Leading Ladies
Friday, April 3, 2009 at 9:20 AM 
Photo credit: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images 
Photo credit: Sean Gallup /Getty Images
In their tour of Europe, the Obamas have traveled to Strasbourg, France for the NATO summit. This stop has been one of the most highly anticipated events of the week, as it brings Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and First Lady Mrs. O, two of the stylish women in the world, face to face, ensemble to ensemble. For their first meeting, Mrs. O wears a custom Thakoon Pixelated Floral Silk Jacquard coat with a coordinating, reverse print dress underneath. The transparent trim on the hem and sleeves of the dress is black mesh elastic. Mrs. O paired the look with her signature Jimmy Choo black kitten heels. How interesting that both women have chosen ensembles featuring a tie neck detail - a coincidence, or perhaps a sign that they're stylistically in tune?
Update: By request, here is a fantastic photo of Mrs. O's dress and coat combination in full effect.
Reader Comments (189)
Thanks for the pic of Carla's dress -- it's just gorgeous! I've confirmed that the dress and coat ARE Dior, by the way. I just love his stuff.
Did anyone notice the black trim on Mrs O's dress is actually gauze? You can see through it.
Perfect picture of coat and dress together:
http://www.demconwatchblog.com/showComment.do?commentId=3677
A great read from UK's Tina Brown praising Michelle to the hilt.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-04-02/is-michelle-the-new-oprah/
Wow, *interesting* article. I think Mrs. O is ushering in a new guard of American design talent, and clearly that won't please everyone.
Stunning dress.
Jojo, thanks so much for letting me know that my mother and many of my Asian American friends are not really "American" and that we can only be considered real Americans if they are born here. So good to know that we are a bit of "multicultural" spice and not part of the "mainstream." Really enlightening!
OOOO LA LA!!
Michelle is absolutely a fashion hit today in this stunning sophisticated and savvy ensemble of Fuschia...the sheath is absolutely fabulous.
So, glad to see this exceptionally stellar comeback after that whacked out schizophrenia cardigan with sequins again, no less!!
On this trip there have been 3 stunning ensembles and they were the black/white to the plane, chartreuse/black combo off the plane...and todays fuschia fashion hit.
She looked very vibrant standing next to the french first lady especially since she chose the heather gray. Michelle was just simply gorgeous.
YIPEE!!!
Since Mrs. T is moderating, I will stop trying to disguise my links! Here is the short of Mrs. O and Carla sitting down: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/04/03/article-1166637-0444ECD1000005DC-286_638x437.jpg
As for the criticism from those mainstream American designers... I hope she will ignore it. I really loved the Michael Kors dress that she wore in her official photograph, and he's been a great addition to her wardrobe. But I really like the freshness of the clothes that lesser known designers like Thakoon bring to Mrs. O. Obviously she does as well. I just cannot imagine her going around wearing Oscar de la Renta all the time. I would hate it.
By the way, thanks everyone for being patient with our little blog this morning! It's been up and down a bit from so many visitors!
Between the two first ladies - I think Michelle has won so far today. Carla Bruni needs to do something with her hair other than straight ends. And in this photo she blends into the wall behind her: http://www.daylife.com/photo/05G937p61r4iC?q=Michelle+Obama
LeahD, you are absolutely spot-on. That picture you posted shows the coat and dress in the best light. I love it.
I find that WWD very funny. De la Renta states clearly that FLadies usually use just 1 or 2 designers but he reveals he thinks Michelle should not, that she needs the advise of someone like him who is usually the court couturier, but since he is not 'in' then Michelle is wrong and Ikram is the evil force. She is using a couple of young designers the difference is she is not calling on the usual suspects. I call sour grapes
Michelle's dress is AMAZING. The coat, I am not liking so much, although the dress saves it when they are seen together.
I have never seen a woman look good in plain dove grey, unless she has really spectacular coloring, sorry Carla.
JoJo, I am interested to hear that my parents and grandparents, all U.S. citizens, are not "real Americans."
Well, well. Mr Oscar de la Renta didn't get commissioned for a boring little suit and is taking a pop at Mrs O. What a SURPRISE. Yawn.
Oscar? Newsflash: This is probably NOT the way to get a commission.... I just mention it in passing. D'uh.
On to more interesting things.... Today's dress and coat are gorgeous. Just gorgeous. Beautifully cut and fitted - awesome. Carla looks lovely too, very low key though. I wonder if she's going to pull out some big colour for the evening. Can't wait to see what Mrs O has yet to pull out of the hat This FUN!
Comment to the poster yesterday who said that they'd love to see what we look like, "we" being those of us who felt that Sarah Brown could be making a tad more effort with her appearance. Point taken. I am significantly overweight myself, for various reasons and don't look my best. But I make an EFFORT. I don't leave the house without the right upholstery, or a long coat! If I was going to be photographed with Mrs Obama and I had a couple of months notice I'd've found an outfit that didn't show off my backside and I'd've bought GOOD underwear. Basic minimum, self respect.
I love this dress from every single angle. The picture that davesoko1 posted, of Mrs. O standing by the helicopter, is my favorite so far. She just looks vibrant.
First of all, I realize I'm getting down to the nth detail on the dress design. I like it generally in shape & color and it suits Michelle. But creating a body-conscious sheath out of a light silk for a curvy woman is a real challenge. That's why there are more ripples & ride-ups when sitting and some areas look tight, like at the bodice, when she is in motion. There is no wiggle room in this type of dress.
Who the heck does Oscar de la Renta think he is? Ok, I understand that he is a big name and well respected designer (he is and always has been one of my favorites), but to slam the first lady's outfit choices just because she isn't wearing one of your designs is just wrong. Does he think that he and other high end designers have a monopoly on dressing all first ladies? Mrs. O is her own woman makes her own choices fashion wise and in her life in general, so back the hell up! I'm so sick of these other designers acting like a bunch of high school girls just because they can't cash in on Michelle's popularity.
Oh, as for Oscar de la Renta whining about Michelle not picking (the big-ticket) American designers because they need a break? Please. Take that sob story to your still-rich American society matrons. You are not Michelle's style, period. The woman likes edge and quirk, and most of the 'big' American designers don't design that way. I would, however, love to see her in some Donna Karan, but that's just me. I love that she uses up and comers and am disappointed in de la Renta for being so petty.
$ the concert Carla wore a chic black dress and Michelle too.
Mrs T, could you please add this pic to the main post so everyone can see how beautiful the coat is with the dress showing underneath? http://www.demconwatchblog.com/showComment.do?commentId=3677
It's just stunning.
Thank you
Nolli, tell us more! Where are you seeing this?
Hat's off to Posh Tater for her candor. Many of us are not built like we used to be. We find clever ways to look smart anyway.
As for Oscar de la Renta, I read the entire WWD article (which included comments by other American designers, along with photos of what they - or WWD? - might suggest for Mrs. Obama) and found his only issue to be that she seemed confined to designers channelled to her by Ikram Goldman. The consensus seemed to be that as time went on she would branch out to other American designers.
He designs beautiful, timeless, very glamorous clothes that always enhance whatever body they are made for.
Mrs Obama would, no doubt, manage to look elegant even in the Edith Bunker's wardrobe. Nevertheless, I did not like the coat. But I adore the dress!
And now I must go and tell my 32 years old daughter, who was a baby when we came to US that she and I are not real proud Americans. LOL
I love Michelle in Thakoon more than anything else. The colors, the fit....she managed the impossible....she made the glamorous Carla Bruni Sarkozy fade away into the background. I'll bet Carla was mentally kicking herself for wearing gray.
On a personal level I'm sure these two strong women had lots to talk about and the fact that Michelle is rumored to be fluent in French probably didn't hurt, but since this is a style blog, I'll stick to topic.
I am sure the French are saying "Ooh la la, Michelle!" She is wowing them today.
I'm hoping I'll see an affordable knockoff of the gorgeous embellished J Crew cardigan she wore in London. I hear they already sold out!
And Oscar de la Renta seems to be just plain jealous of the "new guard" like Wu and Thakoon and Pinto. Sad.
LOLAPALOOZA!!!! I just saw FLOTUS make her entrance for the concert and OMG, she is drop dead GORGEOUS. Absolutely beautiful black dress, sleeveless and fitted through the torso with a really lovely full skirt, slightly ruffled. WOW. Her hair is stunning with a spray playful bangs and perfect make-up. This is a smashing dress and look for her. All eyes are on her!!
valdivia, I concur wholeheatedly. You see, no one complained when he was the exclusive disigner for Laura and Hilary and I even think the 1st Mrs. Bush and probably Mrs. Reagan. No one complained, now all of a sudden he's got a problem with Mrs. O's chosing younger desingers or not chosing him.
Also, if she'd worn his $5000 cardigan to meet the Queen then well you know that would have been ok. I too call sour grapes
ayayayyyyyyyyy! While Mrs. Sarkozy looks nice, Michelle is simply STUNNING in this number!
She is black, beautiful and Dammit she's got Curves! Deal with it World!!! lol
Love it!
where are you guys seeing this? on cnn and msnbc is the hostage situation all the time
Daylife has some pictures of the German chancellor and Carla S. up - should have some of Michelle soon!
For those criticizing Carla's dress: simplicity always wins. I think michelle could have done better. The dress is fine, but I am just tired of seeing "screaming at you" colors.
I hope all have seen that Mrs S day dress, sans the coat, is actually quite lovely and in a beautiful shade of gray.
The cap sleeves are very flattering on her.
As for Mr. de le Renta's comments - I'm not really clear what he is suggesting here - he has had international prominence for decades - so what is his issue w/ a new generation of designers having their moment ? And has he stopped to even consider that perhaps his style aesthetic is not what Mrs O finds appealing or to her taste ?
His stance is very one sided and less than generous to his peers, and frankly, in poor taste.
Carla Bruni arriving at the NATO concert/dinner
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//090403/ids_photos_wl/r3514913127.jpg/
News photos should be out re NATO reception. This link (http://www.daylife.com/photo/06EFgir0nZ3e9_ shows FL of France and Chancellor of Germany in black. Both look nice.
saw both night dresses on Mrs O and Mrs S. I think they both look great. Carla's dress suits her figure and style as does Michelle's.
Getty has pics up, too. Her hair makes her look like a supermodel! She has a little higher heel on, too. The skirt looks like ruching and lace, with a tulle crinoline. Top is very sleek, almost athletic-inspired.
follow up to my earlier post
President and FLOTUS have arrived at the reception.
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//090403/ids_photos_wl/r1771667636.jpg/#photoViewer=/090403/ids_photos_wl/r1771667636.jpg
OMG Mrs O Looks out of this world fantastic! Go to yahoo they have the pictures up.
I need someone to talk me down..I’m a little upset at Oscar de la Renta, Donna Karan, and Vera Wang.
I rarely look at H. Post but they are quoted criticizing Michelle b/c she is wearing Wu, Toledo, Thakoon, and J. Crew. Even though I may not care for everything Michelle has worn on this trip, these big named labels seem to want more attention and more money.
I think that’s why Michelle has initially stayed away from them and used lesser-known designers through her friend Ikram. I also like the fact that Michelle has only met personally with Maria Pinto. She knows how people want to capitalize on her name. She enjoys fashion, but she doesn’t want to be known as a fashionista. During this recession, it would be a political mistake to wear clothes that are too high-end. I think the Toledo dress to see the queen and coming off the plane in London wearing Wu/Kors ensemble was just too much for Oscar. He had his time with Laura Bush.
Plus, Michelle has worn Michael Kors and greatly values privacy and discretion from her hairstylist, makeup artist and clothing go-between, Ikram. Because of their blatant disrespect to Michelle while she is shining overseas, I say she should never wear their clothes until they get humbled a little bit and appreciate they got fat pockets and still do…and they should allow new designers to emerge that are grateful to be acknowledged and are talented.
I still prefer Maria Pinto out of them all and her outfits were mid-range and not too expensive.
Whew..sorry, but I don’t like this while the First Lady is representing us so well overseas.
WOW... Our First Lady Michelle looks beautiful in the Getty photos. Thank you Chicagoan for the heads up!
I love this site -here's the lastest pics
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama;_ylt=AqMEc21_jPSvGXNEURbArMkKO7gF/im:/090401/ids_photos_wl/r1068315863.jpg/#photoViewer=/090403/ids_photos_wl/r1531222735.jpg
I'm watching livestreaming at:
natochannel DOT tv
Carla Bruni's dress is also very beautiful.
OMG, Just saw her black number and I think she totally upstaged Carla Bruni. Love the bangs!
Did you see Carla's earrings?? To DIE For!
http://www.daylife.com/photo/04if6KJafIfHa?q=Carla+Bruni-Sarkozy
I didn't *love* the coat so much, but now that I see the reverse print dress underneath, I *love* the dress.
And I think our First Lady holds her own very well against the ex-model First Lady of France.
Flats. Low heels. I hope the industry is making notes and that we see a huge selection of fashionable low heeled shoes in the stores. Mine are over 20 years old and totally worn out. I need to replace them but have been waiting and waiting.
She looks absolutely beautiful! Striking, sexy, young simply beautiful!
Why is everyone in black? (just wondering)
Wow, Michelle looks gorgeous, I always want her to mix it up and wear some playful bangs. Very youthful and modern.
Mrs. Obama looks GORGEOUS.
First Lady of France also looks lovely.
Just saw the concert dress and Mrs. O looks fabulous! A classic LBD with a modern twist. She seems to like the 50's style skirts and she looks great in them. The bottom of the dress kind of reminds me of the skirt she wore to read to school children with the President and the skirt she wore to the last inaugural ball the day after the Inauguration. Also, her new hairstylist, I believe his name is Johnny Wright, is doing a great job on her hair.
I love this entire looks! They look like Hollywood stars in this shot!
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//090403/ids_photos_wl/r1771667636.jpg/#photoViewer=/090403/ids_photos_wl/r1771667636.jpg
Wow! Michelle's hair is so beautiful! Why has she never styled it like this before? And the dress is really lovely, flirty and perfect for the occasion.
The Thakoon dress from earlier and this lovely black dress are two of my favorite looks Michelle has ever worn. I think that France and Germany got the better side of Mrs. O, stylistically-speaking, in comparison to her time in Britain. Which isn't to say that I didn't like her clothes in London--I think that some pieces like the black and white Isabel Toledo, just did not come across well on camera. While others, like the argyle cardigan, were just too adventurous for most people.
In these two outfits, I think she struck that PERFECT balance, between the quirky, avant garde side of her, and the classic side. The result is two looks that are bold and uniquely hers but also universally likable.
I can't wait to see what she wears tomorrow.
I think Michelle's new hair do for the trip is most excellent. She looks great with volume even though she is tall. I think Carla actually needs a little more volume on the hair. However, I tink they look equally good in their black evening dresses in different ways. They both are attractive women in different ways, and it is fine. We can all be attractive in our own way. Today, even though Mrs. Blair was really under dressed, her coral short coat was a glorious color on her. Europeans and New Yorkers just like dark colors which is too bad IF dark colors don't happen to be naturally good color on you.