Like Mother, Like Daughter
Monday, April 6, 2009 at 4:30 PM 
Image used with kind permission from Essence
Mother’s Day came early to Essence magazine, and we couldn’t be more excited. Their May issue features a beautiful, warm photograph of Mrs. O and her mother, Marian Robinson, on the cover. Inside, their first joint interview is a delight, with lots of new tidbits—including the fact that the First Lady has yet to redecorate her office. Mother and daughter share insights into how they handled the transitional move, their beliefs about raising confident kids, and their love of strong marriages.
The fashion choices for the magazine’s photographs are as refreshing as springtime itself. Mrs. O indulges her love of floral prints again, this time wearing a silk rose print dress from Talbots. The print is a watercolor style, featuring large lagoon blue and turquoise roses plus green leaves, both detailed in black. Over the dress (which the Talbots web site tells us is a sleeveless fitted bodice design with a pleated skirt), Mrs. O is wearing a tissue cotton Kelly green sweater edged in blue by Hanii Y. Belted over the sweater is a wide silver-studded belt by Sacai.
Mrs. Robinson wears a Dear cashmere sweater, her own layered loden green and white tops and khaki pants, and a vintage three-strand pearl necklace mixed with a necklace by Martin Margiela. The Margiela piece consists of large white beads partly interwoven with a dark chain. By layering the pearls and the Margiela necklaces together, Mrs. R brings a contemporary bit of sass to a traditional pearl piece. The reach and mix of fashion here is fascinating.
Talbots is a traditional brand, started in Massachusetts in 1947, and long known for the preppy approach to style, including sheath dresses and twin sets. There are Talbots stores across the country, plus shoppers can buy from them via catalogues or online. Hanii Y is half of the design team of Y & Kei; she draws on her Korean heritage to bring a streamlined cut and bold colors to her work.
And Sacai is a Japanese design house based in the Marais section of Paris. Having established its own niche market over the past 10 years, Sacai feels no need for runway shows or fancy press presentations. It is a fashion insider’s designer, as is Margiela, a Belgium designer so mysterious that he has never had his photo taken.
How did such diverse designers, of varying availability, come together here? The answer is, once again, the master of the mix: Chicagoan Ikram Goldman. She carries Hanii Y, Sacai, and Martin Margiela at her cinnabar lacquered boutique. By combining traditional American clothes with edgy fashion insider accessories, the message truly says, We are one. It’s a sentiment that both Mrs. O and her mother express in the interview. When asked if she had a Mother’s Day message to pass on to readers, Mrs. Robinson said, “Things are going well for me. For other mothers, I hope they can enjoy their Mother’s Day as peacefully and as happily as I will.” What a great way to lead into spring. 
Image used with kind permission from Essence
Dear Cashmere, Hanii Y, Maison Martin Margiela, Sacai, Talbots in Designers, Jewelry, Misc, Outfits
Reader Comments (162)
Whether you love or hate the belts, they are definitely going to become her signature style trademark. Years from now the belted waist will probably be to Michelle what the pillbox hat was to Jackie. Her bold choice of prints and colors I think will also be her trademark.
@ IVA,
You're very right. This is the style guys. I get my catalog/emails from Saks, Neimans, Nordstroms, Ann Taylor...all of them are doing the belt over the cardigans...all of them. And lots and lots of cardigans everywhere I look! Now whether some of us like or not, Mrs. O knows what's in style and she is wearing it at her natural waist. You have to wear these belts a little higher than your waist b/c the backside won't accomodate it. I know some of us may never like this style. Maybe in a less than a year, Mrs. O will have moved on to a new style, b/c she is fashionable and evolving and never stays the same year to year. She does follow trends. I personally don't like the placement, but I don't cringe when I see it b/c I have accepted that this strong woman has her mind made up, and actually it's growing on me. She looks very happy, so I guess that means she loves making her own decisions. More power to her.
Her belting is here to stay. Remember, she even wore that black Alaia belt over her purple sheath Maria Pinto dress that was worn in Minnesota after Barack won the primaries. I'm telling you she's not going to change until a new style comes out. We can whine and whine but this woman likes what she likes.
There's a whole bunch of behind the scene photos for this cover on essence.com today. For those of you loving the colors and hating the belt, do not go to the site to see all those pictures 'cause your heads will explode!! LOL
This site makes my day and I've loving all the comments.
This is my first post and I just wanted to say THANK YOU for posting this cover yesterday, including the link to the dress. I snatched up this dress this morning and was happy to find it had gone on sale. (Last night it was not.) I think Michelle has fantastic style and if I can look half as good as she does, I'll be thrilled!
I've been following Michelle since I saw her on Oprah before her husband announced his candidacy for President, and have always thought she was smart, beautiful and strong.
Also...on essence.com it has a part of the interview and whether you hate the belt or not, the interview seems very inspirational and a great read. Mrs. Robinson really stands out more than Michelle on the 10 or so pictures on essence.com. I can't believe how vibrant and good she looks for 71! Vavavoooom indeed! Go Mrs. R.
@JLM - she's funny too, don't you think? I just loved the article in NYT a few weeks ago when she was joking about how she tells Mr. O to "go solve world hunger," when he inquires about all of her new clothes and shoes. I have so had that type of playful back and forth with my boyfriend whenever he thinks I'm overdoing it with new clothing.
Essence magazine on stands April 10th!
Gawker has an interesting article noting that putting Michelle on the cover of your magazine does not translate directly into boffo sales:
http://gawker.com/5200792/the-michelle-obama-cover-guide
Gawker based its post on an article in Ad Age on the same topic. Everyone who thinks that the comments of Michelle here are too positive can certainly bask in the warm glow of disdain and hatred for the Obamas that is expressed in the comments of the Ad Age site:
http://adage.com/mediaworks/article?article_id=135789
These articles give me pause about my own little obsession with Michelle. I'm as bad as anyone else; I love the photos and the fashion. But this highly educated professional woman is being turned into a living mannequin, a cover "girl," and a way for us to work out our rage about belts and sleevelessness and other things that are ultimately pointless.
And I'm part of the problem.
Oscar de la Renta is still yappin' his damn mouth. Why won't this man just shut up?! I'm so glad Mrs.O isn't concentrating on such foolishness.
http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/04/oscar_de_la_renta_slams_michel.html
@ Christina - I agree with you, but Mrs. O wouldn't do the covers if she didn't think there was some good that would come of it.
The Obamas generate a lot of passion, both good and bad. I try not to read too much into people who post especially hateful comments about them because they usually make no sense.
For me, I have been very careful not to think of Mrs. O as a doll. I love clothes. I love strong women. I love the Obamas. So, when I visit this website, or buy a magazine with them, I do so because I'm interested in THEM - in every way, not just for their looks.
In the end, when I look at the picture of Mrs. O and Mrs. R on that cover, I'm not looking at it to determine whether I like the belt, or the colors, or the hair, I'm looking at it to see if it's a nice picture. I'm taking in the warmth between mother and daughter. I'm liking the color scheme. If something is "off" I shrug and keep on looking. I don't start thinking, "gosh, I wish she had worn no belt, or a different color, or whatever." That is pointless fantasizing.
For some, they are looking to dissect Mrs. O. That's there business, but it's much more fun just enjoying Mrs. O's clothing for what it is - clothes.
I'm starting to feel sorry for de la Renta. Sometimes, you say something and get yourself in trouble. So you stop talking. Other times, you just keep talking, trying to re-make your point more clearly. I think he wants some love from Mrs. O. His creative juices are flowing. But he doesn't know how to get that love...he's feeling jilted. LOL.
Keep on, doing your thing, Mrs. O.
I'm not sure what Oscar wants. In WWD, he said she should branch out. When she does branch out, he said "wear American."
I said earlier that I really had no problem with Oscar because he's a real fashion legend, and of course he wants the publicity that would come from Michelle wearing one of his outfits. He designs beautiful clothes. But he can't believe that this is really the way to go about courting a client, can he?
Poor Oscar de la Renta--he doesn't seem to understand that the reason the American fashion industry is faltering is because the entire global economy is in a bad way. He is being totally narcissistic: if he was really concerned about "American fashion" he'd be dancing in the streets that young designers like Jason Wu, Thakoon and the two Marias are being showcased, not whining because MO's not wearing de la Renta.
Looking at the cut of the dress under the cardigan, I hope we see her wear this again and bare her arms. The top of the dress is cut just like the White House/Black Market dress she wore on the View. That open neckline with the thin but not too thin straps is beautiful on her.
I hope she wears this again in public without the sweater. It's colorful, sleeveless, and very Spring.
Mrs. Obama, PLEASE GET RID OF THAT BELT!!! I'm sick and tired of seeing it on everything you wear. If you wear a belt, at least wear it on your waise.
It looks silly to have a belt up over your ribs, accentuating your bulging stomach!
If you have no waist, then start exercising!
Also, PLEASE do not start wearing everything sleeveless. That is not becoming for a First Lady. Live up to your destiny.... Don't be a silly frump.
"I’m telling you she’s not going to change until a new style comes out. We can whine and whine but this woman likes what she likes."
totally agree, with all the comments here about what she should and shouldn't do. Michelle will do her own thing, and I'm loving that about her.
Tootsie...Your post was funny. lol
However, Michelle is most likely going to ignore all of us and keep wearing that god awful belt. I admire Mrs. Obama for her pride and stubbornness. Her clothing is just as daring as she is and no one comment or complaint is going to stop Michelle from dressing for herself.
Thank you, Hyde Parker! I, too, am SO over that belt and the way that Mrs. O. wears it. As I have said before, why wear a belt under the bust? I couldn't agree more that it belongs at the waist. Being as short-waisted as Mrs. O is, slimmer belts placed at the waist would certainly be more flattering. I wonder if this is the belt that President O. referred to on his last Jay Leno appearance? He called it (or one like it) the "beam me up, Scotty." I do so appreciate his sense of humor!
Lovely picture. You can see where Michelle got her beautiful skin and cheekbones. however.
Check out Mrs R's neckalces. This is how you wear pearls. In odd-numbered strands. The vintage three-strand necklace mixed with the more casual white and black beads -- THIS is how you accessorize. It's fun, it's classic, it fills in the outfit without overshadowing (a) the clothes (b) the beauty of the woman wearing them.
Last week I inveighed against the double strand pearls that Michelle wore every day, every hour in London. She ditched them for the rest of the trip, thank goodness. I imagine a phone call like this:
Mrs R: How many times have i told you, 'Chelle? With pearls it's odd number strands! And those pearls are so big they look fake! And wearing them in the morning and again at night! I raised you better than that!
MO: (meekly) Sorry, Mama.
seriously, Michelle could take some fashion advice from hor mother. Love love love the layers on Mrs R. This is a confident woman.
As for michelle, She looks very pretty but I just don't go for the floral print dress w/armpit belt over cardigan look.
@nonpasserat: Yawn.
I love, love, love Michelle Obama and her mother is the epitome of strength and grace.
However, I am not feeling this outfit on Mrs. O. I’m no expert but the belt seems to “heavy” for the outfit, and her breast are literally sitting on top of the belt in some of these pictures.
Now please don’t tell me I’m “a hater” because I’m defiantly not. I just don’t get Mrs. O thing she has with belts, and I think sometimes they take away from her outfits.
To me, this cover is not about fashion. It is about the love and respect between a mother and daughter.
It made me want to give my daughters extra, extra special hugs!
I love Oscar de la Renta's fashions so I'm going to dare a word on his behalf. Oscar is speaking for Seventh Avenue, the fashion establishment. When he says "wear American" he means wear Oscar, Donna, Carolina, Ralph, and the big names of American fashion. They employ a lot of people in New York and around the world. He's perfectly justified in asking that Mrs. O support the American fashion establishment, given the millions of dollars that it generates.
That doesn't seem too much to ask. She can wear her Alaias, Thakoons, and Wus, and mix in a coat or a skirt or a dress from one of the big names, too. Or, perhaps Mrs. R could do so, and that would calm the establishment down.
Both Michelle and her mother are lovely, elegant, and photogenic, but I have to say I think her mother is even prettier than Michelle! I have seen photos of her when she was younger, and she was a real knockout. But then the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.... what a great photo of both of them.
Double Yawn! Puleeze......
brenda,
Oscar should have suggested it 'nicely' and should not have negatively criticized the first lady in public - especially about her choice of wearing a sweater to meet with the Queen.
As long as Michelle is paying for her own clothes then I am in the camp that thinks Michelle should wear any darn thing she wants to.
I just received my copy in the mail!
I must say that I really LOVE the floral dresses that Mrs. Obama wears, and I think she chooses beautiful colors. I also love her hair-dos.
I admire her relationship with her mother, her husband, and the children. She has her priorities right.
I'm really proud of her. And I appreciate her bringing DRESSES and Skirts back into style! I never stopped wearing them, and now, I'm seeing them everywhere! Wheeee!
The cover is great, but she should loose the belt. Mrs. Robinson is adorable. That is the best I have seen Mrs. O's makeup and hair on a magazine. The other ones usually give her heavy makeup, which ages her.
That being said: Are some of us naive enough to thik that nothing negative is ever going to be written about Michelle Obama. The woman is a PUBLIC figure and the wife of a politician at that. I am sure Mrs. O knew what she was signing on when she agreed for her husband to run for president. Plus, she is a big girl, she can handle the criticism (unlike it seems many of us here). I happen to think that many people made valid points about Mrs. O mixing up the designers she caters a little bit. A skirt here or a coat here and there, although I do understand her desire to stick with what has worked for her in the past. Many of those smaller designers that she opts to wear, although lesser-known make a bigger profit that goes into their own pocket as a result of the free publicity, whereas a big fashion house like De Ranta employs thousand of workers who will also benefit from the publicity windfal. Do you suggest that Oscar call up Mrs. O, who most likely does not even know him, and privately leave her message with her secretary about his opinion. Please, let us not be naive! It is the media game and both Mr. De la Renta know how to play it. And we are not Mrs. Robinson, we cannot "protect" Mrs. O from negative publicity.
Lara, I expect Oscar to get his people in contact with Mrs. O's people and voice his "concerns" and his desire to dress Michelle.
What lovely photos of this special mom and daughter!
Thank you to Janelle, Oxfarm, robin, Naomi and bc for your answers to my skin color/aging question. I still cannot believe Mrs. Robinson is 71!
Oxfarm, I take your point about certain other health issues associated with being African-American. I've heard that before about the increased risk of hypertension. I bet yoga would help. Of course I'm a yoga lover and believe it helps all sorts of ailments. My first yoga teacher used to say that if everyone were to do yoga and meditation just 10 minutes a day we would have world peace! And wouldn't that be a great backdrop to all kinds of fashion?
Thanks Janelle for mentioning that Mrs. R does yoga. Wow. I just thought about what that means: there is someone living in the White House who practices yoga. A veggie garden and tadasana at the White House. Change has definitely come and I like it!
Lara,
I have to disagree with you, for years and years Oscar had exclusives with the Laura Bush, and I think even Hillary, NO one complained, NO other designers spoke out negatively when Laura would drop between $5000 and $15,000 on his outfits;
Now that he's no longer the darling of the White house, it's a problem; Unfortunately NO one started a blog to follow Laura's or Hilliary cloths, I wonder why?
Second, in the mist of a recession it's more acceptable for Mrs. O to be seen wearing a dress costing $126 then a $5000 dress
Finally, someone was just on this site the other day complaining that Mrs. o should wear cloths from Talbots, Banana Republic et al and not only J Crew, now that goes to show me and perhaps you that some of these criticisms maybe a bit premature? I mean it's only been seventy something days, they have a few more days left in the WH so I'm sure if these designers are patient they might get a chance. But since I never saw Laura or Hillary (Love Her) in anything I would ever consider stylish I would suggest to Mrs. O to stay far away from de la Renta's frocs. just my two cents
IVA, regarding your post at 1:12 pm: I like the way you think. I imagine you are a generally happy person what with the positive way you have of viewing what's in front of you.
@ Quita,
I so agree about it being so early in the administration for anyone to be complaining about which designers she will choose. It's only been a few months, and the fancy smancy designers are already mad. What events has Michelle even gone to to warrant wearing $20K or $50K outfits. Even at the NATO dinner, Carla B. Sarkozy wasn't wearing a an elaborate outfit. Yes it was designer, but nobody wore gowns..it was all pretty much cocktail dresses. The gown by Sorenson with all the glitter that Michelle wore to the first state dinner was totally glam. It's not like she doesn't know what the right style is, she's just making a conscious decision.
I heard that Sean Hannity from Fox is saying her clothes cost too much!! What?! The problem with some of these high-end designers is that most lack discretion and by flapping their mouths so early in the administration, they've guaranteed their place outside the WH. If she wears anything high-end, it will be Michael Kors, and I would love it. Teach them a lesson and train them to come to her through Ikram. That's what Kors did, and I'm sure when there's another fancy event, she'll glam it up big time. Until then, she's not wearing de la Renta to see poor students at a high school, or Wang to talk to struggling military families.
The only issue I have is belt placement and fit issues at times. But the fact remains, we're in a recession. One thing I noticed at that NATO dinner in Baden-Baden is that all the First Ladies from around the world are under clothing restraints (except Carla where fashion is seen as patriotic) to tone it down.
One thing I hate is a lack of discretion, but they jumped on Nancy Reagan for being too glamorous and pressured Hillary for dressing too down and that wasn't even Hillary's style to be all dolled up. I expect criticism on Michelle, but maybe I'm floored b/c it's so early in the administration. Some of these designers must be Rethuglicans.....ok done with my rant.
Had another thought here me out on this one, if Mrs. O had worn a de la Renta cardigan to meet the Queen do you think it would have be appropriate then? just thinking out loud, I'm going to stop now....
Hello, Everyone: Michelle and Mom look so loving together. Thank you, Essence for doing such a great job (makeup and all) I just enjoy seeing what Michelle will wear and whether I like it or not, it's her choice. She is smart and loving and that means a lot to me. She is down to earth and she is not afraid to be Michelle. I love the fact that she is not afraid to try something different and colorful. Before these high priced designers start pouting because they are not dressing Michelle. Why not allow more shades of color on the runways? I agree, it is to early to start complaining consider all the money they have made. Give the new young designers a chance to express themselves. Share the love and the money and maybe, just maybe Michelle will give you at least a hug.
Just wanted to add......the wax of Michelle is awesome. And Our President also is holding his own!!!
I'm a little annoyed with those here who seem to find so much to criticize about the way Michelle dresses. The complaints about her belts and where she wears them (above her short waist?) are getting old. Michelle obviously loves her belts, and she loves to wear them high. I seriously doubt that's going to change. Also, I was quite amazed by all the rules about the size, number of strands and what time of day to wear pearls posted by nonpasserat.
What is it with all the fashion rules? How restrictive! How old! How yesterday!
We all love Michelle because she is none of those things. Michelle has broken the rules all her life. She was not supposed to go to Princeton (she was told she was not smart enough.) She was not supposed to go to Harvard. She was not supposed to be as successful as she was. This is why we all love her so much.
Michelle and Barack are going to continue to break all the rules. What a breath of fresh air!
Please, let's stop trying to put this bright, rebellious, independent spirit into a straight-jacket of outdated rules. Thank goodness that I'm sure she will refuse to be put there by anyone.
Her mother taught her young and well to ignore criticism from others and to find her security inside herself. I am joyfully confident that she will continue to do so, paving the way for all of us to have the confidence to break the rules and wear what we please.
LOVE Mrs. O's satiny blue flats. What fun!
Well said, Willow. Also re: her trip to Europe and Trinidad. I bet that no one is as surprised as Mrs Obama to see her star rise so high—especially after all the knocks she received during the campaign. It's not for us to know all the details that inform her travel decisions, and this being wanted EVERYWHERE is a new phenomenon that conflicts with her Mom-in-Chief priorities. Let's give her—and her family—a chance to gather their bearings. I think they're fab. America you did good.
Good Job, Willow.
MO is not a child who gets scolded by her mother for bad accessorizing, and to put her in that light even hypothetically is demeaning.
I agree with you, Willow, that it is amazing that some people stand by "pearl wearing " protocols!
Willow:
No one is critizing Mrs. Obama. This is a fashion blog with constructive criticism.
All opinions should be welcomed here whether they are flattering or not. That is the idea of a blog. Some posters just seem to not want anyone to say anything that they find unflattering about Mrs. Obama.
As I have stated many times, this country has become so dressed down that most people do not know how to dress for various functions.
Being not much older than Mrs. Obama, I was taught by my mother what was appropriate and what was not. I have tweaked her suggestions, but very little. I am sure that the bloggers that you are chastising were taught the same things by their mothers and still follow them today. Whether you think so or not, in some social circles these rules are still evident and are not outdated at all.
I am in corporate America and luckily I am still in a part of the company that needs to dress for clients. All of my colleagues are educated, but education does not guarantee that someone knows how to dress.
I have always admired her and continue to do so. She is doing a wonderful job as FLOTUS and I wish her continued successs. This role fits her like a glove.
However, I will continue to critique, like all of the other bloggers on this board, when I feel the need arises.
Jersey Girl...
AMEN!
I love the photos of Mrs. O and Mrs. R. Don't care for the belt mostly because of the level of refinement, so to speak. The outfit is light and airy and springy and the belt looks heavy and wintry to me. But they are both amazing women and we can be so proud of them!
Honestly, even if Mrs. O were to "lose the belt," the nitpickers on this board would just find something else to complain about under the guise of "constructive criticism." I'm noticing a pattern with certain people on this board -- they never have anything positive to say about Mrs. O's fashion taste. Here's a thought - If you constantly look for the bad - guess what? - you'll find it. If you look for the good, you'll find it too - that's if you're interested.
One more thought -- It's one thing to say that you don't like a particular accessory or outfit, but what I have a problem with is people saying what Mrs. O should or shouldn't do. She is a grown woman last I checked living in a free country so she alone gets to decide what she should or shouldn't do.
Me:
This is a fashion blog (where fashion is discussed).
Everyone is not going to agree on Mrs. O fashion and that is okay.
You seem to be taking the comments personally. It is not that serious.
If you are bothered by certain posters, may I suggest skipping over their posts.
@ Jersey Girl - Where did I say in either one of my posts that everyone had to agree on Mrs. O's fashion? It seems to me that perhaps you took some of my comments personally. Just like you, I have every right to read every comment on this board - whether I agree with the poster's views or not- and to respond if I so choose. So no you may not suggest that I skip over anyone's posts...
Me:
I suggest you re-read your first post whereas you state "the nikpickers" with nothing good to say....under the guise of constructive criticism".
You apparently are aware of the screen names of the bloggers that you called out in your first rant.
I have never commented about other bloggers comments unless they were calling names which is uncalled for. Like you, everyone has a right to critique as they see fit.
Again, if you don't like what certain bloggers have to say, don't read their posts. It's as simple as that.
@ Me, I'm with you.
@Jersey Girl, this is a fashion blog and it clearly says at the top of the blog, "Follow the fashion of Mrs.O, what and who she's wearing" It doesnt say what she should wear or shouldn't.
We all know that everyone has varying tastes. A lot of people love the belt, a lot don't. A lot of people love her kitten heels, a lot don't. We have covered those on a whole host of other days. Oh, and let me not forget the sleevegate gang. Can we just move past that and just look at the article for what it's worth? A loving mother and daughter in a warm embrace. They look happy and beautiful.
Lyza:
I am well aware what is stated at the top of the blog.
If the blog owners didn't want any discussion of Mrs. Obama's fashions, there would not be a need for a comment section.