Landing in Mumbai
Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 9:50 AM 
Photos by Jim Watson / Getty Images
President Obama and First Lady Mrs. O have landed in Mumbai, India, where they've already had a full day of affairs, first visiting the 26/11 Memorial at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Hotel, and then the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum.
With an emphasis on honoring the victims on the Mumbai terrorist attacks, the first lady dressed in a somber, but gorgeous, delicate and intricately detailed grey dress. With full-length sleeves, a hem-line below the knee, and an elongated stretch of buttons down the front, the dress adds a new dimension to the first lady's ever-expanding, diverse wardrobe. The reserved silhouette is complemented by an unexpected, smoky effect that drifts in and out of the fabric. A triple-strand pearl choker necklace and silver kitten heels complete the stately look. Tamara Abraham of the Daily Mail writes that "Michelle's buttoned tunic dress was a neat reference to a traditional Indian kurti," perhaps a first nod to Indian culture.
Update: Mrs. O wears Viktor & Rolf from the design house's Fall Winter 2009 collection. The dress can be seen on the runway here.
Viktor & Rolf
Reader Comments (48)
When are the American people going to rally around their president as they have with other elected presidents in the past? If Congress and the House of Representatives, the American people, regardless of racial ethnicity and party affiliation would support our president and begin working together the country could move forward. I want our President as well as our country to succeed! There shouldn't be red states or blue states but the UNITED states! Love Mrs. Obama's outfit! The President and First Lady represents our country well.
Sorry, I don't like this look at all. She looks like she's trying to be 70 years old. The dress is drab and too old looking. And the hair looks like a style for an old lady.
This is one of her worst looks. I hope we see the usual young stylish Michelle on this trip. But this is not a good start.
She changed into more casual clothes later - more photos:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1327192/Michelle-Obamas-Mumbai-chic-First-Lady-makes-mid-air-outfit-change-India-arrival.html
PS. I have never been called rigid. Spent most of my life in high end fashion. As for loving a green sweater, would never have happened. Sorry.
This is the loveliest dress I've seen on these pages and Mrs. Obama looks so elegant and beautiful as the First Lady.
I sincerely agree with Mary White's post and hope the next two years of President and Mrs. Obama's time in the White House is filled with a sense of united purpose in the United States.
I agree with a previous commenter...the dress looks way old on her and not something you would normally see on a vibrant woman like Michelle. I understand she wanted to give a nod to India fashion with this dress...but she could have chosen a much flattering outfit.
This is not my favorite look, but it is respectful. I am interested to see Mrs. O's handwriting. Are there any hand writing analysts who can give us some insight?
Hattie the handwriting interested me also. The President is all neat and tidy and the First Lady is all over the place lol.
Hate the dress!! This is something a 50 year old and older woman would wear, too old lady like. Too long, and overall to old for her.
A perfect start! This is a visit of the President to a traditional culture. She endeavors not to out shine her husband, she fades into the background to let him shine. The dress is lovely and it does make her look older but it is the right message at the right moment. Well done my First Lady!
The more I examine the details of this dress, the more spectacular it becomes. This Lady can wear anything and look lovely. It is influenced by the Indian kurti. I'm not 50 yet but if I could afford this it would be a part of my wardrobe.
forse non รจ il piu' bello dei suoi vestiti ma mi sembra che sia congruente con il tono del viaggio
stefania
I think the dress is lovely -- subtle, subdued, but still interesting and creative. To me, this is very appropriate for a memorial service and the start of a state visit. Can't wait to see what comes next. And our Prez looks pretty great, too!
Please do not age date this unfortunate dress. I don't know a 50 year old or a 70 year old who would wear it. Someone led her astray.
Interesting that this dress seems to polarize ... I think it's quite spectacular and perfectly chosen for the occasion. I do think it's a more conservative silhouette than Mrs. O usually wears, but the smoky treatment of the fabric keeps it modern and fresh in my eyes.
I liked the dress as soon as I saw pics but the flow in video is what really did it for me! I was drawn to the neckline and loved the fit in the hips.
I agree with you Mrs T. Appropriate for a memorial, light and the pattern is great.
The detailing at the hip and shoulders is beautiful as well.
I think the dress is perfectly chosen for this event. At a While House music night? No. But she is dressing for the occasion (and the silver heels are perfect). The piecing of the fabric around the hips and the pattern of the fabric make it more modern.
I actually think the dress is quite elegant, and perfect for her visit. Folks are so funny.. when the lady wore shorts to Arizona she was wrong.. now she wears a conservative dress to a primarily hindu/muslim nation and she's wrong again! I love it that First lady Michelle wears exactly what she wants to wear, comments aside!
Now to the handwriting, which was definitely all over the place! I must admit, I thought "First lady, did you have jet lag or something?" (Which is entirely possible of course.. ). Though I'm betting she forgot it would make news within minutes.
Continue to support this husband and wife team America. No matter what your thoughts and feelings are, particularly after the mid term elections, they (HE) is still in charge and representing your nation. Help them to do it well - with dignity and honour.
Mrs. T's notes referenced Mrs. O's outfit being a nod to a traditional Indian kurti. For those of us who have not done the research, why don't we reserve our judgments and allow Mrs. O the benefit of the doubt as to how she chooses to sartorially show her respect for the customs of the country she is visiting?
The fabric reminds me of the sky. The dress: Diplomatic and Feminine. Stately, yet breezy.
I have to say I'm shocked people aren't liking this dress. It is so refined, so feminine, and fitting for the occasion and the woman wearing it. The color is intersting, the style with the buttons and the cut and stitching at the collar...this may be one of my faves. Artistic is the word that comes to mind. And I love the pearls and her simple swept back hair. I'm just loving this whole look. I saw this picture on another website first and ran over here because I thought for sure it would be a hit, but I guess not. I am totally surprised since this seems so Michelle in that it is unique and artistic.
@Mrs. T
It's definitely too conserative, which Michelle is not. This dress is something that I feel was imposed on her. She is not a woman that dresses conservative, which is one of the reasons I like her. It seems like she chose this dress as a statement, instead of truly liking it, too old looking.
I just feel the overall styling is just stale and matronly. If this dress were in a more vibrant color, she got rid of the pearls, and had her usual hair and makeup, it would be an ok look. Nothing spectacular, but nothing to criticize either. But from the drab hair, to the drab makeup, to the drab dress and it's drab color, to the drab length, it's just a drab look.
Just because it's a respectful look doesn't mean it has to be somber. I think just having her usual hair style would have done a lot to make the overall look better.
But she's usually on it when it comes to being both respectful and stylish. Remember the fabulous non traditional looking suit she wore for the 9/11 tribute?
Hi Mia Monte - I'm just wondering, when you say conservative, what do you mean? I suppose to me, the color, the fit, the buttons with the little opening between the lone top button and the rest, the flirty and loose fit, that's at the same time fitted in such a way to show that she's got curves going on...I don't see conservative at all.
It's just funny, I feel like it is so Michelle because it is so detailed and artistic.
But different strokes for different folks!
Let me tell all of you who think that this dress is too old, conservative etc. It is very appropriate for our Indian culture. She did right thing arriving with a modest look. You Americans really need to educate yourselves about cultures around the world. For her position and stature in the world this is perfect and right and she will have other opportunities so show some skin and color but she did the right thing today.
An Indian woman over 50 who admires Michelle Obama
I have a problem with the dress which I feel is "Boxy" and does not flatter Michelle's figure. I also dislike the hair...a lot
My opinion...The handwriting..not what I expected, but the SUBSTANCE of the handwriting ...ahhhhhh..PERFECTO ! I mainly look for the substance. There is So Much Brains behind that handwriting. The dress, conservative, as I feel it should be, and DEFINITELY the whole ensemble, VERY appropriate for the occasion. And your reading this note from someone who went ro see her for the very FIRST time over at University of Penn in Philadelphia, PA the night before the midterm elections. . . Her presence is something that I aspire to. And her aura is like NONE OTHER. You saw the pic of the outfit and black jacket she added to the ensemble she wore in Nevada earlier that day. She's phenomenal ! FORBES magazine...You got it RIGHT! The most admired powerful (Humbled) WOMAN IN THE WORLD....First Lady of The United States of America, OUR First Lady, Michelle Obama.
Well this is just beautiful and *perfectly* judged. So pretty and elegant - and I just love the fabric; the smoky effect is stunning. It covers all the bits it ought to (arms, decolletage, legs) for a visit to a Hindu/Muslim country, while hiding nothing of her gorgeous figure. Plus it's in keeping for a visit to the Ghandi museum and a memorial service for victims of the Mumbai bombings. I suspect the anti brigade of being just a little too anti. Girls, don't you EVER get bored???!!!
In the West we wear black for funerals and memorial services. In India you wear white to a funeral. So grey is the perfect choice as it blends both traditions. Plus I think she had to have her hair up in an elegant twist or it would have been too much to have a high neckline and hair all around her face as well. Keeps it light. The tucking and button details are just gorgeous.
I disagree with the Daily Mail about the nod to a kurti. It's a fairly shapeless top you can get in any type of fabric that ends at the hip.... the neckline isn't like this dress, nor is the sleeves. Unless they meant kurta. Whichever, I think they are being slyly nasty. A kurta is a male garment, usually shapeless. They can be smart, but when they are they are stiff and in a heavy brocade. NOT beautifully shaped and softly tailored to perfection. No, I think that comment was pretty bitchy. This dress is just lovely. The silk! So light and fluttery.
BOXY??? Give me strength........
I really don't think that every dress has to show off Mrs.O's figure.
Sometimes, the occasion calls for a more discreet look and that is exactly what we have here.
A very nice look for the culture and memorial. The light grey is a perfect choice.
Char from Seattle
OMG!! Both outfits are not good, Did she borrow it from her mother, I do not think her mother will even were that.
I loved her style on the 2008 compaign trail, for some reason am not so impressed with her most of her outfits now.
She needs a stylist.
A lovely dress and one that very few women could wear successfully, but terrific on her. I would like to see her in a more graceful posture, just standing or perhaps in mid-stride and not deplaning. Nobody could look graceful descending the steps of an airplane. Very respectful, conservative, beautiful, and appropriate garb for a first lady visiting a foreign country in Asia.
There are millions of Muslims in India too and we Muslim women are glad that she dressed modestly stepping off the plane for the first time. Shows class as far as I am concerned.
Maybe I'm in the minority but I love this dress. I'm younger than the First Lady but I would don this dress in a heartbeat. It is classy, elegant and fitting for the ocassion and the country that she is visiting. The pearls set off the whole look nicely.
I like the dress too. I love how it appears to be light and flows at the hem. The choker fits the outfit as well. This may be a different look than we are use to for Mrs O. But I suspected it was appropriate for the occasion.
Thank you vv & sati for your cultural perspectives.
First saw this dress in a short televised segment and loved the coloring, shimmer and movement of the fabric. My first impression - really liked the dress, thought it was pretty, elegant and totally appropriate. Have not seen any photos that seemed to capture the lightness and flow of the dress in motion...
Love the dress. Appropriate for the occasion.
I think the dress is very lovely and classy. It is very mature and less trendy than what she normally wears but still a beautiful dress. It seems very appropriate for the occasion.
I don't recall ever having seen MO so covered ... except perhaps to visit the Pope.
I expect she is wearing this to adhere to the expectation of modesty .... hence the length of the skirt and the sleeves. I mean, Michelle doesn't do sleeves, right? Even in the dead of winter, those long, sculpted ams are out there.
So ... I don't think we'll be seeing the fashion extravaganza I'd hoped for. Although,I'm curious to see what she wears to the state dinner.
It will be wonderful seeing her enjoy the culture ....
This is not the most flattering look I've seen on Michelle, but I think she was trying to be appropriately conservative and she hit the mark. It seems 100 percent appropriate for the occasion. It's funny that someone usually dinged for being too immodest (dresses and skirts at the knee, bare arms) is getting called matronly here!
I do love the choker and the shoes.
I understand that Mrs. O. may have been giving a nod to traditional Inidan clothing, but I agree with those who believe it is too matronly. A different color, a tad shorter, and trading in those pearls for a long, silver necklace would have made quite a difference.
I enjoy seeing Mrs. O change it up. This is pure elegance, and appropriate for the occasion.
Thanks to vv, the Indian poster of 50 y o who is of the opinion that the First Lady's outfit is appropriate.
I think the dress is unusual and very lovely but miss the cute bob. Michelle and Barack are elegance personified, whatever the political climate.
The First Lady should have worn black for mourning with a hat.
It was a memorial service. A hideous dress, in execution and fabric.
I couldn't think of anything dowdier..
Massive fail.
I don't think this dress is a vast departure from what our Michelle wears, but rather an expansion in her wardrobe arsenal. She is nothing if not thoughtful, and this seems to be deliberately thoughtful and respectful of the country and culture that she's visiting. To me, it is elegant with a FLOTUS flair. Those buttons going down the front, that unique pearl choker and don't get me started about those shoes, all of this makes for a beautiful emsemble for our First Lady. Both of them are a force to be reckoned with and I sure appreciate their representation of our country. Very classy, indeed!
I feel I have to weigh-in to this discussion - Mrs O's dress is gorgeous. The muted grey/pastel colours on this beautiful silk fabric really complement not only her figure but also the occasion. Her hair and make-up are also lovely. I have come to this post rather later than everyone else and have already seen some of the other outfits that Mrs O has worn in India. I can only compliment her on a very tasteful and appropriate (both age and cultural) wardrobe for this very important and sensitive state visit - she has chosen her outfits with great taste and individual flair. From my (Australian) perspective, I think she is doing a great job - for the record I am 55 and I would have worn this beautiful dress at any time in my life.
Not the best. A more tasteful but still subdued nod to Indian culture should have beencreated. It looks like an old lady dress
I just love this dress! When the picture flashed up, I said "Ooh!" If I were tall and built like Mrs. O I would buy a dress like that in a heartbeat. I really love the stitching detail from the shoulders and I would probably wear a brooch at the neckline instead of the choker. I just love the dress and I think loving it or not loving it depends upon how it hits you at first glance--the dress is that dramatic.
Imagine the dress with red accessories on a more festive occasion!
I just love it!