Mrs. O Goes Abroad
Friday, November 12, 2010 at 5:39 PM 
What is it about first ladies and travel abroad that excites us so? My initial interest in Jacqueline Kennedy could be summarized by an image of the first lady dressed in an Oleg Cassini apricot silk dress during a boat ride on Lake Pichola in India during March 1962. A print of said image was taped to my dorm room wall throughout college, always offering a sense of wanderlust for a time, place and style I did not know, but felt deeply inspired by. I've wondered how many moments captured this past week, as our First Lady Mrs. O charmed and enchanted India, might also take on a lasting, iconic effect.
The Obamas' recent trip to India and Indonesia represents the highest peak of traffic to this blog since the president and first lady traveled to Europe in April 2009. Prior to this trip, it seemed that public interest in Mrs. O's style had waned to some extent. "If you're tired of hearing about Michelle Obama's style, you're not alone," began a recent BlackBook Magazine story. Though the community here remains strong, the broader public seemed tired of a story that has been told and retold in the American media, most times superficially, to no end. Yet, this past week, in India, the fervor and excitement suddenly returned.
Mrs. O's wardrobe was undoubtedly a focal point of the trip overseas. Ensembles were thoughtfully chosen to suit occasions and mood, from somber to playful, casual to the utmost formal. Designers and aesthetics honored Indian and Indonesian culture, resulting in shining moments for American designers Rachel Roy and Ranjana Khan, both of Indian heritage. A lace tee from J.Crew offered accessibility, while back to back pieces from Belgian designer Dries Van Noten delivered an element of the unexpected. And, of course, there were pride-inducing moments of high glamour, as Mrs. O once again elevated the notion of American sophistication on a global stage.
Ultimately, though, the clothes played second fiddle this time. The moments that endeared and will endure were those when Mrs. O interacted with the children of India. Ballet flats came off for hopscotch; a dress felt less important as Mrs. O danced to Bollywood music. The first lady came to life in these moments, offering a profound display of her genuine nature and ability to galvanize. The clothes tell their own rich narrative, but the real power is in the woman who wears them. This is something we already knew, but never has it been more palpable. I'll leave you with a few favorite photographs taken by White House photographer Pete Souza.
P.S. The title of this post is inspired by Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad, a truly magical children's book.
Official White House Photos by Pete Souza
Alexis Bittar, Dries Van Noten, J.Crew, Rachel Roy, Ranjana Khan
Reader Comments (26)
Mrs. T -- what a thoughtful post. I think that travel abroad is particularly exciting when we think of First Ladies because first ladies represent "us." Of course, the president represents us, too. But he (or she, hopefully, one day!) is working. They're on the job. It's the first spouse who has the freedom to interact with people in the way that we would all want to if we were there -- the spouse gets to hug the kids, dance, play hopscotch, tour the amazing sights.
I think Michelle Obama really is an embodiment of American women in the 21st century. This is not to take anything away from any other First Lady, because I respect them all. But, she came from humble circumstances. She's highly educated. She had a respectable career, and two lovely children. And now she gets to represent us on the world stage! I think that's why it's hard sometimes for her fans, to hear comments about her shoes or her dresses or whatever and not take such things to heart.
Anyway, she's a fascinating character. I can't wait to read what book she may write when she and the president leave office.
Whatever she wears and whom she is wearing, I think is lovely on her. But the real thing is what she have done as a First Lady and as a woman. It is highly appreciated that she can leave something behind at the end of President Obama's term so she will be remembered as a First Lady who have done something.
I admire her and I think a support from all of us would do good.
Kresta
Well written, Mrs. T. Your post really touched me.
@ Christina: What a nice comment/sentiment--especially the last six sentences. If you don't mind, I'd like to add to that: Michelle Obama seems to represent a "compassionate power," one that doesn't need to denigrate and trample and extinguish those around, below and above her in order to be empowered and effective. She seems to encourage, educate, illuminate and motivate us to be our better, if not best, selves. She really does seem to be an "Everywoman." She makes me feel proud(er) to be an American. And an African American.
This is a delightful reminder of the power inherent in true greatness. The commentary is beautifully and thoughtfully written, inspired by a women who holds those same qualities. It is indeed her actions and her deportment which make the clothes worth looking at.
Mrs. T, Thank you for this summative posting of her trip. Clothing can make a bold statement yes, but it is her extra special personality, commingled with the sartorial gems, that shines forth so brilliantly. America once again is a beacon....confident, humble and visionary....may it last....
Love the top picture. As usual, the children seem very happy to see Mrs. O. The outfit she is wearing is pretty, feminine and flattering. The semi-casual outfit and the flats make Mrs. O. seem very approachable, and the flower pin on her top is the perfect finishing touch.
Thank you Mrs. T. for such thought-provoking comments. Like Mrs. Kennedy, Mrs. O has managed to revitalize a job that for the publlic, in Pierre Salinger's words, "Is nothing more than standing mutely beside your husband and supporting inoffensive causes that nobody cares about." Mrs. Kennedy was the first First Lady to understand the power of image and metaphor and to realize that the narrative of the life of the first family echos in the minds of the public. A drab and boring First Lady, whether deliberately or not, suggests a drab and boring presidency. Even with all of the economic problems that our country has been going through, even with all of the hostility aimed at this family, I still feel so hopeful when I look at President and Mrs. O. There she is, flying the flag of youth, intelligence and hope for the future. And looking so beautiful whle she's doing it.
Beautifully written, Mrs. T...and Marcus and others who have posted above. I'm sure if Mrs. O were to read your words, they would mean more to her than any of the lavish praise of her fashion sense and style.
I'm from Sri Lanka - a country just below India. Though Asian women have made great strides in every sense - we are still relatively conservative in our dress.
In towns you will find a very fashion forward society - however in general women dress modestly. I find it fascinating that throughout her trip in India Mrs. O, never once wore anything sleeveless or above the knee. I think she showed great respect and understanding of the culture and place of women in this society and their clothes - and still displayed her fashion sense and absolute individuality.
A remarkable lady, who through everything manages to convince of her strength and sincerity
God bless and protect our President and First Lady Obama.
Beautiful tribute, thank you.
The first photograph reminded me how much I like that blouse-skirt ensemble.
I agree with the others, this is a lovely post.
For me, I am in awe of Mrs Obama for everything that she has achieved, stands for and works hard to maintain. But more importantly, I feel that black women are often under represented in the fashion world, especially in England where I live. In fact although many African Caribbean's immigrated to England as far back as the 1950's, there are few of us that have actually taken centre stage. For me, personally, I am happy to be able to admire and relate to a such a powerful successful woman who not only looks like me but wears some clothes that I can actually afford.
On a slightly different note, I absolutely love the outfit she has on where she is walking with those little girls. That outfit is a classic that can be worn by a woman of any age.
How thoughtful and lovely! You write beautifully. Thanks for the post and I enjoy the recap of photo's.
I especially like the one of her doing hopscotch. It just looks so happy and fun.
I also have the book Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad. It is magical. The drawings by Jacqueline Duheme are fantastic.
Thank you, Mrs T. for your thoughtful, kind and instructive words on the First Lady's visit to South Asia. You hit the nail on it's head, so to speak, and expressed exactly my thoughts about this First Lady from day one. Like many who visit this blog, I love, love, love the First Lady's effortless style, her accessibility, her comfort in her own skin, which is reflected in her carriage, the way she relates with friends and strangers alike, and as she says repeatedly, her "willingness to see herself in other people's eyes". This woman is much, much more than the fashions she wears, as beautiful though they may be. In one word, she's a woman of SUBSTANCE. So despite the occasional disrespect thrown her way by some who may stumble on to this site or else, she teaches us all that it's not what others say or think about you that matter, but instead what matters is the contribution you make continually to make other peoples lives more meaningful and valuable. That is what Michelle Obama, First Lady of the United States of America, does everyday, reason why she has the admiration of her husband, family and million of fans here in the U.S. and around the world.
Really beautiful and very thoughtful post, Mrs. T. Thank you so much for your exquisite presentation each and every time you add to this site. I love it here.
The top photo is one of my very favorites from the trip. It's her relaxed posture, the style and beauty that emanates so effortlessly, the children who surround her in their own colorful dress, the way she seems to be bringing them all along with her as they step forward. It's so emblematic of who she is and why I find her a constant source of inspiration in so many ways. Thank you Mrs. O and thank you Mrs. T for sharing your gifts.
Mrs. T you finely articulated why I come to this site every day. Trust me, if it were just to look at a First Lady in a pretty dress, I have other things to do with my time. I don't always like some of the things she wears but this woman's presence is downright powerful. Yes, she was indeed prepared and ready for this job. She is the rock of her family and this wonderful man who is her husband leans on her and she supports him and protects their children with all her might and strength.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse/5166752673/
I don't know her personally but would one day like to meet her and let her know how much I admire her for taking on this very difficult task. I can't imagine what it must be like to be under such constant public scrutiny. I wish her lots of happiness and intense peace.
When she appears at events with another first lady or female president or prime minister, Mrs. Obama occasionally seems to choose her outfits with an eye to complementing the clothing worn by her hostess. Perhaps it is pure coincidence. In any case, we might note in particular on this trip how at the Gandhi memorial the Dries von Noten skirt reflected the green and blue edging of the Indian president's striking sari and again that night on the relationship between the metallic palette of her stunning Rachel Roy outfit and President Patil's beautiful sari.
I am a fan of your website in Tokyo, Japan. I am very disappointed that Mrs O did not accompany Mr O to his visit to Japan. She has worn a Japanese designer Junya Watanabe and I have had fun wondering what she would wear when/if she visits this country... Still to come!
Superbly written summary.
Fashion is art : Mrs. O paints interesting pictures with her threads.
I have follwed this blog since its inception and so being of Indian origin I was especially interetsed to see what surprises Mrs. O will have up her sleeve on her trip to India. I have to agree with Mrs. T that ultimately what endeared her and what will live on is her (and of her husbands) innate ability to connect with people as was so evident in her itneraction with the children in India. Feedback from my family back home is that people loved the "O"s.
This is especially important o note because recently back home here, we have seen that the President and Mrs. O have become perhaps a bit insulated (partly beacuse of the bubble they live in) and partly maybe because of the polarizing effect of the polictical activity. My point is that we could definitley benfit from being able to see them connect to the public like they always do when given a chance...
Lovely summation, Mrs. T. Thank you so much for your inspiring posts and all the hard work you put into this site.
xxBevi
Mrs.O is a role model for all women. She exudes not only style but also kindness, humility and power. Women look up to her not only for her fashion sense but also what she can do to nations who needs help. Hope she will leave something that women will be proud of.
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a vision of loveliness...the reality of a lovely woman
Dear Mrs. T,
Thank you for your thoughtful and lovely commentary. It was truly magical!
Moreover, thank you for this site. Not only are the pictures great, but the commentary from your readers, worldwide, makes for interesting reading. I hope in the spring of 2017, after the completion of the second Obama term, you will publish a photo book with all of the pictures from this site. I would certainly buy it.
I wish all the best to you and to Mrs. O!