Tuesday
Sep292009
Mrs. O Covers Prevention
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 10:14 AM 
Cover by Kwaku Alston / Prevention Magazine
Mrs. O is on the cover of the November issue of Prevention Magazine, wearing a fantastic beaded Jason Wu cocktail dress and Jimmy Choo Lantern heels. The dress hails from Jason Wu's Fall 2009 collection, seen here.
We have to say, this may be one of the best Mrs. O covers ever! We love the natural outdoor setting, and Mrs. O looks beyond fabulous. To read more about the interview, click here.
tagged Jason Wu
Jason Wu
Reader Comments (106)
ALSO, MO has the secret model pose down! The trick is to put your hands forward on your waist to give the impression that your waist is smaller. And actually she is facing the camera straight on which is the least flattering angle - you always want to be turned slightly, shoulders forward with a twist at the waist - but MO manages to do it & look perfect.
SHE IS FLAWLESS!
Ruth @ 4:25 pm,
Thanks so much for the link to the full article. What a great woman Mrs. O is, and what a heart-warming article. I loved so much about it, but especially this about her fashion choices (on page 6):
"I know what makes me happy. I pick the clothes that make me happy--sometimes people like them, sometimes they don't. I try to listen to my own internal guide. My message to women: Do what makes you feel good, because there'll always be someone who thinks you should do it differently. Whether your choices are hits or misses, at least they're your own."
Yes, thanks Ruth. I really loved the article. I loved her answer to the last question. I can read it over and over again. I feel like a lame-o being all sappy and stuff, but it was a beautiful answer.
The First Lady looks wonderful ! God bless America!!!
Ladies (and gentlemen), it is possible that the picture is photoshopped but, if so, only in a minor way. Mrs. O is slim. Her arms are sculpted. Her waist is tiny, and her legs are sculpted too. Some times I think some photographers deliberately shoot her from angles that are not flattering, or they print photos that do not show her assets at their best advantage just to reinforce some of the negative things that are said about how she looks..
For instance, the dress FLOTUS wore to the dinner party at Teresa Heinz Kerry's home looks completely different depending on the photographer, angle, and setting/lighting. I think the true representation of how that dress looked on Mrs. O can be found in the picture where she is addressing the G-20 spouses at the dinner table (thanks Mrs.T). Clearly the dress was a winner judging from the expressions on the faces of most of the G-20 men. But some of the pictures taken of her in that dress are horrid, while others are great. My husband is a very good photographer, and if a shot does not look right to him, he either discards/deletes it immediately or he doesn't take it at all. FLOTUS is basically very photogenic so anyone who WANTS to can hold out for a great shot of her.
Also, as we all know, there is a difference between candid photography and photography for magazines, etc. A good photographer is going to make sure the subject does everything such as stand up straight (we know Mrs. O sometimes doesn't do this which makes a big difference in how a picture can look), hold their tummy in, etc. to make the photo come out as best as possible.
Finally, as I have said before and no one picked up on, I believe Mrs. O's weight fluctuates within a 5-10 lb range. In photography a 5 lb difference for someone who is basically slender like Mrs. O can make a big difference since photos add weight anyway. So if Mrs. O appears smaller here to some, perhaps she dropped a few lbs in anticipation of the shoot so that she would look her trim best in this form-fitting dress by Jason Wu. FLOTUS is really slim y'all--under the right conditions she does not need photoshopping. Think back to that fabulous black Azzedinie Alaia dress that she wore with a bolero shrug as she and POTUS deplaned during the first trip to Europe. Her fab fig really showed in that picture for all the world to see!!
I think we need to put this photoshopping argument to rest. That is my FLOTUS on the Prevention cover, and no one can tell me otherwise!! :)
She is beautiful.
I think it's wierd that a health magazine would photoshop--isnt it supposed to be natural and healthy? I'd be mad if I were Mrs. O. It's kind of an insult if you thing about it.
The picture was taking way back in July per the AP article, it is not new. So I doubt it was photoshopped. She did the interview a while back and not recently.
Love this part of the article!
Liz: President Obama looks at you as if you're the most beautiful woman on the planet. Do you feel that?
Mrs. Obama: One of the things that attracted me to Barack was his emotional honesty. Right off the bat he said what he felt. There are no games with him--he is who he appears to be. I feel fortunate as a woman to have a husband who loves me and shows me in every way. So yes, I do know that. And now he'll know I know.
It takes an *army* of stylists, editors, makeup artists and hairdressers, lighting specialists and gawd knows who else to make a cover look this good. The dressed is surely clamped in the back to keep it snug on her form, her hair is likely laquered like a helmet and she's probably *spanxed* within an inch of her life. They probably "lightened" her a touch or to as well. It's called styling and er'ryone does it!
If this photo was touched up, it was minimally. I don't see much difference between her figure here and how she looked in that red, floral wrap dress she wore to that soldier's memorial. She looked long and lean and stunning in that photo too.
Finally, I don't think Mrs. Obama should be responsible for the marketing practices of popular magazines. Let's not lose her message of healthy living in quarrelling about political correctness.
kennedynphilly, I love you! As a wife and mom who had a rough day today I want to thank you for pointing out what I always say to myself but too rarely internalize - that the happier I am, the happier my clan is! You rock! And Mrs O.? She totally rocks, too!
She's a picture of health and fitness...a woman confident and comfortable in her skin.
Of course the cover was Photoshopped. Every magazine cover is 'shopped. In the same way that journalists pick and choose quotes, 'shopping is part of the whole process. It's not disrespect to her in particular.
What is more bothersome is not that they "thinnified" her (I don't think that was all that egregious), but that her skin tone was made lighter. But as these things go, it doesn't appear that bad. Perhaps it's sad that I have a high tolerance for it, but at least she still looks like herself.
Anyway. This is a great dress and I'd love to see a closer image of it. Love that blue. I also think the slight modification on the shoulders helps the balance a lot, compared to how it looked on the model.
I don't think the image is any more photoshopped than any cover shot for a magazine. Willow---you are SO full of yourself. I am So tired of your sanctimonious comments. Yawn.
Christina,
I was so focused on how they "thinnified" her that I never even noticed that they made her skin much less rich and beautiful by lightening it.
BEAUTEOUS BLUE BEAUTY
For starters, this dress is divine, and Mrs. O looks simply ravishing in it. As for the Photoshop issue, well... I'm a graphic designer and artist by profession, and though I have done some "photoshopping" myself, you gotta have something to work with, to mold into your "piece de resistance". The use of foreground, background and perspective in this photo also trick the eye into seeing what's not really there.
But seriously...Photoshop or not, Mrs.O sure looks like a woman to be reckoned with, and I am more than happy for the President...
Heck, when I grow up I wanna have curves just like her!
I seriously think ihave a Girl Crush on Michelle Obama.
Those are the prettiest pair of shoes she's been photographed in so far. She's worn them a couple of times before but they look supercute here. I also Love the outdoor setting.
SUSAN2: I am in COMPLETE agreement with you. Willow, Nyon, Audrey, Iva, Mimi and a few others should form a club for "sanctimonious," "full of themselves" commenters only. They never fail to go on and on when a few well-chosen words will do. By the way, Willow, how does it feel to be attacked for your opinions? Doesn't feel so good, does it? Maybe next time you will keep your fingers away from your keyboard when you don't agree with another commenter's honest opinion.
But Willow, your multiple posts are now becoming a bore and frankly annoying! That picture of her in the "Red Hot" link was taken more than a month back, around the time she took a vacation. And it's obvious to anyone how trim she's become since. Anyhow, who cares whether this cover picture has been photoshopped or not? The main purpose was the message she was trying to send across for women to pay more attention to their needs without any guilt. And in the effect that they did, benefits would overflow from the inside onto the outside and beyond. Do yourself a favour and follow that simple advise and who knows, maybe one day we shall also make your life hell for taking photoshopped images!Geez!!
Back to the point, The First lady looks absolutely stunning and youthful. I am so proud of her and admire her boundlessly for putting herself out there just to send a message that challenges people to revise their life choices.Lets embrace it....
Oooooo! Mrs. Obama deplanes in Denmark in a beautiful suit!!
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama#photoViewer=/090930/ids_photos_wl/r2676922822.jpg
The first lady has just arrived in Copenhagen wearing a fantabulous suit....yahoo has the first pictures
I'm in love with Michelle Obama and kicking myself because I know I'll never find a copy of that magazine over here in England. She looks positively stunning in that picture and I completely agree with the other poster; whilst I generally love everything that she wears, Michelle's body and legs were made for fitted above the knee dresses.
The first lady arrived in Copenhagen wearing a fantabulous suit.....first yahoo pictures are out
Wow a Prevention Magazine article becomes all about "photoshoping" by some on this site. What a shame.
Mrs O looks fabulous but the interview is fabulous as well.
Wow, Mrs O looks completely wonderful. That's a lovely colour on her - rich without being bright and very chic. Fantastic!
Ladies, I've just gone back over the recent messages. Can we please bear in mind what Mrs O herself says? Women should support other women. Simple as....
Here's the video of Mrs. O arriving in Copenhagen with Valerie Jarrett. She always stands out and she looked beautiful. Can't wait to see Mrs. O, Valerie and Desiree in their Maria Pinto suits for the Olympic presentation. The basic design is on H. Post. The link to the below Danish video will probably have other links of Mrs. O as they come in for the next few days.
http://nyhederne.tv2.dk/article.php/id-25416404.html?forside
@ Ruth: Thanks for the Prevention article link! It was very inspiring and gave me a much needed boost this morning.
I love this dress, the color, and the bodice. Patagonia makes a yoga/exercise top with that same construction, and it is the most comfortable, flattering item.
This dress would be beautiful in any color.
Oy. Even when there's basic agreement on an outfit, we can find a way to create controversy. I don't get it.
Photoshopping can be quite overdone, and the practice is not entirely benign. It contributes to an impression that no beautiful woman is really beautiful *enough.* But I've seen some craaaazy 'shopping; (see here)
http://shakespearessister.blogspot.com/2009/03/impossibly-beautiful_25.html
This Prevention cover, for me, is not that bad. They were probably afraid to go too overboard because the public has seen so many candid images of MO.
Can someone remind me if the blue dress that Mrs. O wore several months ago during a tour of the White House kitchen was also Jason Wu? It was blue with what looked like at first glance black polka dots, but they turned out to be some kind of pretty woven-in design. This dress is reminding me of that one (but I'm too lazy to go back in the archives and look)
Have you seen the FLOTUS in Denmark. She looks Amazing there. She finally does a suit that I LOVE! It's black and white checkered 3/4 sleeves, but most of all I like that she added a punch of color to liven it up with her green shoes. Pretty! Pics are up on Yahoo and probably on Getty too!
Thanks for the video post of Michelle arriving in Copenhagen. Love her outfit.
Now that's how you make an entrance!! Hello Olympics! Thanx for the links PalGal2008and Janelle. @ Christina it was indeed a polka dot Jason Wu dress in blue and black with the bow detail in the front that she wore that day with the visiting students at the White House Kitchen.
Sorry if my previous comments came out harsh, but I just got upset because The First Lady never seems to catch a break around here. There's always something to bash , even when there isn't , and unfortunately even when some things are not of her making. I find that this habit just detracts from her person and messages. Thanx for the heads up Posh Tater, women should indeed try to support each other. Cheers!
She looks incredible in that hounds tooth skirt suit. I love her unconventional suits!
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! Mrs. O looks very pretty. Her make up is always nice. Does any one know what make up she wears? I have bought some outfits like hers, hope it looks good on me. I know I am not the only one doing this. Can't wait to see her fall clothing line.
this dress looks a million times better on Mrs. O than it did on the model; it fit the model like a sack, while it fits Mrs. O like a glove.
the copenhagen suit is fabulous, though i wish she'd worn those gorgeous burgundy patent leather pumps she wears sometimes instead. i wonder if it's maria pinto, in keeping with the chicago based design theme for the rest of the trip?
Red - that was the best part of the article for me also. My mother said that the same thing is what instantly attracted her to my father and convinced her after 3 months of dating to marry him. No messing around, no worrying about who should call who or what the other thinks, just good old fashioned open and honest integrity.
They were in love and happy their whole lives and although they have both passed away, they showed me just what love is and what to expect. Even though I'm still single and childless at 41, I have not given up hope and the Obama's inspire me in so many ways.
***Shaking my dam* head at the course that this post has taken...***
She looks beautiful though I find the dress a bit too figure hugging for a first lady IMHO.
That Copenhagen suit is just so fierce!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hands down my best Michelle Obama look EVER!!!!
Per Willow, "I never even noticed that they made her skin much less rich and beautiful by lightening it".
Maybe you don't realize it, Lord I hope you do, and you are just seeking attention, but this statement is offensive. Less rich? What exactly do you mean by this? Get over yoursellf. Lightening her skin did not make it beautiful. GEEZ..............................
I am loving her Copenhagen outfit, the blaack and white
Janelle thanks for the nyhederne link - there's a brief video of MO at the hotel saying a few words to the press of press. The heading in the listing is "Meget glad for at vaere her."
On the FLOTUS and her black and white ensemble she had on disembarking from the plane i Copenhagen: I think it's a cool mix of patterns but at first I thought the jacket actually was a hoodie of some sort and thought, "How interesting and cool!" but sady realized it was the way it was falling because of the belt. And perhaps the slit was a little too high in the back. But I loved the pop of color she did with the shoes.
I've tried on many an outfit and thought "OOH la la!" from the front, only to put it back on the rack after taking a side view and a view from the back. It's got to work all the way around.
In all the hullabaloo over photoshopping or not - have you considered that this photo may have been taken well before Mrs. O gained a couple of pounds during the summer? I don't think you can compare a photo which was taken recently with this, which was taken months ago.
Also, this is a posed portrait. Most of what we see are candid. For someone whose photograph is taken so frequently in candid, unguarded moments she photographs beautifully. That said, every photograph you see of her is a professional photo.
She looks lovely in this dress. I love that she chooses such elegant pieces.
Hi Christina,
Mrs. O's dress for the tour of the WH kitchen was indeed a blue cobalt Jason Wu from his Spring 2009 collection.
I want to apologize to Mrs. T and everyone here for hijacking this thread yesterday with my tirade. I felt embarrassed about it today, even before Joss confirmed that I had gone on way too long and had become boring and annoying. My face is very red.
My passionate response was not a criticism of Mrs. O. She was the victim of Prevention Magazine. But the biggest victims are the young girls and women who are continuously given unrealistic images of women's bodies. The epidemic of anorexia and bulimia has touched people close to me, and my pain for them spilled out here. I'm sorry.
I ask your forgiveness, Mrs. T, and everyone else who may be able to extend that kindness to me.
Thank you.
I will certainly be careful to be brief in the future.
I appreciate the kindness of those who responded to me without attacking.
I saw the movie September Issue earlier this week. It is about the making of the September issue of Vogue magazine. It was a fascinating documentary. The cover model was a beauty--and she was photoshopped. It was about her teeth, her neck, etc. It was about achieving perfection for an important cover. While I agree that this gives young women/older women a false idea of what real beauty really is, I don't think the Prevention cover was obvious in its photoshopping. Michelle was still her beautiful self---she still had more hips (hooray!) than most model's who appear on covers. It's not an issue here.
I don't mean to attack other posters---but there has to be a way to express real exasperation!
Here's a picture of her from the many pictures she took with diplomats at the UN.
I don't see a difference with her legs, etc. between that picture and the Prevention cover.
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That photo didn't even try hide the photoshopping; its disgraceful and disrespectful.
Yes, the Prevention shot is phoshopped. The First Lady has very small, elegant hands ... it as if they did not have the proportion function on!
This is my question ... what's wrong with the First Lady that she has to be modified? She's just fine the way she is.
I think the media is being cruel.
Doesn't look photoshopped to me at all. The dress is designed in such a way as to make her look slimmer, it is the cut of the dress. She has always had fab arms and shoulders. The pose on the front of Prevention Magazine shows her arms away from her body, almost in a V shape. The woman is gorgeous, she doesn't need any touchups. Once again, I think it is purely the cut of the dress, narrower in the bodice and waist, very slightly flared at the hips and the nice drape in the front adds a sleek element.