Here is a close-up shot of the crinoline under the skirt:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/01/michelle-obama-debuts-new_n_181846.html
5th photo on the slideshow
This is a great transitional look (from day to night wear). Transitioning from a visit with the Queen in the mid-day then having a great night out on the town with the other spouses; simply seamless. Smart move—love the coat and hair-do.
About the Cardigan
Can someone clarify? I was sure it was an Azzedine Alaia cardigan. To those who have never seen up close, touched or worn an Alaia sweater or cardi, you would be astounded at the amazing fit, the clean and sharp structure and fantastic detail. Very couture-like. Not any black cardigan.
Sweaters and cardigans can have a structured, modern and dressed up feel. It was a perfect complement to the color blocked dress. She was graceful, and her look fit the occasion. It was an informal meeting. And cardigans are her trademark touch.
If it was J. Crew, well fab! She is promoting US brands and designer's, with class and quiet chic, she is practical and down to earth.
About the Dress and Coat
It is a very tasteful choice: bold contrasts, pleat detail at the waist and center, a little crinoline peaking out from underneath... it gives the black and white a little whimsy and a dose of femininity.
The coat was la piece de resistance. But of course, she could not keep it on to meet the Queen…
About Mrs. Bruni-Sarkozy and Mrs. Obama
Two very different women, different lifestyles, different bodies, different backgrounds, different tastes. I love both.
Mrs. Bruni-Sarkozy was lucky to have Mr. Galliano provide her with a total look and wardorbe, "accessoires inclus", of Dior. It was pristine... but if you’ve followed her throughout her career and life, well, the packaged Dior looks were in far contrast to her usual attire (albeit she has been tweaking it since marrying the French President). Nonetheless, gorgeous.
I admire that our First Lady keeps it real. That she sticks to her style, yet is subtly irreverent. She takes risks. And she inspires us and reminds us that you do not have to be rich to be stylish, and that J. Crew is just as viable as Dior.
Simple, elegant, classic.
She looks lovely and not overdone.
I think the problem with dresses like this is the richness of the fabric and details do not photograph well so we are missing what makes it special.
Amen Tia--Fox News can't wait for the Valentino/Gucci ensemble to emerge. After the primaries, Michelle wised up real quick. Until the economy turns around, we better get used to the cardigans people. Trust me, Michelle knows how to shop high-end and look glam. I followed her wardrobe in Chicago long before Barack ran for Prez.
But she's not a dumb woman...some of this is political necessity. The right wing wants them out of that White House, and she knows it.
Edwina, you are right. My husband and I are both unemployed and I really appreciate the way First Lady Michelle Obama has controlled the fashion extravagance. I do not begrudge the First Lady of the land dressing nicely, but I get the sense that she is aware that there are millions of people like me & my husband out here and I love and respect here deeply for that, and I LOVE HER SLEEVELESS LOOK!!!
For those wondering about the wonderful coat that Michelle worn to Buckingham Palace ... we might see it again this evening.
Just found out this tidbit:
Britain's first lady will take guests to the opera after dinner.
I wonder if it's possible, just possible, that Mrs. O knows what's appropriate for the various occasions more than WE do? I mean, could it be, since she has the handlers, the advance people, the staff, etc.
There's a lot of "This is what she must wear!" pronouncements coming from folks whom I'm pretty sure have never met the queen, or been to a working dinner of G-20 leaders.
There's outfits that I like and that I don't like; it's all a matter of taste. But this suggestion that there are all these ironclad (including rules set 40 years ago by Jackie O -- come on, now!) is just irritating. That picture of Jackie and the Queen was at a dedication of a memorial to JFK, quite a different occasion than a quick stop before dinner.
If Jackie Onassis were alive today, I bet she would be perturbed at the fetishization of the clothing she wore 40 years ago. Even SHE wouldn't be dressing that way anymore.
There is a video up on
www (dot) politico (dot) com
of the Obamas inside of 10 Downing having dinner.
It's not about where the cardigan came from or how much it cost. Cardigans look sloppy for these events. It doesn't matter if it's an $80 cardigan from J. Crew or an $3000 Valentino cardigan. That's not the point at all. The point is it's a cardigan and cardigan's give a rounded shoulder silhouette and that's a bad silhouette on the First Lady. As for this idea that she's not looking polished at these big event because she's frugal and doesn't wear high end designers, that's not true. She has always looked glamorous and polished wearing dresses that cost less than 1000 bucks, which is cheap compared to the 20,000 dresses Mrs. Sarkozy wears. Its' about the styling, not the money. Mrs. O needs a stylist for these big events and the timing of her wardrobe needs to be thought out. She should have changed for the dinner.
The outfit to meet Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles was dowdy, disappointing, and a real miss. Jason Wu may be overrated as a designer. If she wants to acknowledge the difficult times yet still dress in an appropriate manner - why not the coat and dress she wore getting on the helicopter to fly to Air Force One? Great ensemble. I know there are some who would be shocked to see her wear something again. . . .
As for the J. Crew outfit to meet with Mrs. Brown. Not great. But considering Mrs. Brown's ensemble, Michelle Obama looked ok/presentable.
The dinner video is also on the front page of Mrs.-O dot org
KA you're right. It's not a J crew cardigan but Azzedine Alaia
"But she’s not a dumb woman…some of this is political necessity. The right wing wants them out of that White House, and she knows it. "-Janelle
...................................................
Your speaking the truth. Sure I would have loved for her to dress expansive high end. However, I know that we are living in a rescission and so does the First Lady Michelle. So, she has to be on her toes at all times when dressing in public as to appear not clothed in millions why people lose jobs back in the United States. I think it's a very smart move for her to dress in an understated way.
The cashmere cardigan is, I think, really too casual for such an occasion. I'd really like to see Michelle wear a snappy tailored suit once in a while. I fear her look is starting to seem a bit Mumsy.
@ Christina - Amen. The protocol police on here really get to me. But it's just like all of the armchair economists, foreign policy experts, and presidents that we see on blogs discussing the President's decisions. Some people have an opinion, and then others mistake their opinions as fact.
As I said on the last thread, I can understand not liking a particular outfit Mrs. O has worn, but I think it's a stretch to say anything she has worn thus far is inappropriate. She has hit the right tone in each of her choices, even if some of the outfits weren't "wow."
And as I wrote before, just look at the other women at these events. Mrs. O really does outshine them all, without overdoing it and most importantly, without looking like she is trying to prove something. There is nothing worse than someone who's wearing a nice outfit, but looks unnatural and as if they're trying too hard to "dress up." I'm so glad she's avoiding that.
Christina, thank you! I've been sitting here thinking that all day. Picturing my budget for an extended trip to Europe, buying what new clothes I could, and then laying them all out on the bed and deciding what would be worn on what part of the trip. Thinking about every detail of the daily schedule... hospital visit, reception with the Queen, dinner at 10 Downing, then opera afterward. Then choosing which outfit(s) would fit all those needs. And to do it not just for one day and one city, but many days and many locations!
She hit it out of the ballpark today. She's finding that fine line between appropriateness (in terms of what she's doing, who she's meeting and what everything costs) and what still fits her personal style (elegant but with an edge). There's so much detail that doesn't come through on the photos, and some of those photos are clearly adding pounds that aren't really there. Yet the overall effect is a stunning, smart woman who is a fashion icon who can hold her own anywhere. And that's what is most important.
Oh, and btw, did you see TBG in one of the video clips? (smile)
the cardigan makes sense, coz its ridiculous to wear that coat inside. and the meeting is informal, not a state visit. it is a right touch to make it right for the queen, and also right for the dinner. looking and other WAGs, the dinner is not very formal too. she would hv looked stupid if she wears a gown. and i think its pretty save to say that she will not wear valention or gucci. they are not american brands.
Does anyone have advance team or protocol experience, and can answer this question?
At some lower level, would the colors or outfits planned to be worn by Her Majesty and her guests coordinated?
I've read stories that Laura Bush had to go back upstairs at the WH when two guests arrived inthe same red gown as the forner first lady. While it is unlikely the Queen and Mrs. Obama would choose the same thing, it could have happened with Anne, The Princess Royal and Mrs. McCain, had things turned out differently....
I like the dress now that I see it in its fullness, and I now understand that the dinner immediately followed the tea - Mrs. O has to double up on the outfit for the tea and the dinner. The coat is glorious.
Spot on K.A and Jules!
And it is indeed an Azzedine Alaia cardigan...
Jenna, thanks for summing it all up from that crucial perspective...I have no doubt that Mrs O knows how to and could easily vamp it up with the most exclusive and expensive of designers; but the very same people would have gone insane accusing her of being insensitive to the times -
Best of luck Jenna; It'll be okay...Take care-
@ Chicagoan:
What?? No! I missed him! TBG made the trip, yay!
Bill Bear, no, there is no coordination on the designers or colors worn. Most of the protocol briefings include how to address the Queen and Prince Phillip, whether to bow or curtsey, where to stand, what topics to avoid, etc. There are obvious boundaries of fashion appropriateness that are discussed -- a visitor would not be allowed to enter in inappropriate attire like shorts and flip-flops, for example -- but specific outfits and designs are not covered in advance.
Frankly, it's not much of an issue in these circles as most of the clothing worn is one-of-a-kind or even couture. What happened with Mrs. Bush was that she wore an off-the-rack gown that other women also chose. Luckily, she was in a position to change.
I don't think Mrs. O will have that problem, as she almost always has something unique and, if it is off-the-rack, she manages to mix it up with interesting accessories so as to make it appear a unique outfit. Therein lies her fashion genius.
I really like the dress without the cardigan. The cardigan takes something away from the dress. When you see them arriving for dinner she looks stunning in the dress(without the cardigan).
Mrs. T - You should throw up a picture of Mrs. O without the cardigan or jacket as well. So we can see the 3 different styles of this one outfit.
Jason Wu and Isabel Toledo have struck a home run again! I'm so happy that Isabel is finally getting the recognition that she deserves.
While I understand the nod to austerity, that Michelle is giving. She is with the President of the USA. Her style is too informal for representing America as our head of state's wife.
The JCrew sparkle rhinestone/beads/sequins with the additional shiny skirt and animal print pumps was just too casual. Michelle can wear that to meet with HER staff. Even J.Crew pairs it with JeANS in their ads...for an additional flair to a Jean look!
What would have been far better is if she had rotated the order of her outfits...wear the J. Crew outfit when leaving the USA headed to the UK...then pull out the very classy black and white ensemble she wore for the Queen.
And why or why do you wear a satin OPERA coat before noon?
I wish the FLOTUS would adhere more to protocol, afterall she is representing the USA.
Michelle looks great in most anything but her choices and selections for these myriad occasions leaves a lot to be desired.
Frankly, I find it just not up to snuff.
Sorry, I love it. She loooks smart, clean, crisp, and no-nonsense. I love the look. She looks like she has nothing to prove to anybody....LOVE HER!
...and tall, they make everyone look so short.
LOL...we get it "Opulent."
I'm confused about the choices so far. I don't understand choosing a tailored, sophisticated dress and coat ensemble to do nothing but sit on a plane for 7 hours (she was wearing a different outfit when she exited the plane) and then a cardigan to meet the queen. I'd have reversed the two. I love the dress, the coat, the pearls, the hair, and the makeup; but I agree that the cardigan is far too casual and gives the whole outfit a bit of a school girl look. If she felt the need to be demure or to keep her arms warm (England's still a bit chilly right now), a simple tailored black jacket in the same fabric as the skirt would have been an improvement over the cardigan.
Having said all of that, I thank God every day that our country is now being represented abroad by two such intelligent, charming, approachable, warm, energetic, wonderful people!
I can only imagine that every minute of the schedule is spoken for. If MIchelle wears 2 different outfits every day for the next few days, it will be glorious to watch. I am loving this fashion show. I wonder if she will stick with American designers when she gets to France. And what kind of fashion homage will she pay to the Czech Republic? Mrs. O loves to play with her accessories.
Jenna, best of luck. Chicagoan, I have missed your posts. Glad to see you!
We would have thought (a younger, tanner, taller) Margaret Thatcher had returned to 10 Downing if she'd shown up in that departure outfit.
Some people just don't get Mrs. O's fashion sense. At all.
Am LOVING the coat, but not liking the "new" hairstyle.
I think that Mrs. Obama should have worn the outfit she boarded the plane in the states (cram silk jacket trimmed in black) to meet the Queen. It would have been more appropriate. Something about the cardigan just doesn't look right in a picture with the Queen. Or, perhaps she should have kept on her opera coat. Nonetheless, Mrs. Obama is still new at this and has time to get it right. Hopefully 8 years altogether!
I am a not big fan of the new hairstyle. But I am just simply floored by the sense of occasion!
Since I am a bit older then Mrs. Obama, I can't help wondering what her mother feels, looking at these pictures right now... Must go get some kleenex..
I agree with Opulent, Strong, and Ms. G. Her outfits look good on her, but lacked a sense of occasion. I would have switched some outfit choices. For instance, I would have loved if she wore the yellow dress and black coat she wore to come out of the plane to meet the Queen this evening. Thus far, it has been my favorite look of the trip. I loved that she is finally bringing out the heels, I but was not feeling the Black and White crinoline dress with the Cardigan. Someone should take those litte cardis away from her. They lack structure and bring down her look and make her look not tailored. If I were her, I would request the designers to make cute matching tops for with whatever ourfit she chooses to avoid wearing the sweater/cardigan. I also love her hairstyle asnd makeup for the trip.