Pretty and Punk
Monday, June 8, 2009 at 1:24 PM 
As we wrote on Friday, the first lady wore a Parisian-chic scarf in violet and green hues to tour the Eiffel Tower. We were curious to know more about the scarf's label, Prova, which we're delighted to share here.
Prova, which translates to "to try" in Greek, was started by Irini Arakas in 2005, and first focused exclusively on jewelry. Before starting her design venture, Ms. Arakas, a native New Yorker, worked at Vogue as a fashion writer and editor for seven years.
When Ms. Arakas launched Prova in May 2005, the line began immediately selling out at esteemed stores such as Barneys and Kirna Zabete in New York, and Ikram in Chicago. In Fall 2008, Ms. Arakas expanded with the launch of the Prova scarf collection, including a limited edition line of Sandinista scarves and Skinny fringed scares, all crafted from vintage and limited-edition silks and beaded glass fringe.
The Sandinista style, which is triangular in shape, is the same style worn by Mrs. O (sans fringe for the first lady). The scarf was inspired by Clash frontman and punk icon, Joe Strummer. Pretty and punk - what's not to love?
Also in Mrs. O's accessories mix Friday afternoon was a distinctive purple wristwatch, seen here as the first lady toured the Eiffel Tower. We've learned that the watch is a ToyWatch, from the brand's Neon Plasteramic Watch Collection in ultra violet. Mrs. O isn't the first to embrace this playful time piece. Al Gore owns one, and Oprah named them to her list of "Favorite Things" in 2007.
Reader Comments (20)
it is a nice story pretty and punk goodd
That watch is hot! And together with the scarf, wow! I love it!
Gah!!! I want that watch. Mrs. O HAS to stop this. $195 isn't that bad, but this isn't a functional accessory so I wouldn't wear it but a handful of times. Ugh, but it's so playful! What to do, what to do????
On a totally different topic, but I just wanted to share my thoughts. I have been reading some foreign press, and it seems like the British, French, and Germans think our President is "just not that into" their leaders. I really don't see that, but then again, I am used to Obama, and they're not. He's not an overly sentimental person in public, he's not going to hug and overly lavish praise and emote extreme fondness for people - especially politicians - in public. And geez...he took a lot of grief for date night in NYC the weekend before, so they should understand the politics of things at home for him, and how he would've been raked over the coals, even more, if he had spent a lot of personal time with Sarkozy, or even Merkel.
I hope our foreign friends realize that any coolness they feel from Pres. Obama is just his style and not personal. He's a busy guy and he's also not an emotional person, so you're not going to get the lovefest from him, unless you're his family or in his inner circle. That's just how he rolls. I think the media is driving this, and it's a little weird since I feel like he was very warm to all of the heads of state and respectful of each country.
the Obamas stopped by for a surprise visit in London, there are pictures up at huffington post in the style section!! yay!!!!
Hate the watch, love the scarf. However, I'm suspicious of the scarf's inspiration. Isn't it more likely that it was inspired by the Sandinista rebels, who always wore triangular scarves over their faces?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1191620/First-Lady-Michelle-Obama-surprise-private-visit-London-daughters.html Pictures from the surprise visit to London, Please ignore the article as the Daily will take any opportunity to know the labour Govt. and the Prime Minister. Also ignore the ignorant comments made by some of the readers. I don't share the views - I just love the Obamas - so anything with them attracts my attention
Apologies for the spelling errors - so excited that they were in my home town even tho' I wasn't. My original post is still awaiting moderation!!
IVA, get the watch. So that I won't feel guilty for buying it too. I. love. it! I love it in purple, too, but if I were to buy it I think I might get it in white.
Christen, the Clash had an album called Sandinista.
London Calling... Everybody needs a little Clash on a Monday morning, no? (Joe Strummer -- and my youth -- RIP)
I enjoy learning more about young designers like Irini Arakas who receive Mrs. O's support. It's a tough business and they need all the publicity they can get! Thanks for the lovely post, Mrs. T.
I guess this is a good post to ask: Do any of you know a good source for cute and inexpensive children's watches? I'm buying all-blue stuff for my pre-teen niece's birthday and have been looking for neon or transparent blue watch. (She's a skinny kid so adult watch wouldn't work for her) Thanx!
@ desertwind if you looking for kid watches google Timex of kids or Swatch for kids
@ desertwind - I was thinking Swatch as well. When I was a pre-teen and teenager in the late 80s and 90s, Swatch was a nice watch to have. Not sure if it still is.
I want that watch! Its fabulous! You can never go wrong with something from Oprah's favorite things list! Gosh, for years I've wanted to go to the Dec show when she gives away her favorite things. Anywho, I will remember the ToyWatch brand...looks like my kind of watch (and price).
Love the scarf & watch
can you guys view the picture because i cant
No, not yet. The new hosting has only been online for about a minute and half - it'll come.
There were over 100 messages on this thread before the leap to the new format. I hope that eventually they will all make the leap.
I love her playfulness. Both looks make me smile. She's totally saucy in that London ensemble. Keep Rockin' Michelle!
Do I agree????! I think that referring to breasts as boobies is pretty weird. And I'm not entirely sure why we need to point at any ten year old and discuss their physical development.
I have one! (The toywatch) Have had it for awhile. I have it in deep fuchsia..LOVE LOVE IT ALWAYS get compliments on it. Especially when I wear it with all white or black.