Sunday
May102009
A Vision in Magenta
Sunday, May 10, 2009 at 12:22 AM 
Photo by Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images
Mrs. O attended the White House Correspondents Dinner this evening wearing a fitted fuchsia sheath dress and bejeweled statement necklace. Pictured with the First Lady is Doug Mills, a photographer for the New York Times.
Update: Mrs. O wears a magenta double face stretch wool crepe scoop neck sheath dress by Michael Kors.
To hear the President's remarks -- and see Mrs. O flex her fabulous arms -- watch the video below:
Happy Mother's Day everyone!
tagged Michael Kors in Outfits
Michael Kors in Outfits
Reader Comments (236)
I read all your comments religiously, although I've rarely posted here before. I don't claim to know the first thing about fashion, but I'm learning alot from all of you. If anyone's keeping track of what this newbie thinks, among my fave outfits of Mrs. O's so far has been her Prague Date Night dress, and the black and tan ensemble she wore to the concert on Inauguration Weekend (so classic!). (Well, I can see most of you have already most of you have decided I'm boring...LOL!) Loved the Time 100 outfit; not loving this latest one as much.
I'm also finding all the tangents the message board goes on interesting as well. Mrs. O has many different aspects to her..it's only natural we're all going to want to discuss them from time to time. (By the way, when anyone claims they "don't see race", I can't help but think of Stephen Colbert's schtick on this same theme: "People tell me I'm white. I have to believe them, since I don't see color." Hee!)
Ok, that's it for now. Thanks to Mrs T an the others who keep this site up and running and so informative!
Mimi, but people did often speak of Hillary Clinton as female or a woman. Why? Because when you are in the so called minority (and I say so called because women make up more than 50% of the US population and Caucasians are not the majority in the world) your 'otherness' becomes a distinguishing characteristic. Sec Clinton's race is the "norm" so no need to discuss that. A female candidate running for president though--that is different and worthy of commentary.
As others have said far more eloquently than I, white (and dare I say male) privilege means you do not have to think about or live your life through the prism of race or gender. When you are not all of your actions are viewed through that lens.
I was certainly not a Sarah Palin fan during the primaries (nor now for that matter) but an interesting conversation came out about her children. The pundits and other media types wondered out loud if she could be the mother of 5, including a special needs child, and be an effective candidate. No one asked the same question about other (male) candidates and their children. I think we all know why that is.
There is a beautiful collection of photos (and sentiment) on today's Project Rungay site of Michelle and this dress and her curves: "Michelle Obama: Curves Ahead"
http://projectrungay.blogspot.com/2009/05/michelle-obama-curves-ahead.html
Lilly that was well said
I am also a late day participant of this blog and often have lunch at my desk and read the various, sometimes hilarious comments that some of you other Americans have posted.
Today seems to be a hot button day for "race" and "color". Although, we can't ignore the topic, I do feel that some of you might want to take a step back and reread your posts.
Some of you really seem a bit uncertain about how you truly feel about color, except for when it comes to Michelle's choice of dresses. Which is what I thought we were meant to discuss on this blog.
It is wonderful to hear from so many walks of life....but some of you need to walk a litt more before you talk.
Michelle's dress was terrific but I'm not feeling that neclace and I wish she'd stop with those trinkets.
Bon Apetit
Jenna, first of all, I think you are fantastic. You are one of my favorite posters here. Same with you, Donna No Shock. But do you think that this thread failed to speak about clothing or fashion? Did we not cover it sufficiently?
Because I like people here and I want to engage them in other topics, I can't do so if it's not about clothing choices? I definitely talked about the clothes, I feel like I contributed there. But honestly, if we were to cut out all the "why are you talking about the R word/please just talk about CLOTHES" complaints, and the back-and-forth that those complaints engendered, this whole terribly uncomfortable (apparently to some) race discussion would have been half as long and would have petered out of its own accord.
As it is, every time someone comes and starts scolding folks about being "off-topic" it prompts folks like me to feel like we have to defend ourselves. And then nobody gets what they want. (smile)
Why don't we just let Mrs. T enforce the rules on her own board? I know I've overstepped my bounds trying to be an "enforcer" and I'm really trying to stop that.
I'm not sure this isn't the place to discuss race. First of all, where IS the right place?
Surely a discussion about race that is valuable to the participants takes place in the right place?
I've found the conversation very valuable, as have many others. So I think the disussion is a good one.
Reading all of the contributions to this conversation I have been struck by the grace and generosity of most of the participants. I’m moved to be a part of this community - we DO come hear primarily to talk about Mrs O's style, but I am perennially grateful to be sharing this space with so many articulate people, who can share opinions and ideas with integrity. I'm happy to learn more about anything we discuss, and I hope that Mrs T will continue to allow us the freedom to evolve, wherever the tangents take us.
I'd like to add more to the race conversation because I've found it very thought provoking, but I'll keep my thoughts to myself for now.
Well I think this site was started to discuss the fashion of our 1st lady and although the conversation of race is very necessary, most people on this blog want to stick with the topic of the blog (Mrs. O fashion). Certainly there are other sites that would be better to have that discussion on race.
I'm done as well. Thanks, y'all.
Lilly @ 12:05, you say things so very well.
I think that doing one's "darndest to clarify the negatives one explanation at a time" is what is available to all of us, and is how we all move forward. And, although Mrs. T has every right to suggest that conversation on this site be restricted exclusively to the discussion of fashion, my observation is that when all the energetic people here tried to restrict their thoughts to fashion alone, it resulted in a boredom that tended toward cattiness at times. There is only so much that can be said about a dress or a necklace. It seems that allowing the conversation to go beyond that has elevated things to a whole new level, and people have revealed much more intelligent, thoughtful, courageous, colorful sides of themselves. I think many of us come to the site with much more respect and curiosity toward our fellow Mrs. O fans now.
This virtual community is looking like it could become a really interesting and delicious gumbo of hot spices and cool flavors, serious to brilliant, to funny, lilly white to olive to tan to black; providing the opportunity to share the experience of living inside those various skin tones. What a rich and wonderful tapestry we can be if we, as Lilly so eloquently said:
"We should take the time to understand each other, to explore the history, culture, traditions that make AAs unique and vibrant; and AAs should be open to sharing that culture as well, without always being on the defensive about past hurt. The goal should not be to transcend race and be color blind; it should be to explore race and embrace its defining characteristics and use it enrich our “human” lives."
I do want to respect those who want to come here only for discussion of fashion. They may be challenged and stressed to the max and want the refreshment of coming here to think about something light and fun. They may feel that our deeper, broader conversations intrude on their refuge. This is very legitimate. Personally, I have some disabilities that cause me to reach my max of stress and challenge often, so I respect the need to know one's limits. I'm hoping that it will be possible for those who need a break from stress and challenge to scan for the light posts and pass over the rest.
Brook - Thanks for defining how "bougie" is used in the AA community. I loved that. I hope I'll need to ask for definitions again. (smile)
Mrs. T, thank you for suggestion Ericson Beamon as the designer of the necklace. I'm going to search he web for his stuff.
Sorry if this got too long.
Christina, Willow, Alsace, Bevi, Posh Tater, Lilly, and others: way to be. It's so easy to get into a virtual screaming match when no one has to look each other in the eye; love how patient and, as someone said, generous you guys are. I totally hear the people who just want to talk about fashion too -- I think both perspectives are valid (though I happen to think discussion of race is inevitable and productive). I'm just so impressed with how warm and civilized so many people are able to be about their disagreements. Also, Willow, I'm sorry to hear about your disabilities and attendant stress & challenges. Best of luck with everything. The fact that you deal with things most people don't have to makes your patience and openness all the more inspiring. People are great.
Christina asked about the type of jewelry Alsace may have been referring to. Alsace referred to Alexander Calder. Here is a site that shows some if his mobiles, sculptures, paintings, etc.:
http://images.google.com/images?client=safari&rls=en&q=Alexander+Calder&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=7G4ISoefPJectAOFnbTkAQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title
I did a Google search for Metal Jewelry artists and got lots of hits. Jewelry artists run the gamet of design, so I'm not sure exactly what she likes, but here's a page with one example:
http://www.jewelryartistmagazine.com/feature/dreaminginmetal.cfm
I hope this is helpful.
Hello ladies,
I love this look. I think Mrs. O looks stunning and you can tell Mr. President was totally charmed! I think the necklace is interesting. I really wish it photographed better because up close it looks very well made and the detailing is just outstanding. Bold choice of color, but by now I hope everyone has become used to that! lol
I'm glad we are using this platform to discuss race, and all. For those who say we should stick to fashion, I would like to point them to the previous thread which is where this discussion really took off.
It took off because people are increasingly commenting on Mrs. O's curves, and some feel that her clothes should hide her large hips and butt. Attributes that many black women have, and which are valorised in black communities. Mainstream standards of beauty say big hips and butts are undesirable. This is where discussion on race and cultures comes into play. Because Mrs. O embraces her curves, and obviously people are still going to react on that. Imho we were going to have to address this at some point, and the topic might come up many times in the future.
This is really about asking ourselves if our standards of beauty are as good as we thought. Are we projecting a culture of positive body image towards young women - well all women really. I've been looking at people's comments around the web about this dress and I'm really shocked. I mean really really shocked at what I'm reading.
It looks as though people don't really know what a body which has gone through childbirth and age looks like. People are saying she should get a tummy tuck. What?! We'd rather spend thousands on plastic surgery rather than doing the imho better work of exercising and accepting our bodies. I don't know what you ladies think but I'm scared that for any part of our bodies we don't like - there's always surgery.
I'm in awe of Mrs Obama's confidence. She probably saw that her belly was showing but she didn't care. She wore the dress and looked hot. Her husband clearly enjoyed the view. Perhaps that's all that matters to her. I've said it before and I'll say it again: it's all about confidence and body language.
I admit my opinion on the pouch is very biased. I come from a culture where child-bearing = real woman. So having a little pouch is an external sign of womanhood, others consider it a trophy even.
anyway I wish women would have a better image of their bodies...
Willow- re Bougie--if you could not gather from my defination, it is not a positive comment. If someone called you bougie it was definately a put down, and not a name associated iwth good taste.
And thank you for showing examples of the metal jewelry. Interesting indeed!
Camille,
I was going to not comment on the race issue and return to commenting on Michelle's fashion until I read your post.
I suggest you reread my post of May, 2009 at 3:32 am.
I did say that Italian-Americans considered to be white.
But I do disagree with that 'box to be checked' on forms, 'my' skin color is 'not' white, here in Texas were we have a large Hispanic community I am regularly mistaken for being Hispanic.
Italian-Americans are a group of people in the USA that have incurred much discrimination in the history of America.
But the majority of us don't walk around with a chip on our shoulders regarding what has happened in the past just because we are lumped into a 'group'.
I am sure that most people on this thread don't even realize that the LARGEST MASS LYNCHING in U.S. history took place in New Orleans and the people that were lynched were ITALIAN-AMERICANS. And it was NOT because they were considered to be 'white'.
I find your whole post to be offensive.
Especially were you inferred/said that I "feel completely entitled and has the temerity to school black folks who consider Michelle THE role model..."
I stated 'my opinion and thoughts' And believe it is you that don't get the fact that there are many people of ALL races that find Our First Lady as a wonderful role model for ALL WOMEN.
And I also find your other comment...
Camille said: "Funny, I’d never have pegged Leah D as Italian!"
What is that supposed to mean?
And why would you have judged me for my culture anyway even if you had known that I was Italian-American? I have never represented myself on this website before this thread as being anything other than a fan and supporter of President Obama and Michelle.
I have admired many role models of all races and people of all walks of life. Just because I am Italian-American does that mean I can have only Italian-American or Italian role models? NO. If a person is Black, Hispanic, Asian, etc. does that mean they only can look to their own culture for role models? NO. And if they do then the people of America haven't grown as much as I think they have.
-----
I appreciate 'all of the other' comments that have been on this thread, I have read them all but haven't had the time or energy to respond to them all. I think that we still need another 20+ years before the attitudes in this country are more accepting of all cultures and skin colors and can see 'One America and One People' and maybe only then can people accept other people and 'themselves' for who they are and not what has happened in the past to other people.
Bevi: You're eternally considerate and kind in your posts...
I don't see that you've caused any hard feelings...You've only shared personal, first hand experiences for which those interested in the discussion on race are grateful-
@ Christina, Willow, Brook --- Don't have much time, but I'll try to post pics next week. Meanwhile a couple of video links to jewelry by Alexander Calder. He was a sculptor known especially for his mobiles, particularly those in wire. But, to me, his knowledge of metal wire made him an even better designer jewelry. His pieces were coveted by avant-garde women of the time.
I saw a show of Calder's jewelry at a museum in Mexico City about 20 years ago and fell in love with it. Coincidentally, another show of his jewelry was just here at the Met in New York (closed on March 1). Here are a couple of videos about the show containing a good number of the pieces.
http(COLON)//it(DOT)truveo(DOT)com/CBS-2-At-The-Met-Alexander-Calder/id/737061225
and
www(DOT)youtube(DOT)com/watch?v=wK8yelalFcI
Calder made these mostly in the 1930s, so the pieces have that aesthetic. I myself am fond of the modernist designers of the 50s. But there are many contemporary artists now working in jewelry who have fresh ideas.
Brook, I meant the word "bougie" as more of a reductivist idea of what constitutes good taste. An acceptance of the safe rather than a search for the unusual and exquisite.
President Obama made me spit my green juice all over my lap top. That clip is win.
Brook - I understood that Bougie was not a compliment. I enjoyed learning it's meaning in the AA community nevertheless. Thanks for your effort to clarify. I appreciate it as I appreciate you and your other great contributions. You're always so clear and concise. I admire that. (smile)
Alsace - thanks for the videos of Calder's jewelry. Love it. and thanks for clarifying how you used the world Bougie. However, I do think that Michelle's choices represent good taste, and that she is free to search for the unusual within the parameters of her taste.
I love the things that Calder and others make, and I love seeing them worn. They are more edgy, and in many ways more satisfying artistically. But, that said, Michelle is not required to go in that direction.
The thing I really appreciated about the necklace Michelle wore to the correspondents dinner is that it looked more hand-made, and artistically crafted, and "one-of-a-kind" than most of what she has worn.
Does anyone know who did her FABULOUS necklace?
I really admire the First Lady and her style. However, I do not believe this particular dress fit her well. That is the fault of the designer and not hers.
Here is the cutest video from the dinner. It's a split screen of Mrs. O flexing her muscles (c-span) and Mr. O's response (MSNBC). Too Cute
http://www(dot)dailykostv(dot)com/w/001302/
Lilly!!! Giiirl, I just love reading your posts. You are one of the most balanced commenters on here. Some people are sooo on one extreme (positive or negative) that they do themselves a disservice. Like I have said once, I would never hope for my friends to be so infatuated with me that they could never tell me the truth.
I am also one that gets frustrated with people finding hidden meanings and interpretations in Mrs. O's intentions, decisons and choice of attire. Are they in her head? Yes, that is why she chose a bright colored, can't miss fuschia dress? Like I reminded people last time, we do not know her! Oh, today her goal was to take the focus off herself.
About the tummy issue, I don't think that anyone is suggesting that she should have an athlete's abs at her age and life stage, especially with so many other competing demands. However, there are better dress choices out there in which you don't have to worry about showing your gut. If you are not going to come out to the 00% best of your ability, then why bother? Mrs. O has said she gives 120% to everything she does. So I doubt that she really just doesn't mind showing her gut just because she is so comfortable with herself. I highly doubt that Mrs. O is aware of it each time that she has a bump showing. Sometimes you look in the mirror and it looks fine at that moment when you haven't eaten and your under garments are in the right place. Then you see pics later that are less flattering taken at a time when you let out the stomach after holding it in all night.
I get just as concerned like it was a family member who was showing me pics of herself at an event. I remember that even as a little girl, i would tell my mother that her "stomach was out looking at the town."
I think Mrs. O has a great body and her stomach is flatter than most. But why would she force herself into this dress when there are SEVERAL dress options that were available to her? I could understand if this is the only one that she had to pick from when she was buying it. Even on the SAKS website, there were several other Michael Kors dresses that (in my opinion) would have been more flattering to her and easier in the stomach area.
Some of the reasons people give to justify certain missteps sometimes sound contradictory and confusing.
The paragraphs in this sentence got moved around somehow, making no sense now. It should read:
I am also one that gets frustrated with people finding hidden meanings and interpretations in Mrs. O’s intentions, decisions and choice of attire. Are they in her head? Oh, today her goal was to take the focus off herself. Yes, that is why she chose a bright colored, can’t miss fuschia dress? Like I reminded people last time, we do not know her!
*The sentences in this paragraph...
Aaaargh!!!! I'm done here. Can't think today.
@Posh Tater 1:55 "Surely a discussion about race that is valuable to the participants takes place in the right place?"
Succinct! Oh, put so well. If not here, where? If not now, when? Teachable moments. And they could be one of the most important legacies of this Administration.
@Willow 2:21 "This virtual community is looking like it could become a really interesting and delicious gumbo of hot spices and cool flavors"
I am in awe. This could be a writers' blog. (smile)
Yes, this is a developing community, and an exciting one. I've been on-line and in newsgroups for 14 years and have seen this same argument over and over, some trying to police what others are allowed to say, and I've never seen that work. I don't want to do that myself (try to police the policers), but only ask that sometimes people sit back and see what flowers. I truly believe it's what the Obamas would do.
Ladies, I enjoyed most of the topics. But when it is all said and done, the picture that says it all is when Michelle walked passed President Obama and their hands touched. I just love to see how comfortable they are showing the love that they have for each other with those subtle yet strong moments. Even when they embrace they close their eyes, for goodness sakes. I know this a fashion site, but when you are loved like that everything looks good on you......tummy and all. Good night
Michelle looked sensational. And I'd like to say no to whoever said she should have worn a girdle. No. She looked fine and truly great for her age... heck, in general! If Michelle had tremendous tummy sag and/or rolls around her waist and hips, then yeah. But she doesn't. She's a forty-five year old working mother of two; sorry she doesn't have an entertainer's 'fake' body. I mean, it's not like it's in her job description to even look this scrumptious! First Lady and scrumptious haven't traditionally gone together, ya know? A woman's stomach shouldn't be super flat nor concaved anyway, as some folks would like with their misguided perceptions of beauty. Look at the famous Greek statues of women or Marilyn Monroe. They never had totally flat stomachs, and why should they? Washboard flat doesn't necessarily mean it looks good or better. Please, you have 20 yr olds struggling to get a body like Mrs. Obama. Y'all better recongnize something that sexy.
I would LOVE it if Michelle's figure becomes the sought after trend. Just think, no more boob jobs, no more Spanx...
Hurray for the pear shaped body! Embrace it and be proud!
I'm feeling better already.
Ids, so well said.
The necklace is by St Erasmus. London based brand.
www.st-erasmus.com
A comment by Michael Kors as quoted in People:
"Even the best-dressed women run into fashion faux-pas occasionally, and while Michelle Obama’s style has remained flawless, one of her looks was accidentally miscredited. Last week, her elegant black column gown at the Time 100 gala in N.Y.C. was attributed to Azzedine Alaia, when in fact, it was designed by Michael Kors. Cynical fashionistas couldn’t help but wonder if Michelle’s choice of a (correctly attributed) fuchsia Michael Kors gown at the White House Correspondent’s dinner was a peace offering, an idea that Kors himself quickly shot down. “I am sure a woman as smart and organized as Mrs. Obama knew in advance what she planned to wear this week for both events,” the Project Runway judge told WWD. “I am honored that she chose to wear my clothes to two events in the same week and looked so chic at both occasions.” Michelle Obama also wore a Michael Kors dress for her official White House portrait, so we assume that she’s as big a fan of the charming and classic designer as we are!"
Show off those curves Michelle. Gotta love that she is every women, and not a size zero. I love her full torso and hips, and she's not afraid to show them off.
Her front side seems to be getting bigger, maybe there's a baby on the way. How wonderful would that be, a baby born in the White House.
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama/im:/090510/ids_photos_ts/r2332499815.jpg
Well Pieter, it's completely beautiful. Thank you.
Michelle looks great here, she is elegant in this outfit. For a cheaper "Look for Less" option on this ensemble, please check out http://firstladiesstyle.onsugar.com/3081250