Silver Sparkle
Monday, June 7, 2010 at 8:13 AM 
Image by Saul Loeb / Getty Images
Image by Yuri Gripas / Reuters
Image by Brendan Smialowski / Getty Images
The president and first lady attended a taped television performance at Ford's Theatre Saturday evening, titled 'America Celebrates 4th of July', which honored South African Justice Albie Sachs and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu with the 2010 Lincoln Medal. Per the Huffington Post, "The annual event also featured Dick Van Dyke, Kelly Clarkson, George Lopez and other performances and will be aired on July 2."
For the appearance, Mrs. O turned to a silver column dress, paired with a crystal and bow Fenton Fallon necklace, available at J.Crew here.
Update #1: Mrs. O wears a Calvin Klein Collection metallic silk draped back strapless dress, designed by creative director Francisco Costa.
Update #2: Mrs. O carries an Anndra Neen metal clutch.
Reader Comments (125)
I wonder that samething D. Inez. Why is it that they expect of the Obamas that they didn't expect of any other First Couple? The Obamas can't go on vacations, they can't have dinners, according to some they shouldn't do anything. But to that I say bull shucks. As for me I enjoying see our First Couple. As I said many times before, if Mrs. Obama likes what she has on, that settles it for me.
Ok, I saw the video. Its a tea length design that hasn't been seen in a few years. I don't think that length is working with that fabric, causing it to look a bit awkward. But, the color is fantastic, love the hair, makeup and accessories.
D. Inez, exactly! Are they supposed to stop all duties and events because of what happened in the Gulf? It is horrible, but responsibilities should continue.
Mrs Obama is stunning as always!!
Thanks D. Inez for reminding the ever so concerned that just like past Presidents and First Ladies, the Obama's do indeed pay for their own stuff and have WORK commitments which do include "social-like" events which they are OBLIGATED to attend. The idea that somehow this President and First Lady must be questioned about every move they make and the cost of items they own when no other President/First Lady ever was, is not only very telling but extremely insulting!
Wow at some of the posters like Bee Gee who never ceases to sneak in her "class" dig at every opportunity (it's now "metallics aren't classy"!!).
And don't get me started with Christina: with friends and "supporters" like her who needs enemies!! Seriously?! By the way, I'm not the first Lady of the U.S, but I do own and wear $500.00 sneakers and hope Mrs Obama wears hers as often as she desires!!! This fake requirement that pertains only to the Obama's is mad. Nobody ever questioned laura Bush's daily O$car De la Renta dud$.
Sick, sick, sick!! I expect to read at any minute some disgusting comment about the First Lady's undies or something. This unseemly and disrespectful dissection of this particular First Lady who has not asked to be put on a pedestal or ever declared herself a "style icon", is disgusting to say the very least.
And the free-for-all allows the "audra's", "barbara's", "wanda's" leeway to insult and disrespect this amazing woman and her equally amazing husband, our President, all under the guise of "discussing fashion".
God help you horrid lot!!
I wish some of these negative bloggers who have created their own standards by which the Obamas are to live by would take a moment and do a personal reflection. Deep within they are suffering from low self esteem and as a result wants others to be in their corner. I sense jealousy and envy. Since you negative bloggers know so much about fashion and what the POTUS and FLOTUS should wear and do why are you serving on their advisory board? Anyway so much of that. I am truly an admirer of this relationship . It seems to me it was created in the garden of Eden , and Pres O is saying like Adam this is bone of bone and flesh of my flesh. In terms of fashion I personally do not like this dress on Mrs O . She is exposing too much in the chest area. It appears to me like her breast is being compressed. The color is ok. She looks tired as well. I wish her all the best and hope she gets some rest. To the Negative bloggers "ONE LOVE" it is time to get together and understand each other.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whitehouse/4672416753/
Just a reminder President and Mrs Obama: There is a silent majority who love and support you and are rooting for you and this country. Shalom.
Don't know what the President's spouse has done that could be called "amazing" but it sure seems that she isn't doing much of an amazing job at choosing and wearing her clothes. The silver, stretchy thingy just doesn't quite make it. It looks too tight at the top, it seems to be bunched up under the bust and just hangs there when she is standing. The length is OK; I assume that is what is called tea length, rather than floor length and it's probably easier to walk in and climb stairs than a full length gown would be.
I don't know whether the CNN shots were done with a different aspect than HD but in any case, she looks quite broad and hippy in the clip that shows her standing while the President speaks. It seems like someone should take her in hand, show her what she looks like in the clothes and what seems to be working and what doesn't. She appears to be spending quite a bit of money on clothes that don't do much for her. Isn't that amazing?
Audra wrote: She looks lovely. But theses parties are getting to be a bit much in the face of all the problems we're having in this country. Its unseemly.
The event was "America celebrates the 4th of July. You're clearly a troll!
L-O-V-E LOVE!!! The necklace is just gorgeous on her. The woman's skin is amazing...the hair, impeccable. She just looks fantastic. Love them!
White House has a video of his speech with a frontal view. The first lady is also photographed beside him throughout the entire speech. At the very beginning a longer view of the dress is shown. There appears to be a bottom ridge in the lower abdomen area with some sort of detail above it and perhaps some pleating in the skirt below. Breaks up the plainness of the dress. A lot more interesting than what I've see in the photographs. Wonder how much better it would look seen in person.And I am having trouble imagining how the front and back comes together.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/president-honors-fords-theatre
Cute excerpt from his commencement speech tonight in Michigan. He was talking about making excuses: boss is a jerk, coach plays favorites, my friend doesn't understand, my wife...then holds his hand up, emits a hearty laugh and says, " I was just messin' with Michelle. All in fun." Then follows with another hearty laugh. Have an idea there is a lot of this going on in the Obama household going both ways. Part of the glue that holds families together.
Hey kids, regarding the CNN video, please do not judge the dress from that awful video...it is a horrible HD camera that seems like it was made even wider. The dress does not look like that and the President's face is not that wide!! How I hate HD...it really makes everyone look awful (example, the Sex and the City movie) Hopefully when we see the show or see more photos of it, this will become clear. Whether or not it's her best dress...maybe not, but she rocks it nonetheless...and her make-up and hair are flawless. When was the last time we could say that about a First Lady?
FIrst Lady first gaffe. Nipple showing is verboten at such a high level. I am embarrassed. She may now need to consider a second screening by another set of eyes before she goes out the door. LIke it or not, The First Lady must now consider that she is not just dressing for herself but as representative for all America. Modesty must be the mantra throughout until she is no longer in that role.
As for the comment about too many special events, Presidents and FIrst Ladies do this ALL the time. You just di dnot see as much attention paid to these events as they are now. So, chill a bit.
I have never cared for this type of fabric. It just isn't chic, and even though I'm sure it's not, it looks cheap on anyone who wears it. Mrs. O. deserves better.
In response to those who commented on the social events. As far as I can remember, this is the most exposure the public has had to a First Family. If you understand the role of the First Family, you would know that social events are on-going constantly. Previous administration shared only what they wanted to.
With advanced technology and a first time ever, black First Family, we are exposed to every move made in and outside the White House. Rather we like it or not, we should be thankful to be able to share in these events and give our blessings to this First Family. They represent ALL of us, and I feel that they are doing an outstanding job.
No, I don't like all of Mrs. Obama' choices for her outfits, but I agree with her for using different designers to give them a chance for exposure.
Keep up the EXCELLENT work First Family! You are awesome.
Two words - necklace and clutch purse. What a lovely first Lady
Honestly, some of you people are completely incorrigible. The level of cattiness on here lately has been appalling. Like the ridiculous charge of a nipple showing. Common sense will tell you that it would place the nipple unnaturally on the far side of the breast. Most of these fly-by-night insults are in the same vein of those cavalierly thrown out by right wing nuts on political blog comments. Irrational and irresponsible.
I posted a link to the White House video of this, but none of you seem to have viewed it. It is at least 500% better than that CNN video in both quality and angle of view. The detailing shown at the start of the video minimizes problems I saw on inferior still photos. The first lady looks very lovely. I post the link again.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/president-honors-fords-theatre
Pretty necklace. Average dress.
These people should be in the Gulf addressing the country's problems instead of attending concerts every other night. Very elitist.
I'd prefer to see what Michelle's outfit choice would be for "helping a community and ecosystem that is being destroyed."
Nipple? I don't think so. I think that's a dart in the bust area.
Sharon, thank you for posting the White House link....can you SEE the difference that darn HD makes? They don't even look normal on the CNN video! Even the skinny President looks wide! Yes, the White House angle is much better and again, she just looks fabulous. I am not a fan of short hair so I was a little sad when she cut it, but I have to say, she just looks more and more stunning!! I was commenting on the graduation speech on Newsvine and was so disgusted by the vitriol I found there....the far right does not want to find common ground on anything....they will throw stones at any positive, wonderful thing these two stellar individuals are trying to do. It is mostly refreshing to come to this site and the White House site to plug into other people who support them and are cheering them on!
Thanks Sharon Nelson for posting the video. It is better quality.
But I must say, the fabric of this dress will not look good on anyone.
Really one of my least favorite Mrs O looks.
But the clutch is beautiful.
Tammy Geradi--
Very good. Critiquing her clothing based on the article itself is perfectly acceptable. I'm not overly fond of this fabric either, but I wonder how much better it likely looks in person. I, too, prefer a more constructed bodice like in her India state dinner dress, but others may like this look. In any event, the first lady was very lovely.
Thank you D. Inez for your comment to “Vijay
I haven't commented for a long time, but I just get so tired of people like you "not getting" the fact that the Obamas, like all other presidents and first ladies before them, pay for their own clothes. if you still think that, you belong on another blog.”
Here is a lesson for you people that keep harping on this cost thing. First, the President and First Lady, though not in league with past presidents, are not poor (please refer to their 2009 tax return which is public record). The President and First Lady pay for their personal expenses. Each new president receives an allowance to redecorate the residence, which by the way the Obama’s chose not use due to the tough economic times facing the country. The President and First Lady pay for their children’s education at the Sidwell Friends School. The White House Executive Chef, Christina Comerford said that the president is billed monthly for their personal meals. The President and First Lady pay for their own clothes. They are given a clothing allowance for State Events, which are not personal events. Mrs. Obama is able to wear designer clothes, because get real people, she is not paying retail for these items. These designers probably sell (remember, the Obama’s cannot accept them as gifts) these items to the First Lady at cost and write them off as advertising, so she is well able to afford them. Finally, when the Obama’s take personal trips and vacations, they pay for them except for the cost of the Secret Service which is a cost of the presidency. I hope that this informs the misinformed so that they do not have to bring this up on this site again.
Now that I have gotten that off my chest, I will return to fashion, as this is what this site is all about. I think she looks lovely and quite sexy in the silver. Not what we in the past have seen on previous First Ladies, but she is quite glamorous and has set a new standard. Now I don’t always like Mrs. O’s choices, especially the belted looks, but I respect her individuality. I love that fact that she does not bow to her critics and wears exactly what she wants to wear, to which I say, Bravo Mrs. O, the true face of fashion democracy!
Wishing you all light, light and love.
One of my favorite websites, Project Rungay, has been running a series of posts deconstructing the wardrobe choices of the characters on Mad Men. One thing that's so fascinating to me is how constructed all clothing was in the late 50s early 60s time frame in which the show is taking place. We're not just talking about the formal clothing, like gowns and such. Back then, it seemed like women routinely wore serious foundation garments, gloves, hats, hose always, brooches, scarves.
I don't have a point, really. I was just thinking about that when people were saying that they like more "constructed" garments and comparing what we see now (not just on Mrs. O, but on any woman) vs what women were wearing 50 years ago. I admit that probably a lot of my clothes would look better if I wore some undergarments that would cinch in my waist and smooth out my lumps and bumps!
Christina,
It's funny you should mention structured under garments. I was just thinking about investing in some myself. I am happy with my size, but not always with the way my clothes look on.
Maybe some iffy fabrics work better with more help?
Thank you Sharon Nelson for pointing out that that is obviously not her nipple on the SIDE of her breast! Why people choose to spread their foolishness, I truly don't understand.
Christina, a family member of mines has recently started wearing an undergarment called the body magic and it gives her a great hour glass shape. However, you hug her and it feels like she has on a bullet proof vest on, LOL! I don't think I could be that uncomfortable everyday.
In my criticism of this metallic fabric, I should have said that it was not chic. Not elegant. Cheap looking. Good old "not classy" seems to have hit an exposed nerve. Mea culpa.
Looked like a nipple to me, but I was not about to say anything. And yes, nipples can be over there in a top that is unconstructed.
If it is just the point of the dart, the dress is really badly constructed and should have been rejected.
The average person - especially a man - seeing that photo would say "nipple".
We can dodge reality, but that doesn't change it.
Her handlers are not taking good care of the FLOTUS.
@Christina, I faithfully check Tom and Lorenzo every day. Their analyses of the Mad Men fashions are fascinating to me. They really do some serious digging into the ways that the various female characters' wardrobes reinforce or emphasize their personalities and their positions in life. It's a great way to pass the time, waiting for the new season to begin.
@Sharon Nelson - I want to thank you for weighing in on the way you view some of the provocative and disrespectful postings on this blog. I at times feel like a rabid dog that wants to pounce on some of the remarks made here; for instance how necessary is it for a poster, who professes in an earlier thread to have the right to comment on Mrs. O's fashion choices, to make a statement that she finds nothing amazing about Mrs. O except her inability to make good fashion and style choices? Posters like this one hide behind their first amendment rights, and then find a way to throw in the zinger and slip under the radar. I know you from the chat room and have been a fan of yours on this blog because you are such an intelligent and level headed writer who calls it as she sees it. The CNN video you provided does not reveal any nipple WHATSOEVER.
This has certainly been one of the more tumultuous Mrs. O threads. Or maybe that is just my response to it.
Christina--a million thanks for your reference to Project Rungay, which had somehow escaped my notice. What an impeccably smart and achingly funny commentary on fashion it is. I couldn't quit reading. Tears were rolling down my face as I laughed and laughed and laughed. There is nothing like deeply-educated and humorous recognition, no matter the topic.
Sharon Nelson--I, too, appreciate and look forward to your level-headed, thoughtful, and informed commentary. On this particular thread, your characterization of "incorrigible" surely is apt, even as I fear that those to whom it best applies will take little heed.
Bevi--Thanks to you also. You, for me, are also very much a staying force here.
And there are many others of you also, for whom I am grateful.
I am struck, over and over, by how both the President and the First Lady unequivocably and literally embrace people--all people. People who cross their paths in all sorts of situations. This, to me, is one of the most telling and most apparent manifestations of what the Obama Administration means. Many days I wish I could somehow sign up for a serious hug from both of these amazing people.
Ok, I've seen the video footage at CNN, YouTube and Whitehouse.gov and I still come up with the same conclusion: SHE LOOKS AMAZING! It is true that you get a different prospective depending on which one you watch, but it still spells lovely to me. I like it a lot. Yes, the dress and the woman = AMAZING!
I must say, it's rather heart-breaking at the social graces (or lack thereof) of some of the posters. I thought we were celebrating and sharing enthusiasms of our Michelle, not tearring her down or "putting her in her place", or what you perceive it to be. This goes way beyond liking or not liking an outfit. It's a total lack of respect for The First Lady and it's smarmy. Some of you ought to be ashamed!
Regarding this comment:
"Nobody ever questioned laura Bush's daily O$car De la Renta dud$."
If there had been such a thing as a Laura Bush Fashion Blog back in the day, we would surely have seen comments about her style and expensive clothing.
OMG Nyon, that was so funny about hugging your family member using the body magic and it feeling like a bulletproof vest. LOL.
Folks - Please tell me that I am imagining things because I looked a both videos - CNN and the White House one. In the White House video, I was able to look at Michelle's face throughout BHO's speech and it seems to me that she was not her usual energised self. Her eyes looked a bit dull and it seems as if she was struggling to stay alert. I sure hope that she is alright.
She is my only favourite FL. I am truly and deeply concerned.
Look at her again and let us keep both of them in our prayers.
@ Nyon - You are the "worst" in a nice kinda way. I was thinking of getting something to smoothen out things under my W dress but you have surely changed my mind. LOL!!! THANKS!!!
I too always find that the FL looks amazing. Wish I had one tenth of her clothes.
@Tammy Gerardi
"It's funny you should mention structured under garments. I was just thinking about investing in some myself. I am happy with my size, but not always with the way my clothes look on.
Maybe some iffy fabrics work better with more help?"
Oh, totally. I have worn Spanx on formal occasions with gowns, and it makes a world of difference. With that said, those kinds of garments do make me look like I have even more of a muffin top than usual. I need something that will hold me in, neck to knees!
@Nyon
Whoa. That Body Magic looks *serious*, honey. But, that's the neck-to-knee shaping I'm talking about, I guess! If it keeps me from eating a full meal then maybe it'll have a double purpose.
Ladies, has anyone tried that new Spanxx all-in-one body shaper? My neice got it for her wedding that's coming up on the 25th. It is a God send. It pulls you in, no boning, no lines of demarkation, and no flat as an ironing board backside effect. YOU WILL LOVE IT!
@ Charlene in Detroit - That sounds like what I need but I am not in the USA and while most things are available here, the cost may be prohibitive and I do not have the time at this stage to go looking. My wedding is on the 28th.
Tell me where I can get it in NY or NJ and I will still get it when I am there next month.
@ Trinisamba, One of my best friend goes to New York a couple of times a year just to shop. She found some Spanxx @ Filene's Basement. Once she sent me a blouse that she found in Secaucus(?) Outlet Mall that was originally $200, marked down to $32. It's one of my favorites! Look at Spanxx's website. Also, see if it's sold on qvcuk.com. Hope this helps and congratulaions on one of the biggest days in your life! I wish you much happiness!!
Brooksie - that looks to me to be a DART ... not what you think it was ... although I thought the same thing at first ... :-)
@ Gerri Rivers I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF That's exactly how I feel about this Great First Couple.
"Rather we like it or not, we should be thankful to be able to share in these events and give our blessings to this First Family. They represent ALL of us, and I feel that they are doing an outstanding job.
No, I don't like all of Mrs. Obama' choices for her outfits, but I agree with her for using different designers to give them a chance for exposure.
Keep up the EXCELLENT work First Family! You are awesome."
Many other posters write beautifully as well, but the list is too long. For the babies who need to get a life.......calm down - get a pacifier and hold on tight to your baby blanki.
@trinisamba - You mentioned your concern for FL before, it did not go on-noticed, I feel the same way and in the video it is very obvious she is bothered, definitely not her usual self. I can understand why. The un-necessary negative and malicious criticisms towards them is distructive. They put "THEIR ALL" into every thing they do for the American people, the USA and the world and some people are hell-bent on painting a very dark picture. We must continue to pray for them. This is a great day for many of us.
We must continue to unite as we did in the elections and push the First Couple forward. We chose them to realize "OUR DREAM" it's not over. Now even more than ever, is the time to work harder. Stand tall together and support what we have created. Don't be discouraged by lies and confusion. We waited hundreds of years for this great moment of "Change" ALL OF US - all races, and religions and cultures and colours.
Let us continue to pray for optimum health and polictical prosperity for the Obamas. Amen
FASHION - I agree, we can disagree with her fashion choices but remain respectful of our First Lady. It would be boring if every outfit was "sweet, pretty, cute, great etc. We love this blog so lets respect Mrs. T also.
Silver works well with her complexion. Bold dramatic necklace makes the dress. I really love the un-expected extension of the necklace at the back, which is very romantic, dainty and feminine. Very artistic and imaginative work done by Fenton Fallon.
The idea that the First Lady of the United States is going to go out in public and be photographed with her husband -- in this day of 24 hour news coverage and the Internet -- in something that is "poorly constructed", "too short", "too tight", "inappropriate" or that she -- a woman who has a modesty panel sewn into every V-neck dress I've ever seen her wear ... would walk out of the White House with her n!pples showing .... well, it makes me LOL.
LOL @ IVA, IDK any other way to explain it ;-)
Trinisamba, please don't let me discourage you from getting something like that because IT WORKS, Real Talk!! I definitely would and have worn one on special occasions, but everyday that's a NO-NO. IDK for sure, but I don't think Spanxx feels like that.
Also, I noticed how Mrs. O was looking in the video too. I am hoping she was just sleepy and nothing is really wrong.
Today she looked ok to me. She wore her Mexico arrival dress to the congressional picnic.
Btw, @ Christina, I don't remember seeing her eat that day, LMAO!!!!
The event took place later in the evening. it is clear that she was tired.so was her husband by the way.
pics of the First Lady. i love the combo. and she is glowing!
http://obamadiary.wordpress.com/2010/06/08/at-your-service/#comments
I just noticed that the top half of this dress from the front looks just like a tube top. I think Mr. Costa needs to go back to design school....he's a flop in my book.
And no, that is NOT a "nip slip," as anyone can plainly see. It is a poorly sewn dart, which should have had a much flatter appearance.
I am convinced that some people are using more than one name to post their nastiness. We are not a group of backward children. Don't you realize that we can see through you?
Well....after reading everyones' comments, I still think she looks very, very pretty.
Thanks for all the links and different pictures.
I don't understand why MO doesn't have the designers do fittings/alterations. I think she wears evening wear the best...why, not mark off an hour or two a month and have them fit her perfectly?
I also noticed she had a funny look on her face last night. I think she is probably just tired. Can you imagine the schedule?? He's had a rough 6 weeks and that's also wearing on her.
She looks fun and rested in todays' pictures.
To me, Mrs. O looked tired and uncomfortable. I may be projecting, but I wondered if she was worried about the top of that dress staying in place. (Don't get on me; I love her and have supported her husband since he was a state senator in Illinois.)
Edie,
You seem to have a problem referring to the First Lady as "amazing" as others have characterized her (rightfully so I might add). So to register your disagreement, you choose to denigrate, put down, and insult this woman who hasn't done anything to you. Does it make you feel better about yourself now? Do you feel as spent as a deflated balloon now that you've spewed your venom? Your viciousness knows no bounds. What is your real problem with Mrs. Obama? Why don't you come right out and spit it out, you can do it. Don't be such a coward! For some reason you seem to resent the fact that she's the First Lady. Well, tough, her husband won the election. That fact seems to elude you, and I might add, it sticks in your craw. Well, deal with it! Oh, one more thing, and I know this may cause you to hit wall (I say go for it!), recent polls say that 70% of Americans also think she's AMAZING and is doing a great job in lifting people's spirit and promoting the humanity in everyone she meets. As for you personally, the less said the better. I encourage you crawl back into the hole from whence you came.
@ Eleroy,
Keep the good thoughts coming. Your comments certainly neutralizes the dribble from the likes of Edie and others of her ilk. I say they are boring distractions and nothing else.
Maybe a great dress -- she looks great in silver (and every other color) -- but think the strapless and one- strap dresses don't work on her. Her breasts seem pushed and tied.
I too think Mrs O looks amazing and is amazing in her role as first lady. You are right fcv1922. It's apparent that many of the negative comments are written by the same person under various names - a very sad person. It has to be extremely exhausting trolling on a website for the sole purpose of attacking and bashing - but then again, freepers are paid to do just that - attack and bash.
Mrs. Obama stills look glamorous to me! Well, that settles it! It just looks like an early appointment to the groomers is needed for the kattish kitties. I really hate to have to declaw them, really! LOL!