Friday
Jul102009
Veiled in Moschino
Friday, July 10, 2009 at 8:05 PM 
Photo by Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
First lady Mrs. O joined the president to meet Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican today, wearing a black organza bow top, black crepe skirt and black silk veil, all by Moschino. The Italian label Moschino is one of the first lady's favorites, but the choice appears very thoughtfully chosen for this historic meeting. Mrs. O added a touch of American fashion to the ensemble, topping her look with a classic Michael Kors black wool crepe coat.
tagged Michael Kors, Moschino
Michael Kors, Moschino
Reader Comments (79)
the most noticeable thing of mrs o during this trip was her hairstyle. pretty fabulous.
Fabulous! Good for Michelle. A perfect outfit for the occasion.
I love this outfit she looks so sweet and Holy I am glad that she covered her head..It shows that they have respect for every culture!
Human nature is funny... the conversation began with "to wear a veil or not to wear a veil" -- the first lady wears one for the sake of protocol.
Then it turns to the veil is too long, too weird, manila, lace looks weird, what about a hat etc. Its funny i have to admit i was laughing. Its a circular argument but funny.
I think the lesson is simple you can never satisfy human nature. There is always something but its funny though. All conversation.
The veil is over and done with. Next up....
Well she looks beautiful in Ghana and so do her kids. Very lovely.
Oh Briana, you are so spot on...and I share your amusement and amazement!
She looks absolutely lovely!
The veil absolutely works too especially in Italy where the older (traditional) women prefer those to the smaller, lace versions which sometimes beg the question what's the point? If the point is to cover up, then cover up! And the veil does just that...
My sister actually wore one very similar to Mrs Obama's when she had an audience with the Pope.
The lace mantilla's are of course lovely too and are a huge favorite of catholics in and from Spain and the Phillipines;
But thank God for options!
In my opinion...
I really see no reason at all that Michelle wore all black and looked like she was dressed to go to a funeral. Italians do not dress all in black to go to church or to visit with the Pope. Even Sasha and Malia were dressed in black --- too weird.
And someone needs to get Michelle some new belts, perhaps some that are a little narrower and covered with fabric - she has over-worn the Alaia belt and it is starting to look out of place.
This is a beautiful tribute to Italy, to the Catholic Church, to the Vatican, and to, yes, protocol. The Obamas look elegant and respectful. I love Michelle's look here. It's the eternal feminine -- here, the Mater Dolorosa, the mother figure so respected in Italy and in the Catholic world. Some people here want to see michelle wearing trendy, revealing clothes - sexy and edgy or super-feminine -- and she can do that. She HAS done that. But here she is depicting the spiritual, maternal side of woman -- very beautifully and with her signature bow blouse, belt, etc. and the sexy slit skirt we see later.
The Obamas are Protestant Christians (as I am) and we are less devoted to pageantry and tradition. But, we respect the church. This is important, and the Obamas (girls also wearing lovely black dresses) have done a wonderful job here of representing us.
You can see how much more the Obamas and especially Michelle are relaxed and confident in their role here, compared to the meeting with the Queen and Prince Philip in England a few months ago, when they were awkward and much too casual. Here they are perfect.
These pictures go around the world. Here we see Americans at their best.
I never thought the day would come that I would think or say that my FLOTUS really should consult a stylist. I am banging my head at the wall because I have arrived at this conclusion. Head covering, yes, I think that is appropriate when meeting the Pope but the outfit is just off. The hair too severe and the makeup too neutral. Nothing worked; it left me speechless. I think a suit would have been better; these pieces are too casual and the outfit along with the coat did not work. I love our FLOTUS but this one is a miss. I think this one goes into my really bad column, there it will meet the picture of her in the shorts walking Bo... not good.
DAMNED IF YOU DO DAMNED IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE OTHER POSTER SAID THANK GOD FOR OPTIONS. HUMAN NATURE YOU AIN'T NEVER LIED!!!!!!!!!1
Well Leah, maybe you can be her fashion consultant.
I love her belt. She has her own style of way of dressing -- that's why so people are in awe of her. She's fabulous!
May be I am crazy, buy i see nothing wrong with thiis outfit. The notion that people do not wear black meeting the pope is a LIE. For instance check out this photo
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/g8/5780707/G8-summit-Sarah-Brown-meets-Pope-Benedict-XVI.html
This was the 1st ladies of the G8 summit meeting the Pope with veils on. The reason why you have to wear a veil and somber colors to meet the pope is mind boggling to me as well but I highly admire the first lady to at least follow the protocol. If she didn't she would be criticize more.....
I actually like the sleeveless top and the skirt. They look great
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//090710/481/eaba8e60296c436d92e7c2765da93262/#photoViewer=/090710/481/0c477dfb5c1848e8841990848a67577a
P
@Mimi - it is not the black. The black is okay, it is just the overall look. Too much going on and it is just blah. As I stated, I love, love, love our FLOTUS but for me, IMHO, this one receives a fail grade. That said, she got an "A" for the black number she wore into Ghana.
I don't even count the Vatican outfit as an actual outfit for the trip, but I agree that it was badly styled. I know she isn't one for suits, but she's worn Maria Pinto skirt suits in the past and has looked sleek and chic. For this one, since it had to be very conservative anyway, I would have gone with a basic black suit and left it at that, plus the veil of course. With the ruffles on the shirt and the belt and the oversized duster, it was just too much. Way too much. It's like she decided to wear every piece of black clothing in her suitcase. Just too much. That seems to be the main issue with her clothes when they don't work: too much. Seems like almost every outfit would be a hit if she would just take off a belt, or wear a structured jacket instead of a tight cardigan. She has natural style, but it's "styling" that she doesn't have. And that's where a stylist comes in for her. She doesn't need someone to pick out her clothes or teach her how to wear clothes, but she does need someone who understands what clothes look like in print and on camera.
That said, I think the clothes on this trip have been a success. Much better than the first foreign trip where she started off great and then the outfits just got less flattering with each event. Looking at the Vatican outfit, she doesn't have a stylist. But she has improved on her clothes for these big events. That yellow shift with the green brooch was just perfect on her. Perfect fit, perfect silhouette, perfect color, etc. And those perfectly tailored pants she wore to dinner with the Russian president were splendid.
YOLA - Loved the humor of your comment. I agree that the whole thing doesn't work, but, maybe she figured she didn't have to make a fashion statement to have a PRIVATE audience with the Pope, who wouldn't care what she wore. Clearly, they went out of their way to abide by protocol, even dressing the girls in black.
But, even though this was a private audience with the Pope, these photos will live for decades or longer -- a permanent record of this outfit.
She put pieces together in order to be dressed totally in black. Perhaps she didn't want to spend money on a black dress or suit that would be modest enough for the Pope, because there would probably be no other occasion for which she would want to wear it.
If she had simply worn one of her black sheath dresses under that coat (like the one she deplaned in in Ghana), it would have looked better to me, but perhaps she thought the neckline was too low.
Anyway, it's over. No one can complain that protocol was breeched in any way, and I guess that's the most important thing.
It would be nice to find one place online where people didn't criticize her every move. But at least this blog isn't as bad as most places I find.
So, she wears a dress to meet the queen and she was too informal and should have worn a suit and covered her shoulders.
Now, she meets the Pope, and follows the protocol TO THE LETTER. I mean, the most strict interpretation of the most specific and hallowed rules. She wears all black, a veil, long skirt, very subdued makeup, and funny enough, she needs a stylist according to Yola. No one points out that the reason she wears the same things over and over is because she is making a very subtle point in regards to our current economic situation. You know, every other first lady has worn the same tired suits and now we want to say that FLOTUS Obama is too casual.
I agree with Briana and Audrey. The poor woman can't win with you people. Just like her husband can't win, no matter what he does. Save the world in six months? Ridiculous.
I really can't believe that people are unable to see that this was not a fashion moment for Mrs. O. I appreciate Mrs. T putting up this picture, but come one, let's keep some perspective a bit. I am of the opinion that this was a planned "dud." Keep in mind, this meeting was 100% "Michelle Obama doing her traditional First Lady job." This was probably the most first ladish thing she's had to do thus far, apart from meeting the Queen. This is a meeting where they had a lot of protocol to worry about, they had to really pay attention to political considerations (remember Obama is a Democrat, who supports abortion rights, civil unions, and stem cell research) and religious sensitivities (he's a non-Catholic who has many Catholic supporters). This was not a moment for Mrs. O to wow us with her outfit. This was not a moment for all of us to be clamoring, ohhhhhh who's she wearing?
I am glad Mrs. O didn't overdo it. Here is a link with pictures of past First Lady meetings for some perspective as well.
http://eastwingrules.blogspot.com/2009/07/first-ladies-meeting-pope.html
I have no feelings good or bad about this outfit, and I have a feeling that is what she intended. I'm glad we're not reading articles about how Mrs. O brought her inner diva. Or how she broke some type of protocol. Instead, she wore an Italian designer from head to toe, pieces that we have seen in one form or another, and then when all was said and done - took off her coat, put on her dark shades, showed those beautiful arms, and got on AF1 to go to Ghana.
In terms of the stylist issue, I just have to point out that she didn't seem to need a stylist with her yellow dress when she arrived in Rome. She didn't seem to need a stylist with the outfit she wore while touring the earthquake area. She didn't seem to need a stylist when she wore the black and white Wu dress in Moscow. I could go on and on from the many nice and almost universally liked outfits she has worn this week. I write that, once again, for the sake of perspective. I think she's entitled to an off day without it being an issue of allegedly not having a stylist.
Imagine IF the FLOTUS really got a stylist. The OUTCRY of being out of touch with REAL people would be deafening! The fact that sometimes she hits or misses makes her completely REAL. The fact that she stays true to HERSELF is totally awesome! I love a person that takes their shot regardless of who is watching. Rock on Michelle!
I believe the saying is "When in Rome...." and that is what Michelle did for better or for worse. I respect her for honoring the tradition. It is a sign of respect and certainly appropriate.
@Leah D
Actually, black has historically been warn by women meeting with the Holy Father. Off the top of my head, I recall one photo of Jackie Kennedy meeting with John XXIII in which she was wearing black from head to toe (looking elegant as usual, I might add). Mrs. Obama has done everything she was supposed to do in this situation - covered shoulders, conservative neckline, her head is covered, all black clothing, neutral makeup.
Also, in the past women commonly wore darker colors to Mass as a sign of reverence.
This article shows all of our recent First Ladies wearing black when meeting the Pope including Jackie O who is in a full length black dress
Recent First Ladies at the Vatican
I wasn't keen on the look for Mrs O; it appeared that she took all of her black pieces and put them together... too much going on ... but so be it... and now on to Ghana
IVA - thanks for the link to photos of previous first ladies meeting the Pope.
The picture IVA provided with first ladies meeting the pope, unfortunately even though Mrs O is the latest FLOTUS, she looked the most ancient of all of them lol, I think this time she played too safe but can't blame her after all the crazy religious rumors during the campaign. I agree lets not fault her for this one...
Yola, I also agree some may feel it was too much going on. Did you see the outfit when she took the coat off?
I truly feel it looked good, I think she pinned the bow on both sides this time???
The picture of them boarding the plane with the president's hand on her back. OO that skirt!!! so sexy.. !!!
Overall i liked the outfit and I think the lovely belt worked this time...
Who said the belt need its own passport? hahhahaha priceless!
I had posted this on the previous thread...but, since we have a new post, decided to move it over here. I think MO looks lovely! She handled it with style and grace.
Personally, I am glad she chose to observe Catholic tradition by donning the veil.
Not for religious reasons or pro teachings of the Catholic Church, simply a sign of respect for the tradition.
I have to think politics is much like raising a child; "You pick your battles!" If she had not worn the traditional dress with a veil as all of the other first ladies did while visiting the Vatican, it would have been front page news. For What? And Why? It was a politically sound move, you would have gotten much more negative response than positive.
Many people have stronger ties to their religion than they do for their politicians. Disrespect of one's religious traditions will sway a voter even if it is the spouse and not the elected official. It may upset some of your constituency if you went along with a religious dogma in order to get along, but it won't sway their vote. Besides, a core belief and practice of this administration is about opening, not closing doors.
Now on to Ghana....
@ Willow and Mimi - For me my FLOTUS can do no wrong but this one threw me for a loop :-) Mimi, I checked it out without the coat and it was better but... :-) I think the thing I appreciate most about Mrs. Obama is that she is so fresh and creative that sometimes she leaves us behind but never bored. This is the case with me and this outfit, it zoomed right over my head :-)
@Iva, it is always a fashion moment for FLOTUS... that is why we track her every outfit. She is wonderful in her Michelleness but all I meant was this one didn't work for YOLA :-)
I think the First Lady looks pretty good. Quite adorable, actually- like a young girl. And I thoroughly enjoyed the black sheer veil; it set the outfit off! What I find kind of wack though is this nagging trend that Michelle shouldn't wear belts/bows, stay away from prints/textured fabrics, & nothing that hangs or flows. It's sheath dresses only, as if that's the only item she can appear nice in. That estimation is incredibly boring and very limiting. Lady Michelle has the looks, height and figure to pull anything off. Why should she stay boxed in with a very basic, structured sheath? Or better yet, the ongoing campaign for suits? I think it's unassumingly insulting to consistently say Michelle looks her best (which isn't true) in sheaths. Apparently, she can't wear anything else without some person hinting it's tacky, ill-fitting, too youthful, dowdy, or odd. But as the drill goes, the First Lady needs help and she obviously has people around her who won't tell her how bad she looks. It can't be that Michelle actually likes what she wears, has been exposed to many different styles, & is fully aware of her clothing, oh no, it's b/c she knows no better.
Michelle should, needs to, better do, has to, must, etc etc. And we must giver her advice here because she's acting like a 5 year old who doesn't know what she's doing. And we're expecting her to be a perpetual fashion show for our entertainment. She should get a stylist until tomorrow when we'll be outraged because it's a waste of taxpayer's money or it's innapropriate in the middle of the recession (even if it's at her own cost), or it's self-serving/self-centered/shallow and she's a diva. [take your pick].
Michelle can never win.
ok I will stop the venting here and will take the rest of it elsewhere.
Instead my comment on this outfit: she made conservative & black look interesting yet dignified. Most importantly, it's very her! She knew and did what she needed to do here. Whether we like or not is a matter of personal taste (personally I like). But she did what she had to do. This ain't a runway.
I'm so glad she's a very confident woman. I admire her for not being afraid of her own taste, her own body and for ignoring the chatter (including mine).
Since the Obamas are in Accra, I thought it would be a good idea to just discover and talk about African fashion. The African Fashion week took place last month and I saw so many nice clothes! If anybody is interested I'll gladly post pics & links in the discussion area...
@ IVA thanks for the east wing blog site. And I agree with you but i don't think its an off day. I don't see what the hoopla is all about. I see no difference between what she wore and former US first ladies wore. Even compared to what the G8 ladies wore.
I think its the pedestal that people want her to be on point all the time. To cater to their vision of what is appropriate first lady wear is the problem. Some outfits of hers I like and some i do not, that's what happens. Its the same with Jackie, Hillary, Laura, Elenor etc. It is what it is and the photo lives on forever and ever. The pictures become stories.
I think the thing I constantly have to check myself is I never put this form of microscope on any other first lady and told them what to wear, so Mrs. Obama gets the same treatment. It is this pedestal of "fashionista" which means she must be a fashionista all the time and if she is not she needs a stylist. I hope she actually never gets a stylist now, makes for a more interesting conversation.
@ Iris Kay and blanca - I have not seen a disrespectful post about our FL, in fact, I am not afraid to flag people if they show any disrespect towards Mrs. Obama; that being said, this is a fashion blog and we contribute by sharing our thoughts and in the case of many of the regulars, fashion knowledge. The majority here are admirers of Mrs. O, so please rethink your posts because you are throwing a fit about pretty much nothing. Do you think we should never, ever post our opinion if it is not in step with what you deem to be positive? Please, I am sure there are off days for everyone of us, mine was Monday and it was wrong from neck to shoes :-)
I was on a conference call when I pulled up the pictures and I nearly blew my tea out of my nose. I found the outfit and the look absurd, and very funny. I'm so glad she did this way so we don't have to listen to "secret muslim" all weekend.
@ Mimi - I agree that once the jacket was off and the veil, removed, it was a very sexy look. The belt totally worked with the shirt and skirt. I can't believe it is the same shirt (except in black), skirt, and belt as in Prague. The outfit works better in all black, to me. And I have seen our President's hand on that particular spot on her lower back before - I think it is his "spot." ;-)
I'm pretty indifferent. She met the Pope, did her duty and now she looks like her usual self for the trip to Ghana. No big deal.
I *wish* she would tuck that blouse in and then put the belt around the waist of the skirt, I think that would be such an elegant look. As it is, I don't like it.
What *I* wanna know is, were there no formal events in Russia OR in Italy?
I think Mrs. Obama looks great. Perhaps they were going to slip into the chapel to say a prayer...in that case the head covering would have been de rigeur.
@ Iris Kay - I think it would be a good idea if you go to the "chat" link to the left where you can start a discussion with links to the African fashion you mentioned. Then people can check it out.
@ Yola - I hear you in terms of posting our opinions. It is this blog's age old back and forth about when is a criticism no longer just a criticism of the outfit, and instead a criticism of Mrs. O and her ability to judge what is appropriate or not. I have to be honest that I take offense to the stylist issue because I feel like in the seemingly innocent suggestion/assertion, there is an implication that Mrs. O cannot style herself or determine what is appropriate to wear. I also take offense to that suggestion because it seems like it is only made when she does not wear something that is a widespread hit. I think she should be able to have some moments (like you did on Monday, like I did on Wednesday) where an outfit doesn't work without suggesting that she needs professional help.
Anyway, I'm happy the Pope visit was over. I was secretly nervous for both POTUS and FLOTUS, since I felt like it was even more politically tricky than meeting the Queen. I am very excited to see the pictures from Ghana and see what she and the girls end up doing while POTUS is working.
Yola, I think you need to rethink your post before you start believing your own hype that I threw a fit. I can't speak for Iris kay, but I in no way 'threw a fit.' I also don't know where you've been looking, but in the past few days alone people have constantly reminded Michelle to 'loose the belts' (as they say), at times even saying she should, must, needs, has to, and other countless demands. Imagine that? Saying how a grown woman, their First lady should, must, needs, & has to dress. Not to mention the speculation of whether Mrs. Obama is pregnant- something highly disrespectful to a non pregnant woman who isn't planning on having more children. That's not an opinion, it's pure foolishness.
Mrs. Obama met the protocol and she was not trying to make a fashion statement. Out of respect for the Pope she wore the veil.
Not a fan of the veil - it looks out of place for me. The rest of the ensemble is quite lovely. :)
@Yola I wasn't commenting directly on your statement. I'm just generally frustrated with the comments I've been reading lately on this site & others lately. Actually I had written a very long post but decided against posting. I'm sure I would have been flagged lol I apologize if I offended, that's not what I was trying to do. i was venting.
I understand this is a fashion blog. Yet ever since the redesign I have progresively stopped to look at the comments. Instead of feeling like I'm learning something new, getting a different perspective or having a fun, I'm finding myself frustrated. We have managed to turn fashion into an nitpicking affair. We all have this list of things we like or don't like and if MO doesn't comply she's out of her depth and needs saving. Context and perspective don't matter. I know the scrutiny comes with the territory. But sometimes the way she's talked about is .... condenscending. Like she isn't allowed to be her own person. We even comment on what she wears on occasions where we wouldn't normally be privy to. ie when she's on private citizen mode within the white house or while visiting a museum with her kids.
It's like she owes it to us to be fashionable. Is it really what this should be about?
I personally think it's great that her exposure makes people more fashion aware. I'm one of those people who liked fashion but was too intimidated to explore it deeply until Mrs O came into the picture. This blog sparked a greater interest into fashion and couture, now I visit other fashion blogs and it's fun! This year I realized that fashion doesn't have to be esoteric and it can be fun even if you're not a size 0. I know I'm not the only one in this situation.
We quickly forget that if she wanted to, she could have gone the Laura Bush route and blocked out the media. In which case we would never see pictures of her walking Bo, no pictures of London sight seeing, no pictures of Rome sight seeing with the girls, etc. The cynics would say it's all a communication ploy but I like to think she can put her foot down and decide to stay totally hidden. But then I might be deluded too lol
She could decide to wear nothing but boring pantsuits to stop the scrutiny too. There was a time when It felt like she was playing with us and provoking our ideas of fashion and sensibilities. It was engaging, fun and cool. As time passes it's looking less fun and more like defiance on her part, as hinted with the present blouse, watanabe cardigan and the times interview.
That's my personal perception of it anyway
I miss the fun. I miss the playfulness even when we don't like what she wears. I wish the tone was different. And I'll be the first to admit I didn't improve things with my post above. I don't want to say I'll leave and stop posting or stop looking at the site until things improve. Because I love this place too much. But I miss the fun.
So yeah I don't mind the negative reactions, I don't mind debating the merits of a particular garment. I just really really hate the tone we've seen here lately.
Anyway I'm rambling too much now lol sorry. let's discuss fashion and have fun!
Wow blanca; Wow! This is a blog, not life. Chill out a bit. Wow! I think most people are being positive about the baby issues; they would love to have a baby in the WH; it is similar to the big exciting discussion about the dog - I did not take that discussion in a negative way, I found it cute. Since you know Mrs. O is done with kids, why allow it to bother you? Just asking. This blog is a totally stress free zone for me. The arguing is totally unnecessary, just saying. PEACE!
@Iva - I hear you about he stylist issue, I know, I often want to come out swinging in defense but it is a blog and we all have opinions, good and not so good. Today was a shocker for me - Mrs. O's outfit and my immediate thought of a stylist because like you I have fought that idea for a looooong time :-)
@Iris Kay - I hear you. I think because she is a "friend in our head" we are often free with our thoughts but she is our FLOTUS and she rocks for me even when I am not too sold on an outfit. I love this blog because it is just great sharing with other people, even when we disagree. I don't take this serious at all because it is just what it is.
Well, it is time for me to say goodnight but I am just so excited about the POTUS big speech tomorrow and seeing pics of FLOTUS and the family.
Have a great night everyone.
I found some good photos of the Obamas' arrival in Ghana:
Arrival in Ghana
Michelle looks absolutely wonderful AND appropriate for this visit. Only reigning Catholic sovereigns (like the Queen of Spain or the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg) wear all white. Other female rulers or female spouses of rulers wear black.
I am tired of her always wearing a belt but she wears the trend very well and she has done well so far. I am very proud of her.
I said that the belt needed its own passport. :-) (Hey, I'm a writer IRL, I have to take credit for my good lines!)
Look, whether we think the outfit is "fashionable" or not is just a matter of opinion. Personally, I think that trying to get "fashionable" for an audience with the Pope is reeeeaally missing the point, in a huge way. This isn't some kind of fashion affair. It's the POPE for god's sake, not a night on the town. I can only imagine what people would have been saying if she had gone in there trying to look "cute."
Anyway, that's just my opinion. But let's not mis-state the facts. It is common, routine, and expected for *people*, not just women, to wear black/dark colors when having an audience with the Pope. I've seen pictures now going back to First Lady Jackie Kennedy and all of them wore veils when they were visiting the Pope at the Vatican. I'm sure they won't throw you out if you don't do these things. But why cause a furor? The woman can't wear a pair of sneakers without it making headlines. Bloggers are writing about the price of her daughter's skirts. This is not a time to make waves.
She's holding up well . . but I believe she feels uncomfortable in that get-up. She looks like a bride in mourning. Was this really what was required to meet the Pope?
She looks perfect. Everyone from Princess Diana to Mrs Bush wears black when meeting the Pope. It is expected. Mrs Obama managed to look respectable AND fashionable at the same time.
I'll never understand why people come to this site to criticize her. I come here to admire her. If I don't like what she is wearing (rare but it happens) I keep my virtual mouth shut.
Just because you have a thought doesn't mean you have to share it! LOL
As WOMEN I think we need to stick together, not be so critical. We should be PROUD we have such an amazing First Lady in every way. There are enough folks out there to knock her down. Let's lift her up on this site.
She is soooo lovely. As a woman, as a woman in my 40's, as a woman of color...on so many personal levels she makes me proud. Her fashion sense - as a former model - is an added plus!
the belt need its own passport...read that on the Sunny Delight post I believe. Laughed out loud!
Great photos from Jackeens, Willow! I especially enjoyed the last one....I'm buying what he's selling, indeed!
I agree that the de-planing dress in Ghana would have looked very appropriate under the Michael Kors duster at the Vatican. The neckline is not too low, and is filled in with the pearls, or could have been even more filled in with a different necklace. On the whole, I think most of her outifts over the past week have been great.
Absolutely spot on. Let's face it, Michelle ain't the little lace doily on the head & matching little gloves type. She would've looked silly in anything else.
The Catholic Church is well grounded in the semiotics of fashion and, I'm sure, appreciated Mrs. O's gesture. That gesture was important as the meeting was tricky enough.
So -- whew! Mission accomplished.
For a head of state and his spouse meeting the pope, it is a moment of highest protocol - not a fashionista moment. FLOTUS was perfectly attired in black which is the traditional color in meeting the pope. If you look at all the recent photos of First Ladies meeting the pope, you will see that they all have a veil. Jackie Kennedy even wore a black gown with veil. FLOTUS did us all proud.
Why am I not surprised that this is a Moschino outfit? Mrs. Obama has yet to wear a good Moschino outfit. That big bow top, ugh! She brought back the high-waisted belt, no, Michelle, no!
Perhaps because it's all one color, there's a bit too much going on with this outfit. The veil and wearing black are OK if sticking to protocol and she didn't need to wow us with this outfit, but Mrs. Obama could've done better & kept things simpler.