Sunday
Jun072009
A Day in Paris
Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 11:13 AM 
Picture by KCS Presse / Splash News
Mrs. O has been to the Pompidou Center today, and is now enjoying a bit of shopping around Paris, seen here. The first lady is wearing the "Lei dress" by Tracy Feith, last seen for a daytime event during the Democratic National Convention in August 2008. Click here to see our earlier post on the dress.
The dress features a bodice of hand dyed cotton and silk, trimmed in strips of metallic shot, tea dyed chiffon and cotton batik. The skirt is heavy linen, with peace lace trim at the hem, hand beaded with tiny beads and sequins, at the hem.
tagged Tracy Feith in Outfits
Tracy Feith in Outfits
Reader Comments (117)
That's one dress that hasn't really gotten much attention. I remember she wore it for an interview I assume was during the convention and all they shows was from the mid-chest up and the neckline on tv was very chic and daring looking. Certainly not typical First Lady attire.
Very cute choice for some Parisian shopping and Sasha's b-day.
I love that dress. Some pics of her and the girls shopping on Getty. Malia not looking too happy.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=ajzB5WcNNQdw
What lovely article. I know that restaurant in Paris. Very unpretentious but lovely food. When the evenings are warm, it is truly a delight to eat al fresco with views of the fountain directly in front.
I'm so proud of Michelle. As a grown black woman, it touches my heart to see someone like me being successful, shopping in Paris, dining on fine food and wine and going back to my hotel for cocktails with my husband. I really cannot get enough of the Obama's.
I love that dress! How nice to see it again. It's a really good example of her taking risks and coming with a look that's really beautiful. And I love the idea that it's inspired by Hawaii.
ps. Malia looks just fine! Let's not be psycho-analyzing paparazzi pictures.... it's pretty silly.
commenting that Malia doesn't look happy in the pics is "psycho-analyzing?" Sheesh. Calm down.
Exactly Jenna, that's why the girls weren't with them at the D-Day ceremonies. The girls are like regular kids, they don't go smiling 24/7, especially just going to the car. They were all smiles in those art museum pictures with their parents earlier in the day.
I love this Feith dress and hope she wears it to the Sasha's b-day party at the palace today. (I didn't like the other Feith dress with the bold print, but I love this Feith dress and hope she wears it a third time again in the US.)
Earlier they went to a museum. Mrs. O was wearing something different. Also on their trip to the Eiffel Tower she was wearing the Lavin sneakers. You can see pictures here:
http://www(dot)dailymail(dot)co(dot)uk/news/worldnews/article-1191392/Barack-Obama-turns-sightseer-takes-wife-children-Paris.html
Hola michell, queria tener la oportunidad de saludarles y expresarles mi admiracion por haber tenido la oportunidad de alcanzar tan alto cargo, el cual esta lleno de muchos retos, segura estoy que con la inteligencia de ambos, su juventud y el amor por que tengamos un mundo mejor lo lograran y la historia se los agradecera. Carinos
On the subject of Malia not looking happy. Number one, no one in their party ever wears sunglasses so squinting is a given. Number two, step outside and have hundreds prehaps thousands of people yelling your name. Number three, you are trying to have private time which by the way they have asked for constantly photographed (I'm waiting for the Obama's to go at the photographers for that one). Number four, going along with number two and three, while you love your folks you find it easier to go out with just grandma rather than your parents.
SO LEAVE THE KIDS ALONE.
P.S.Love the dress, and I just have to say I had no idea it was so chilly in Paris in June. Here it's 80-90 degrees on any given day.
Tracy Feith is such an amazing designer. I love the fact that Mrs. O is showcasing his creations. She looks gorgeous in this dress! :)
http://cafefashionista.blogspot.com
why are the Obamas still in France? shouldn't they already be back in the US? or is this part of their vacation?
I'm pretty sure I read that the president would be returning a day before the family.
President Obama left France will be arriving in the U.S late afternoon. Michelle and girls leave tomorrow.
@ amy: The first lady and her family are not on the U.S. payroll. This means that she can spend as much time as she wants abroad. And what human, in their right mind, would rush to leave Paris, the City of Light!
Darn those car-blocking and/or podium-blocking photos! I'd love to see the skirt of that dress.
The people of France, get to know the Obama family! Amazing!
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ghn4EQrnlRu2j4t2d8ct56Cyx-OQD98LV2J00
Good news! One of the Getty Images pix shows the skirt. (Michelle caught mid-standing-up as she gets out of car.)
@desertwind,
Pretty good side view of the skirt on getty. She's wearing my favorite silver metallic flats. I would love to see the skirt head-on but oh well. From what I can see, I love the color combo in the skirt, very chic and summery. It looks very intricate and well constructed---I would love to see a closeup of it. Of course, I still am not a fan of horizontal bands of anything for myself, but my opinion is softening because I just love the colors in the skirt and Mrs. O is wearing the ensemble so well--the top is soft and the skirt is so bold and really pops out at me.
@ Christina, Joane, McKinley: thank you for your answers
i don't see any pictures of malia on getty. could someone post the link?
thanks in advance.
@amy
Jackie O traveled with her family, the clintons traveled, the bushes traveled ALL the time, but with the Obamas their supposed to stay in D.C. hell no. THe doube standard in America is laughable that michelle and barack cannot do sh*t without americans complaining.
Can I just co-sign the other posters about analyzing these kids through pictures. I don't think you can tell how anyone feels or thinks in what is just a snapshot of time. These girls aren't here to entertain us.
Now back to Michelle. Love how she's rocked two outfits in one day so far. I wonder if she'll make another outfit change for their lunch with the Sarkozys.
Did anybody else notice that it looks like TBG took his necktie off at some point during the shopping visit? I'm looking at the Getty Images photos.
Jesus some of you are insane. Someone makes a perfectly innnocent comment about one of the Obamas and it's pile on time: "LEAVE THE KIDS ALONE." You're "psycho-analyzing," "you can't tell how anyone feels or thinks." All that from: Malia not looking too happy. Get a grip folks. GET. A. GRIP.
BB, I agree with you 100%. I'm getting sick of the double standard and it's time we put our foot down and point it out. It's ridiculous and disgusting.
While I never would have posted "Malia not looking too happy," it's because I come on here for Mrs. O's fasions alone...nothing else. I do have to agree with Marabout40 about one thing: Some of you DO need to GET. A. GRIP. about many things.
Sorry, typo....fashions, not fasions.
I'd like to wish Sasha a very happy birthday (it is still Sunday here). You're a wonderful little girl. Full of spunk and personality. I love your dimpled smile. I hope you had a wonderful and memorable 8th birthday in Paris.
Happy birthday, Sasha!
@BB: I'm not an American and honestly don't know much abt First Families' travels....I was just curious and didn't mean to offend anybody...sorry
Happy Birthday Sasha Obama....she is so adorable.
Amy, no need to feel bad, it was just a misunderstanding. Sometimes people come on this board to criticize the Obamas and she or he might have just jumped to conclusions and thought you were one of those people. Stick around.
I want to join in wishing Sasha a very happy birthday in Paris. A lovely little girl, adorable at the DNC, adorable at Bo's unveiling just a special little girl.
There are amazing color matches on the long-sleeve T-shirts Mrs. O has worn this trip --- on Friday with the Rick Owens vest and today with the Feith dress. And the tissue-thin fabric and body-hugging fit maintain the lines of the outer layers perfectly. Could the Ts be from James Perse?
A couple of random thoughts: Mrs. R appears to have brought a friend of her own to share the Paris experience. A nice idea. I hope they are having a fun time!
There seem to be women in the Secret Service detail on this trip. Might they be among those regularly assigned to watch the girls? If so, I say good on the SS. That would be very thoughtful.
I found this great article about some background experiences of those in Paris after seeing or greeting the Obamas during their outings (it really means a lot to people and helps with diplomacy to spend a little time appreciating their city and culture):
www(dot)google(dot)com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ghn4EQrnlRu2j4t2d8ct56Cyx-OQD98LV2J00
...forgot to add that according to the article link I just posted above, the luncheon they had with the Sarkozys today was before the shopping trip, so Mrs. O was probably wearing the Feith ensemble to the Elysee Palace and did not change.
Great dress. Sad to think she cant stroll down the street in Paris, window-shopping.
I would like to translate the post above by "amara maestre." It's the first I've seen in Spanish and is probably typical of many who would like to post here. It would be so wonderful if the new discussion board could grow to eventually include sub-boards in other languages!
From "amara maestre":
'Hello Michelle. I want to take this opportunity to greet you and your husband and to express my admiration to you for having taken the chance to reach such a high position, which is full of so many challenges. I am sure that with both your intelligence, with your youth and the love you share, you will succeed in bringing about a better world and that history will thank you. Warm regards."
More photos:
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Jackeens/330
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Jackeens
@Alsace - Thank you so much. I was going to ask if there was anyone who could translate. You are a woman of many talents.
I can't view enough Obama family pictures. There is something so special and appealing about the Obamas.
I am sure the President's popularity will help him get his major reforms passed in congress this year and beyond.
And Michelle is a total class act.
Andrea
http://www.jobs-from-home.com
According to an AP report, it seems like the FLOTUS and the girls went to Bonpoint, an upscale children's clothing store. Google the store, the clothes looks absolutely adorable. Definitely a smidge jealous!! :)
Janelle - thanks for the link to that article. That was a nice piece. And Alsace, thanks for translating the comment. I do wonder if there are many people who don't speak English, but nevertheless follow this blog since it really is the best spot to follow Mrs. O's fashion.
I think I saw Pete Souza in the background in one of the pictures of the family at the Pompidou. That means we should get some pretty nice shots of Mrs. O's outfit from this morning, and from shopping later with just the girls.
@IVA,
Pete Souza was definitely there. I just read an article at the NY Daily News site that said he was at Pompidou as well as pretty much shadowing the Obamas during their entire trip---the only photographer they allow around them. The family really trusts him at this point and I noticed during the NBC special that his photos are all over the West and East wings in frames on the walls. Souza has a perspective unlike any employee in the WH. I hope he gets to release the next batch of photos soon, because his work is just fantastic.
The afternoon program also included a visit to the Louvre museum and now dinner at a restaurant, La Cigale, which specializes in souffles. It's so important to the people of these old European civilizations that visiting foreign VIPs take time to visit and show respect for their cultural heritage. Michelle and daughters have done a service to the President and the US image with this trip. The French think the Obamas are "fantastique". AND they did it without giving the impression of having been captured by Sarkozy who is far from being unanimously appreciated here.
I'm happy to see that President and Mrs. O have had the chance to have a nice dinner in Paris, and to do some sight-seeing before Mr. O returns to Washington. It's so lovely to see Malia and Sasha exposed to Paris, even at their young age.
I'm happy that Michelle gets to "let her hair down" by simply pulling it up and back and being on her way. I'm relieved for her that she doesn't really need to dress for the public when she's just sight-seeing or shopping. She looks relaxed and casual, and I know she is enjoying wearing what she loves and feels comfortable in. I'm so relieved that she pays no attention whatsoever to what anyone else thinks of her clothes. Surely it would spoil any joy she takes in them. (And surely that's too many sentences beginning with "I").
I'm wanting to withdraw from this site, mostly, because reading all the comments really dampens my joy at having the Obamas in Paris. The tone and repetition of the same arguments over and over again seems like bickering, which is so tiring. I must say it makes me wonder if people have no life apart from watching Michelle Obama.
I don't mean to insult or to put anyone down, but some of these conversations seem to reach a level of absurdity I haven't seen before. Maybe stepping back a bit and taking a break would help with getting some perspective on the relative unimportance of some of these details and preferences.
I'd like to share one of my most beautiful stress-relievers with you. One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written, and played incomparably by David Shifrn. It's Mozart: Clarinet Concerto: II. Adagio (Audio Only), on Youtube. You can find it with this information. I'll post the full link in another post, where I know it will go into moderation.
I love you all, but perspective and silence can be a good thing. (smile)
The family going shopping in Paris! She is wearing a skirt!!
http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-US&family=editorial&p=michelle%20obama&assetType=image&src=quick
I love the detail on this dress, especially the skirt. Thanks, Mrs. T, for the link back in time. Lots going on there - MO really loves clothes with lots of texture and detail.
Okay - I have been driving myself CRAZY for the last two days about remarks mentioning TBG. I'm new here, and had no clue what you were talking about. I started out looking for Tim Geithner - and it is surprising how much that guy can look like Geithner when you're looking for Geithner! But I was derailed by facts like (a) Geithner was in another country - China, I think; (b) Geithner's middle initial is "F", and (c) what the heck would he be doing at the Eiffel Tower with them? So then I thought maybe it was The Big Guy (meaning POTUS). But that didn't make a lot of sense because he was on a plane then. By that time I was too embarassed to just ask, so I googled "TBG Mrs O." Bingo! Plus, it was really fun to read all the posts that got him this name.
Nice to have something to do until MO rocks another fabulous outfit!
Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A, Movement II: Adagio, played by clarinet soloist David Shifrin on the Bassett Clarinet, with the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra Conducted by Gerard Schwarz.
Movements I and II are fabulous as well. This CD is available at Amazon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxgmorK61YQ
On comcast.net there is a wonderful article about the Obama visit, and their contacts with people during this visit. It includes snips of interviews with the owner of the bistro where they had dinner, a limo driver, etc. Needless to say, much of Paris is completely charmed by the Obamas. And they should be! It is hard to imagine a bigger difference in image overseas than what this country has undergone in just a few months.
@OperaFanatic---LOL! Poor Geithner, he can't catch a break.
@Willow, I understand wanting a break. I take mine from time to time, but I really enjoy your posts. The blogosphere, more importantly this site, can be a great outlet and can wear you down all at the same time. And I agree that there's nothing like some classical music to decompress if you need it.
Michelle should send the children home after a wonderful time spent with them and celebrating Sasha's B-Day and go to the South of France with Barak and spend the weekend at St.Trope and forget all!