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)
Just one more thought on the stylist subject. I have read that Clinton Kelly and Stacy London from TLC's What Not to Wear have stylists who select their wardrobes for the show; I don't know whether that also applies to their private lives. I bring this up NOT to say that Clinton and Stacy have the final word on fashion but only to point out that if even stylists need stylists, having one is obviously not an admission that a person doesn't know how to dress himself or herself. These people make their livings (quite lucrative livings I might add) in the fashion industry telling other people what to wear and what not to wear, and yet they need a second set of eyes to get them ready for the cameras. I've also read that reruns from the first season are never shown because of some of Stacy's off choices during that time before she had a stylist to help her.
MO could also take care of her own appointments, correspondence, appearances, etc., etc. She's intelligent enough to do those things, but she doesn't. She hires staff members to take care of organizing her life so that she can be free to focus on the things that are most important to her. What's the difference between having secretaries or staff assistants and having a personal assistant to give style input?
Mrs. O looks cute. Her and Mr. O are matching. http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/88979432/AFP
I hope we get a fuller image.
Mrs. O looks radiant! Here her and Pres. O are having breakfast with the President of Ghana. I can't wait to see the entire outfit!
Michelle having breakfast in Ghana
Michelle visiting hospital in Ghana
I wish yahoo's photos were larger. You can see better images on gettyimages.com. I need a better view, but I like the dress. She looks comfortable and her skin is radiant and glowing in that African heat. :)
I agree, she looks radiant and very comfortable.
Iva- did you notice the bracelet she is wearing? It appears to be some type of African jewelry perhaps made out of cowrie shells. It's simple, yet perfect for the occasion . I heart Miche'!!!
I LOVE the white dress with the bands of color!!! So crisp and appropriate for the climate yet with enough color to make it stand out.
I did notice. I wonder if it was a gift of traditional jewelry. Did you see the picture of Mr. O holding the baby? http://www.daylife.com/photo/0aqUffo1ur3gr I've never seen another President as comfortable holding babies as he is.
Lots of photos
MrsO looks great as always in Moschino, l personally like the bow top in black. the veil and the coat made the look little busy, but the photo of them going to Ghana she looked chic in all black.
Breakfast in Ghana, is MrsO wearing SOPHIE THEALLET? I like that dress, understated yet stands out.
IVA- yes that pic was adorable!
Stylishgurl- I believe you are correct. It appears to be a modified dress from her Spring 09 Collection.
Ooh, it is definitely Sophie Theallet, Spring 2009 ready to wear #10 shows same print in skirt
" Sasha Gaye-hunt"
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/S2009RTW-STHEALLET
Dress is perfect on her! And the waist is sitting at the most flattering point! Keep the waist low, Mrs O!
Her skin is crazy glowy!
I just wonder why this sporty looking belt is added to ensembles that are not sporty at all - such as this black dress to meet the Pope. The same thing with the black cardigan to meet the queen.
Separately the belts (maybe --- I do not like belts...) and the cardigan/sweaters are nice pieces but they have to be worn appropriately with less formal attire. Just thought!
Although veils have not been common in the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s, I found it very respectful and thoughtful of Mrs. O to wear. Black is the traditional color for a dignitary to wear to an audience with the pope. I'm not sure the history behind this, but it is part of decorum.
As a Catholic, I was very pleased with Mrs. O's thoughtful and respectful ensemble.
Thanks, IVA, for your comments. They are perfectly on point--I agree completely!
On The News Hour with Jim Lehrer on Friday there was conversation about how this visit to the Pope was actually very important to POTUS personally - not just in his role as POTUS. I had forgotten that he had some early education that was either in a Catholic school, or at least aided by the Catholic community. Also, the Church was involved as a sponsor with his group when he was a community organizer in Chicago.
(Forgive me, please, for not being more specific; I was on the Golden Gate bridge when this was on NPR, so don't have more details. I have not - yet - read either of his books, but I do remember hearing both of these facts during the campaign, so am relatively confident that I'm right here.)
The President and First Lady gave the Vatican everything on form and nothing on substance. Perfect political use of fashion and demeanor. Love the swept back hairdo. Is that kind of do easier on the hair than the straightened styles?
Operafanatic - You're right. While in Indonesia, he was educated in the public school where there were lessons on the Koran, and then he also spent some time at a Catholic School.
Is it the picture or does Mrs. Obama's legs look like they have vitiligo? One of the legs look spotted or like it had something applied to it at some parts. Anyone else take note? I too believe that she should lay off the belts for awhile especially the way she uses them all the way up and not right on her waistline. if she's trying to make a fashion statement I think it's time to reinvent herself with something different.
Official protocol for a Papal audience: "Women wear dark-colored dresses, with unrevealing necklines and long sleeves, and cover their heads."
FYI: Laura Bush wore a barely visible mantilla. Mrs. O went the whole ... er .. nine? ... yards in both form and respect.
Willow, Thanks for the last pricture of the President lifting his shades. SMOOTH is the first word that comes to mind.
I'm glad Mrs. O wore the veil. There was so much discussion about it, that I nearly became dizzy...lol. Besides, Secretary of State Clinton has worn a Muslim headscarf on several of her trips to Muslim countries.
God Bless America!
Mrs. O's outfit is very reminiscent of what Jackie Kennedy wore when she and President Kennedy met the Pope - do a search for photos and you'll see the resemblance! Very sheik (did I spell that right?) on Michelle Obama's part w/ a good sense of history if you ask me.
I think FLOTUS looks fine. I admire her style choices, although I don't like all of them. i think she is doing a great job of showing the fashion industry that a tall woman with curves and a butt can wear the heck out of some fasion and have the entire world waiting on her next move. I am also a big fan of the repeating of certain items like belts, sweaters and things like that. it kinda imparts a Where's waldo effect to her outfits. I love it when I see the sonia rykiel see thru belt all the time! It shows that she is frugal and can still be stylish. Why not wear a signature piece a million times...get your money's worth out of it. I certainly get mileage out of my clear belt and it only cost me $11.99! I can't help but brag about my belt. I love it. LOL.
i was expecting that Mrs o would dress in elegant way! but no! the veil is too long with no lace. A big bow has nothing to do with a big belt, plus black dress. Was it so difficult to wear something simple in a blue navy, a sober color or something like that, fine lines and cut ?
well, Mrs O dress for herself but i cannot help, she is a sort of symbolic image to many women , i am one of those who would like to see her in a very fine dress , but I am so disapointed ...i dont understand, but are there something to understand on her sense of dress?
To me , the all travel started from Russia ( not the peach color dress ), was a total mess.
I love MRS O and Prez O and truly believe they are respectalble about all people. But I do know that well at least it used to be You are required to cover your hair in Vatican :)))))
I think the first lady needs to improve her posture! I am tired of seeing
rolled shoulders, sunken chest and a stomach cinched with a high
waisted belt! Maybe the belt would serve her husband better with his
jeans he had on for the all star game!
A few hours at the ballet bar would improve her grace and help her
with her akward large hands. Not impressed! Not buying what the
media is selling! I do think they are an adorable couple together...
just not in love with them like the press is trying to convince America
that they should be!
Marie88 it's "chic". Sheik is an Arab official or leader. Religious or not. Pronounced "shake".