Pretty in Plum
Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at 9:19 PM 
Image by Mandel Ngan / Getty Images
Image by Mandel Ngan / Getty Images
First Lady Mrs. O is wearing a gorgeous wintery plum ensemble by Isaac Mizrahi for the president's State of the Union address this evening. What a fantastic moment for the great American designer, and the perfect style note for the State of the Union. In the course of his address, the president referenced two initiatives that Mrs. O will lead this year: the fight against childhood obesity and a new program to support military families (the latter co-led with Jill Biden). It's an inspiration to see such an example of style and substance in our first lady.
Purple was certainly the color of the evening, also reflected in Vice President Joe Biden's choice of tie and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi's lavender suit. Several of you have observed that purple is the coming together of red and blue. One can't help but wonder if indeed the choice of purple was a deliberate effort to symbolize political unity and bipartisanship. Are we reading too far into the clothes? Or might this be another occasion that Mrs. O and company have used fashion to convey a powerful message?
Update: You must watch Isaac Mizrahi's video blog about his reaction to seeing the first lady in his design last evening. Love this!
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Isaac Mizrahi
Reader Comments (87)
To be honest my first impression was that the skirt makes her look fat in the stomach, and i really wasn't "wow" over this look. But, I have changed my mind, and now i love it. Those purples and burgundies are really great colors on her. Would have liked to have seen a more substantial piece of jewelry with the look. Mizrahi at his best - chic, American, and easy. This is a look that any woman can copy at any price-point.
Cap, people on this site often express admiration and appreciation for Dr. Biden as well as Mrs. O.
THE FLOTUS LOOK FANTASTIC SHE GLOWED. THE POTUS SPEECH WAS WHAT THE USA NEEDED
AT THIS TIME. WE HAVE THE KEEP THE FAITH AND TRUST IN THE POTUS AND THE FLOTUS.; THE
COAT OF THAT OUTFIT IS BAD I SAW THEM WALK OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE ON C-SPAN.
PS JANELLE I THOUGHT I HEARD THE POTUS CALL THE FLOTUS BABE
Loved the color, loved the shape, loved it all! It's great the way she pulls everything together, keeping it simple and elegant and understated. It was glamorous and flattering, and not matronly.
LOVE HER OUTFIT THE JACKET SHE WEAR MARCH HER OUTFIT AND HER BLACK SHOES VERY NICE AND OF COUSE MR O LOOKED GOOD AND RESTED FOR HIS SPEECH . THE SPEECH WAS GOOD HE IS STILL FIGHTING FOR HEALTH CARE.
Simply Gorgeous, look for Mrs. Obama! The dark red plum tones are so rich and really enhances her skin tones. Beautiful!
Mrs. O will be speaking today on childhood obesity at 1pm Eastern. Cnn will livestream it.
@Cap. It is wonderful what FLOTUS and SLOTUS are doing to shine a spotlight on military families in this country. They've been the silent and longsuffering for far too long and it is time we elevated them and do everything we can to improve their lives. They deserve it. I don't think it should matter who did what when and I am an ardent fan of Dr. Biden and her husband, Joe. There a gorgeous couple. She's a fashion icon in her own right - in fact, she is more my style. We're both petite women (her more so than me. LOL) so a lot of what Michelle wears - because of her height and build - probably wouldn't work on our bodies. She's a wonderful mother and wife and a champion of education. I love her spirit. I love her smile. I love her genuineness. I absolutely love the relationship she and Michelle have. She's been out of the spotlight for a while because of her own health issues and then being there for Joe's mom, but I think now we'll see a lot more of her. The Obamas and the Bidens are just wonderful role models for this country. Role models for personal success, happy and healthy marriage, good parenting... America is blessed to have such amazing people leading her and the world right now.
That being said, I feel I must set the record straight: Michelle Obama has been a fierce advocate for military families and their struggles since the campaign, something a simple Google search would reveal. Here, I'll help:
On the campaign trail:
September 2008: Michelle Obama with Military Spouses
http://fora.tv/2008/08/06/Michelle_Obama_with_Military_Spouses
October 2008: Michelle Obama reaches out to military families http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008325787_webmichelle29.html
November 2008: Michelle Obama and Military Families
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=michelle_obama_and_military_families
January 2009: Michelle Obama's Support for Military Families
http://youngwomenmisbehavin.com/2009/01/28/michelle-obama%E2%80%99s-support-for-military-families/
March 2009: Michelle Obama Focuses on Military Families
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2009/03/michelle_obama_8.html
July 2009: Michelle Obama Calls for Jobs for Military Spouses
http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/07/31/michelle-obama-anchors-her-military-portfolio/
You get the picture. Like I said, it doesn't matter who started what before whom. What's important is that both these powerful women are using their influence to give military families the help and recognition they so desparately need. Unfortunately, you won't see these activities being reported in the MSM. They're not controversial enough. So, it is up to us to make sure the news gets out. Tell your neighbors, your grocer, your family and friends, your co-workers, and then let's make sure we each do our part to reach out to a military family or a vet or send a card or a care package to one of our brave young men and women serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
We can all be advocates for the bravest, yet often most forgotten among us.
Plum is the perfect blend of red and blue. It shows what beauty can be created when the two colors work together.
Very good points made, marabout40.
The dress has pockets. Here is another view of the dress.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse/4311121267/
MO looked beautiful last night. I thought everything was perfect, just perfect! I don't see how anyone could have complants with this beautiful dress. Her skin and make-up always flawless.
Her hair just keeps getting better, softer. They are styling it much more youthful than when we first saw it. I think it takes time for a new haircut to settle in.
I also noticed a different expression on her face. It looked like one I have seen on previous First Ladies. I often think the criticism of a President is much harder on the First Lady than the President. I wonder if she speaks with any of the former First Ladies? They would be the ones that would truly understand.
My first reaction to the dress was gorgeous color; too much volume in the skirt. But...it totally grew on me and i think she looked beautiful. Her hair looked flawless. She didn't seem like her usual chipper self, but I think, as was stated earlier by many, she was nervous for her husband...who wouldn't be? He had a big job to do last night and he knocked the ball out of the park!
FLOTUS looked beautiful; stunning! POTUS rocked. I think he is back on track.
Totally, totally beautiful and chic. Unbelievable.
I must admit that I did not watch the entire SOTU address, after about two minutes I turned the channel. I was so fully exhausted of all the negativity that lead up to it that I decided that I'd just read the entire speech on my own today.But I did get to see our Michelle and she looked lovely. I know some people do not care for the "Barbara Bush pearls", even though other First Ladies prior to her have worn them. I like them, I liked them when Mrs. Bush wore them, I liked the look in Jackie O pictures and I like them now. They are timeless and she looks even more stylish in them. Don't get me started on Isaac's dress on FLOTUS! Simply chic!
P.S. Does anyone know where we can see a pic of the coat?
Yes, we are reading too far into the colors. I wore a purple bra today. Does that count?
@Mrs. A, I don't know. I'm pretty sold on the idea. This effort seemed very coordinated: http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse/4311861340/
The purple WAS about unity. Not to get political, but Nancy and others have been stressing that everybody comes TOGETHER for Americans sake. FLOTUS does a lot in conjunction with the President, so he is talking about unity, so she wears purple for unity. VP's purple tie, and Nancy's purple outfit is symbolism.
The color choice is very deliberate. When it comes to high profile events like this, Mrs. O always makes sure her clothing sends a statement.
Remember the beautiful lavender sheath she wore once he pretty much locked up the nomination?
OMG.....it gets better and better. She has a special glow. Her make up is always on point. I love this lady like she's my sister. Everybody calls me Michelle Obama, from cousins to coworkers. My husband and I have to daughters also. I love her style and would love to meet her one day. The Obama's hold a special place in the Sheppard's home. May god bless you, Mr. President. I was proud of him last night. I said you go on, DON'T QUIT.
Love the dress (and Isaac's cute video).
Funny, isn't it, how different a garment can look in different lights & photo angles?
The first photo is obviously shot from a distance & up toward the gallery, which makes the dress look a bit short-waisted. But the next shot (also a long-shot) is from the same level (probably opposite site of the gallery) and the waist looks just right. Third shot showing the pockets & more of the look in action. Fabulous!
I do love how the designers react to having their clothing chosen by Michelle, it's like their Super Bowl event! Love Issac!!
WOW! I DIDNT KNOW THAT MRS O SKIRT HAD POCKETS THATS COOL VERY SWEET MR O ALWAYS KISS HIS LADY WHEN SHE IS THERE HE ALSO KISSED HIS IKIDS TO BY THE WAY THERE ARE PICES OF MRS O TADY SHE IS WERRING A STARP PANTS SUITE AND BLACK SHOES SHE MADE A SPEECH I SAW IT ON GETTY IMAGE . COM SHE LOOKED GREAT.
I would like to reiterate what @Janelle pointed out. Not only did she look her signature flawless, Mrs. O's ensemble had POCKETS, people! POCKETS!
Beautiful, flawless, and POCKETS :)
Wowie! I love this lady. She is gorgeous. When is saw her i had tears.
FLOTUS looks O-MAZING!!!!!!
Danielle,
Potus has been under extreme attack as of late by talking heads, the Repubs, conservatives, leftist
Dems. Plus Potus has had to deal with a huge mess of issues this year. This was an important speech for her husband. So I am guessing that Flotus was nervous. I was nervous for both for them. She was amazing and I think he did well. Such great people. I adore them both. This is the first time, in perhaps my whole life, that I feel that a first couple might give da-- about little me and mine. God bless them both.
Mrs. T, I loved that video of Mizrahi expressing all his pleasure about Mrs. O and the dress!! Thanks so much for linking to it. He's pretty funny and of course, who wouldn't be on Cloud Nine at such an honor?
I was just looking at the large version of that photo of PBO kissing Mrs. O after the SOTU. SIGH! They are such a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful couple.
I so agree with you Susan it's crazy, but President Obama and the United States by extension, will triumph in the end and thank God for that!!
It's so amazing to watch again and again how he always is the bigger person and seemingly the only adult in the room.
Mrs Obama is a strong, wise and grounded woman who I recall always had reservations about politics. She was quoted as telling her husband earlier on in trying to dissuade him from running for office, that politics the way it's done is not a noble profession. Recent events have indeed validated those sentiments I say. But I have no doubt that in spite of the obstructionists and bumps in the road, they will triumph mightily and this country will be so much better off for having this wonderful President and fantastic First Lady.
She by the way looked amazing!
I love the tender moment that POTUS shared with FLOTUS just before his SOTU address. Those are the moments that capture my heart. Its his tenderness shared along the journey called life. Even though she may look tired and weary, she is there to give her support. What more can wives do to support their spouses. To all of you out there who are married, don't forget that while your jobs, careers and children are a part of your daily lives, don't forget the man who found you and something special about you that was so unforgettable, he asked you to marry him. I hope that you all get ideas on ways to support your husbands by taking the time to pay attention to "you." Even with young children you have to make time for yourself and your marriage. After the children grow up and leave then what? You cannot base a marriage on just the children. Date nights and picnics or just calling up a family member or a trusted friend to watch the kids so that you and your man can have some time and get reacquainted and discover all over again why you married. Just food for thought. Have a blessed weekend.
Mrs. O was precisely what she needed to be at the SOTU address. Modest yet lovely--the pearls were just right for the occasion.
The President was the epitome of grace under pressure and he triumphed. Mrs. O was the perfect- pitch grace note. Long may they live and long may they help our country.
I think our First Lady looked gorgeous in this color. I don't find this shape of dress to be the most flattering on her however. I prefer her in a sheath as I think it plays up her figure at its best. This one seemed a bit high waisted--and not in a good way. The fullness of the skirt bothered me. That being said, I loved the color, her hair and makeup. She looked great. I haven't seen the photos with the coat yet. I'm sure I will like the ensemble that way.
love this outfit, especially the skirt's pockets!
Great hair, great outfit, great color! I think one of her beautiful brooches or a necklace of varied semi-precious stones would have really showed off this wonderful look.
Ok, so the color of the day was purple but Pres. Obama wore a red tie? still not convinced. Not buying this purple is unity idea. It happens many times in our everyday lives. You go to work and everyone has the same color. Nothing planned or agreed upon previously. I guess we can agree to disagree.
ChickaBOOMer: Red & Blue = Purple Haze
http://chickaboomer.blogspot.com/2010/01/red-blue-purple-haze.html