Of Stripes and Service (Update)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 4:36 PM 
Photo by Yuri Gripas / Reuters
In her ongoing tour of federal agencies, First Lady Mrs. O gave remarks to the Corporation for National and Community Service at the Ronald Regan building in Washington, D.C. this afternoon.
ABC News Blog, Political Punch, has a recap of the event.
Mrs. O told the audience that community service is "the reason that I breathe, " continuing, "It has become my life's work in so many ways."
Mrs. O wore a black camisole and dress full skirt trimmed in bands of white fabric. Mrs. O paired the dress with a cropped cardigan, the same Azzedine Alaia cardigan worn in Prague, and Jimmy Choo kitten heels.
Update: We've confirmed that Mrs. O's striped skirt is indeed the work of Jasmin Shokrian, handmade in her Los Angeles studio for the First Lady (a huge thank you to our tipster). The designer relays: "The fabric is primarily a vintage double silk crepe. The sheer part of the skirt is a band of handmade caught burlap thread encased in silk chiffon and navy silk charmeuse stripes juxtaposed with bands of natural cotton muslin."
In an email message from Ms. Shokrian this evening, she relayed her delight, "We are so excited and honored to have Mrs. Obama wearing one of our pieces."
Jasmin Shokrian was born and raised in Los Angeles. She has ties to the Windy City, where she attended The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, graduating with a BFA in film, painting and sculpture. Ms. Shokrain went on to found a collective with several other Chicago artists, exploring three-dimensional sculpture, often using a fabric as a medium. These projects organically evolved into the production of clothing and other wearable objects. Ms. Shokrian now runs her own label, with a studio in Los Angeles.
Jasmin Shokrian's skirt, in all of its exquisite detail, is featured after the jump:
Image used with kind permission from Jasmin Shokrian
Jasmin Shokrian in Outfits
Reader Comments (74)
I see that everyone has said that Mrs. O looks great --- but WHAT IS SHE WEARING ???
There is a lovely picture of Mrs. Obama right now at
www(dot)michelleostyle(dot)blogspot(dot)com
I love the dress very "springy" who made it?
Sexy, Sexy, Sexy love her!!!!!!!!!
MJMR,
Thank you.
Lawd, that woman is killin' it tonight! Fab-u-lous I say...off the shoulder shirt (I think it's a shirt)...gorgeous...and I love the heavy liner on the bottom of her eyes (I have never seen her with heavy liner but I'm loving the change up).
YAAAAAAAAAAAY it worked. thanks again mimi.
I would like to hear what First lady says other than the discription of what she wore! We love her and want her to wear whatever she wants to wear! It is distasteful to her too when she is doing such an important talk to change patterns and all you do is what she wore? shame on you!
Pics are up on getty images....is it a dress or a top? either way, she looks so young, sexy and beautiful!
It's a dress definitely. I saw most of the outfit when she and the President walked in.
That event was AMAZING!!!
It's a blouse and billowy cropped pants in maybe a silk fabric. Very beautiful outfit.
She's wearing pants. It's a top.
www(DOT)news(DOT)yahoo(DOT)com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama#photoViewer=/090513/480/82e045ce99c64a24be16ae173155035f
I think this outfit would've looked better with a slightly higher heel, but it's a decent outfit.
A higher heel? Goodness.
I agree IVA...but much too short! lol
omgah....i just saw mrs. o on cnn. she looks dazzling and amazing, just stunning.
I'm a sucker for cardigans. :)
http://cafefashionista.blogspot.com
Good point, IVA!
Would love to see a closer view of this piece (especially after Jasmin described the fabrication for Mrs. T), but didn't find it on her website. Jasmin sounds like a very talented and interesting person -- who needs to update her site!
Aw, just teasing, Jasmin. I loved what I did see on your site and predict your phone will be ringing off the hook now!
And, Mara? Would you listen to yourself?
Please.
I love the skirt/top/cardigan combo, it's really pretty while being thoroughly professional. Fab.
Mrs T I can't tell you how much pleasure I get from hearing details of the fabrics and construction of some items. Thank you so much for tracking this stuff down - all the info on this fabric (and the designer) was fascinating.
So far, President Obama has been successful in maintaining a unique balance between a strong rationale for what is good for America and the passion of the under-privileged.
The first lady's obvious presence with confidence, class, and intelligence is a great raw model for America’s young. It is always a pleasure to see her active for the good of communities everywhere. God Bless the Obama's. I wish them all the success in the world. I am sure that they will be the most popular first family ever once all the economic mess is behind us.
Why did UC Merced have to spend $700,000 to have Michelle as their graduation speaker? Calif is in the hurt financially and they would not have spent this money on anyone else. The $700,000 doesn't include security costs. The broad walks like a jock, has the face only a mother could love and does not represent the US well abroad.