Moments of Mourning
Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 8:21 PM 
Images by Alex Wong / Getty Images
The President and First Lady traveled to Arizona this afternoon to attend a memorial event at the University of Arizona Tuscon. As Mrs. O left the White House, she wore a purple tie neck wool coat with black trousers.
Landing in Arizona, the First Lady had changed into a dark plum skirt, black top, L'Wren Scott lace cardigan, low heels and pearls. In the past two days, purple has become the First Lady's color of mourning. As reader "Mademoiselle H" so eloquently put it:
Michelle is so fervent ... full of pain, deeply wounded, deeply hoping. The colour ... conveys something both icy and soft like the bruise, the moral pain.
While fashion may not seem important in moments such as these, we should be careful not to dismiss it too quickly. The First Lady shows it can be strikingly powerful and full of message.
L'Wren Scott
Reader Comments (75)
Michelle is pure perfection. Watching the service, you can tell that the people around her are genuinely comforted by her actions and her words. She looks lovely, as always - an outfit which balances respect, hope, and her our own style.
Very nicely put Mrs. T. Most people would not think of purple as a mourning color, since it is usually a color of royalty. Purple may become the new color of mourning, now that Mrs. O has worn it at several of the events commemorating the senseless deaths in Arizona.
On another note, the President is looking awful "sharp" tonite as well. Glad to finally see him in a side-vented suit.
wow - I adore Michelle and I've never criticised her choice of clothing before, but I think this occasion called for something more formal and structured than a sweater with the sleeves pushed up.
I also thought of the symbolism of the color as when she wore it to the President's first State of the Union speech - uniting blue and red together.
Wow, the purple coat is fabulous!
As the President spoke at the Memorial today he mentioned that a few minutes after he and Mrs O visited Gabby Giffords at the hospital that she opened her eyes for the first time. As the crowd went wild with cheers the camera panned to Gabby's husband. Mrs. O who was sitting next to him had taken his hand and with tears she stood and hugged him. In the moment you could tell how much this national tragedy has affected her.
Red + Blue = Purple. True bipartisanship.
Michelle looked lovely. During a time like this we witness the real potency of Mrs. O's inner beauty and her amazing ability to comfort our people and our nation. She and her husband instill pride in our collective soul. I was so moved by the President's words- he truly showed the meaning of "rising above."
@valerie I thought and felt the same thing. At that point and when the President was speaking about Christina I wanted to just hug the daylights out of both of them. You could tell they were thinking of not only her expectations but the hope and dreams for their own girls. After he spoke you just felt the love these two share with the hug and their undeniable bond.
The Memorial Service was beautiful. I watched it from the beginning to when the President and First Lady were escorted out of the venue.
The President and Mrs. O looked lovely. Those wonderful hugs and the warmth premeated through the TV!
Mrs. Obama is wearing a beautiful coat and gloves. The color of the coat is brilliantly purple and is striking in every way! The President's coat is nice, too.
Our President and First Lady looking fly as usual. Gorgeous couple inside and out. Sometimes, like today, what they wore just emphasized their inner beauty. I love them.
Purple was actually a color of mourning in Victorian times, when there was a very strict protocol of what to wear at different times of mourning. If I remember right, it was worn after the first period of intense mourning was over, or for someone who was not as closely related to you. I'm not suggesting that she chose the color on purpose, but perhaps she did. Both of them are dressed beautifully and appropriately.
What does everyone think of the t-shirts passed out to the audience at the memorial service?
I think a suit or a jacket/dress combo would have been more approprate for the solomn occasion of the memorial service.
perfect as always. And she looked so beautiful as she cried and held onto Gabbi's husband's hand. She looked so proud, so moved by her husband's words. It was exactly what the nation needed.
Mrs. O & the president always hit the right tone...These are God's beloved for real. Love them to pieces, as far as fashion goes, love the outfit, not overpowering. Just right
Mrs. O appeared as an elegant, yet approachable woman who empathizes with those who are grieving. She probably just wasn't in the mood to bottle herself up into the allover severity of a black suit. Her outfit envelops you with contrasts in color and texture, woven and knit, soft and crisp, light and dark, while radiating a sense of comfort, and that's what makes people feel better just by seeing her..
Mrs T, I'm so glad you chose the words of Mademoiselle H, they are so poignant! I enjoy Mrs O's soft feminine choices.
The service was beautiful. Michele's genuine sensitivity and caring was so evident!
Mrs. O's look today was approachable and appropriate. I think both she and the President looked perfect for the occasion. She obviously kept her ensemble simple so as not to draw attention to herself. You could see she was trying very hard not to burst into tears when the POTUS was speaking about the youngest fatality, the nine year old little girl. They have probably shed many tears and shared many fears in private.
I agree with Lily and Marie, my first thought when I saw her was "oh no you didn't" Not an occasion for her trademark cardigan. That said her caring presence was lovely as always and that is what counts. Michelle has dressed more formally for other funerals like Ted Kennedy's and the memorial for the coal miners.
The t-shirts are not exactly my thing, but they resonate with a service held on a college campus. Doubt the Obama admin had any input one way or other there. They are a wearable sort of mass card.
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-obama-memorial-20110113,0,4798008.story
Picture of the POTUS hugging the FLOTUS right after he spoke. Congresswoman Gifford's husband is in the foreground; unwilling but nonetheless hero Daniel Hernandez (credited with keeping Giffords alive) is behind the POTUS.
A beautiful coat in a fabulous color! Has she ever worn this coat before?
On another note, I watched the same telecast as others, and I saw no evidence of tears on Mrs. O.'s part. And yes, we do have a wide-screen. Also, she did not stand, as it would have visually interrupted our Presiden'ts speech. As Mrs. O. was sitting directly next to Ms. Giffords' husband, she gave him a hug from that position. Why must some people continually try to embellish someone like Mrs. O., who is already great enough without the "embroidery."
Indeed there is something comforting about the calm beauty of pearls--their purity of color and simplicity and roundness with the suggestion of a teardrop.
I love our First Lady but I thought she was not properly dressed for the occasion. She should have been dressed more formal.
I sat riveted to my television last night as the broadcast filled my room.
The President and First Lady rose to the occasion sending a powerful message to the nation. A message of love and unity that erases all boundaries.
In most Christian Churches purple is the liturgical color of Lent: prayer, mourning and penance and at the same time carrying the hope for the renewal of Easter. It is very appropriate here.
At first I thought that the cardigan wasn't formal enough - until I saw the venue. I think her choice was appropriate, as it was not in a formal setting and she was dressed as most of the attendees were - informal. Also, I truly believe she did not want to be the focus of attention with anything - pertaining to her clothes. She was there to comfort. She was there not just as out First Lady, but as Mother, friend, comforter and in some cases I'm sure confidant.
The President and First Lady were at their best last evening. However, I agree that a more formal choice would have been appropriate. A cardigan cannot stand in for a jacket in formal occasions, which she sometimes does. You'll notice that Governor Brewer, Secretary Napolitano, and Justice O'Connor all wore jackets., The tone of the service was sometimes not dignified enough due to the cheering of the students. Mrs. Obama's outfit could have helped set a more somber tone.
Is the plum skirt the Isaac Mizrahi from the State of the Union address http://mrs-o.org/newdata/2010/1/27/pretty-in-plum.html#comment7086299 ? The color looks different, but maybe it's the lighting. I agree with MissK that Mrs. O's soft look on this solemn occasion projects comfort and caring.
I didn't get to see the President's speech, but from what I have heard and read, he was eloquent and moving -- just what is needed.
As to the comments on the "cardigan" in this thread as well as in previous ones. I wonder if it may be a generational issue. Whereas the "jacket" has traditionally been considered more formal; in recent years could it be that the cardigan has stepped in to be an alternative to the jacket? This may be hard for some to get used to. The women who were mentioned as being more appropriate in their jacket choice at the Memorial are anywhere from 7 to 20 + years older than our First Lady. It would be interesting to see if there is an age correlation to those who do not approve on this site to the cardigan.
I agree with some other posters - Michelle's choice of clothing for this occasion missed the mark. It looks as though she couldn't decide what to wear and then added a cardigan at the last minute. The colours were fine but not sure as well why she chooses fabrics (the skirt fabric looks heavy and stiff for the style) that do not flatter her figure. But regardless, she and the President were dignified, and their compassion and empathy was obvious.
I used to live in Tucson, and it's a relaxed friendly place. People don't dress up much. I think her attire was fine, knowing that and knowing that this was in a basketball venue. I do wish that the U of A president had set more of a tone of dignity in his introductions at first because I thought that led to more cheering and applause than was appropriate at first. I think the t shirts were probably the idea of someone at the U of A or perhaps a local company who wanted to help out someway.
Can someone tell me if thats purple nail polish the First Lady is wearing in the last photo with her head bowed?
I love the darker purple coat with the attached scarve. It looks like a Michael Kors?? I think she looked great last night, I recoginze the skirt and top from last years State of the Union and I think she wore a matching jacket with it. She looked great. I did expect her to wear black and be more formal, but she certainly looked fabulous as always. I love the new purple coat though! Great color on Mrs. O.
As an Arizonian living abroad I can say that I am happy that the first lady and president were shown a real University of Arizona WILDCATS welcome! Thanks for making the state look good if only for this brief moment my fellow Wildcats.
OT
Photo of first lady and president at service -- notice TBG Michelle's chief USSS and to his left is the president chief USSS man.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/07076wadm1f70
When the President and First Lady were introduced at the memorial.... I thought her outfit was too casual,. As the evening continued, I think her wardrobe selection was completely appropriate.
Business attire would seem too formal and a bit insincere.
The event seemed more like a prep-rally than the expected sad, serious, mournful affair.
I think she scored points with her choice of a gorgeous soft sweater and the well designed, plum skirt.
There was something about the choice of place, a college arena that made the whole event seem somewhat sophomoric. Therefore, her outfit was a smart choice
Dear Folks:
About the color purple as a mourning color:
Because I am old enough to remember images from the JFK funeral, I went searching for images because I remember seeing a shade of purple worn by one of the mourners who was part of the White House contingent.
It can be seen here--
http://blog.awardagency.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Life-JFK-cover-pix4.jpg
Some clergy also choose purple stoles for funerals. It is not a "new" color but has remained appropriate beyond Victorian times.
Actually, in addition to black, many people consider gray, white, purple, lavender (light purple), and dark blue as appropriate mourning colors for adults. For children, the appropriate colors are usually white, gray, light blue, navy, and lavender (light purple).
I have attended funerals for children where family members have actually requested mourners to wear white.
There are lots of choices and traditions; my little comment is only the tip of the iceberg!
Cheryl
@ Anonymous - The students began distributing the t-shirts throughout the day and at the entrance. Per Nightline, the people of Tucson wanted to replace misplaced feelings of shame to those of hope and healing. During interviews the people exiting confirmed that feeling.
@Christine & others "not feelin' the sweater" / I don't think the hurting, grieving masses would have looked at the FLOTUS in a suit and ran toward the exits to change.
Not sure what you saw, but I saw a woman dressed in tears, sorrow, humility, and wrapped in compassion. A great look, and an inspiring one! I saw Capt. Mark Kelly held, comforted and bolstered by this woman and the people of Tucson. She did not fail us, she made us proud and hopeful.
Praying for the recovery of Congresswoman Giffords & others, as well as, the City of Tucson and the Nation.
It was a memorial service, not a funeral. They honored the dead and the survivors. However, at this moment I can't bring myself to debate whether or not her attire was formal enough. Not after just watching the President's speech of hope. After seeing him walk straight from the stage to the arms of his wife. Seeing her embrace him so tightly and nod her head letting him know that she was proud of him and that he did a great job. Then him continuously comforting her when she seemed a bit overwhelmed. It was a beautiful sight to see. It feeled me with a sense of love, happiness, and hope. So, nope, I'm not going to leave one of my smart alic comments, as some of you know I do. All I'm going to say is I think she looked beautiful and I love MY President and MY First Lady.
Our first lady has the uncanny ability to choose just the appropriate degree of formality for every occasion. Had last night's event been a funeral, she would have chosen a more traditional suit or dress and jacket. Her choice of a cardi and skirt made her fit in perfectly with the rest of the participants and gave her a comfortable, approachable appearance. Remember, it was a service both of condolance and of celebration. The pearls were the perfect touch. Wish I could acquire her fashion judgment!
Of course, everyone is absolutely right. It was a slightly informal venue, and more important, the speech was wonderful and their presence was profoundly healing for the country.
One must understand not all outfit works for everyone. We must be comfortable in our own skin. Our First Lady is comfortable in your own skin and wears what works well for her. I have seeming her in suite which did not give her the same feel, look and comfort. So, I think she wear what make her comfortable and still gives a formal feels.
I most emphatically agree with Lily - the cardigan was totally inappropriate. It looked "kittenish", like something from a 1950's retro movie. It lalso ooked last-minute, just tossed on, and un-thoughtful, unlike the remainder of her outfit. One of her signature dresses in her selected shade of mourning - deep purple - would have worked much better.
Once again, Mrs. Obama shows her lack of understanding of what is appropriate attire. Time and time again, she is the odd person out in her choice of clothing. She is not a student at UArizona, but the wife of the President of the United States and attended the Memorial Service in that capacity.
She is often over dressed or under dressed. Obviously, this was one of her under dressed moments. Will she ever learn? Why can't she learn? or does she just not care?
dlk, this is hardly the time for that sort of nonsensicical critique. I was amazingly comforted by seeing the people of Arizona hug Mrs. O and get all the healing they can from that. It's clear her and the President being there helped them and they were not interested in what she was wearing.
Myself, i cannot like Nyon, bring myself to say anything other than i was extrememely moved by the occasion and at this particular time I really couldn't care less at what she was wearing. That I will leave for another time when indeed it will be more 'appropriate",
Once again? Who knew the spirit of Mr. Blackwell had visited this site? Or a former First Lady, perhaps. She's worn so many outfits for so many events. Imagine being subject to that sort of scrutiny and the petty-mindedness of negativity about a memorial service. Quick, call the fashion police!
That is the best suit Barry has ever warn. He looks professional and stylish.