Delightful Blue Brocade
Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 10:10 AM 
The President and First Lady hosted a state arrival ceremony to honor the President and First Lady of South Korea at the White House this morning. Braving rain showers, Mrs. O looked splendid in a cropped blue metallic brocade jacket and matching pencil skirt. A statement brooch (with major sparkle factor!) completed the look.
Late morning, the two first ladies headed to Annandale, VA for a ceremony at Annandale High School, which has a robust Korean community in its student body. Each woman gave remarks, expressing their friendship, and encouraging students to embrace hard work. On a style note, it appears that First Lady Kim Yoon-ok has a penchant for brooches as well!
Update: The First Lady wears a design by Chris Benz!
Photos by Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images, Haraz N. Ghanbari / AP Images, Mandel Ngan / Getty Images
Chris Benz
Reader Comments (38)
The smile, the hair....Woooya! Restful colors - I think overall a good look for hosting.
A very First Ladylike look, but true to Mrs. O's style. Let's not overlook the Korean First Lady -- the double hem detail, folded-back cuffs and zip front on her suit jacket are great details and her necklace looks really interesting.
A state dinner tonight! Be still, my heart!
Love Mrs. O's suit! I want one! Fall chic!
OAN: The First Lady of South Korea looks lovely too!
I'm reporting live from the White House today. There are no words to describe the excitement!!
STELLAR!! She is looking younger by the day. So incredibly beautiful, head to toe. Wish we had a closeup of the brooch.
MRS. T!!!! YOU'RE THERE!!!! SO excited for you!!!!
Perfect for the occasion! Mrs. O's hair is looking very healthful these days.
I am in agreement with a MI Mom about the First Lady of South Korea's suit jacket.
OMG!!! Live from the White House...I'm excited too!!!
I really like the belt with this traditional outfit on Mrs O, it adds a pop of youthfulness!!!
Elegant.. beautiful
It is so exciting! Slightly challenging from a logistical standpoint, but I have just popped over to a Starbucks to update photos. For the arrivals ceremony, I was stationed in the media risers, actually next to Chip Somodevilla who took the photo above. Even from 50 meters away, Mrs. O was absolutely radiant. That brooch really sparkles! The First Lady is just BEAUTIFUL.
Mrs. T, all this wonderful work you've done has certainly paid off. Congrats!
Both ladies look nice, but I actually like Mrs. O's hair placed in a creative updo.
LOVE the detailing on that suit.
MRST,
Thanks for the closeup details of the suit. It looked stunning. I bet you were excited to be there.
Keep up the great work our on the spot reporter.
Can't wait for the State Dinner tonight. Know the dresses will be stunning.
Did the First Lady remove the belt on the outfit in the second and third photos? Hmmm...the waist on the outfit looks different..the brocade close-up lovely.
Love the look. Cant wait to see what she will wear tonight! Love everything she is doing. Making us proud everyday. Yesterday, jumping rope. Today entertaining the 1st lady of Korea. Absolutely love it.
So First Lady K has changed outfits, and Mrs O, merely took off her belt which produced a different look! Wow a lovely lesson in the use of accessories! I'm liking bothfirt lady's brooches!
Adear, I do think Mrs. O removed the belt. Any thoughts on the suit? I absolutely love it, but don't recognize the designer and haven't heard anything. Hmm...
I can't wait to see the state dinner gowns! I'm attending the state dinner preview at the White House this afternoon and then catching a train back to NYC. I think the gowns will surface as I'm en route. Fingers cross Amtrak has Wifi as promised.
P.S. Thanks for all of the words of support! The blog is truly a group effort as it wouldn't be nearly as special without all of you. xo
*both first*
Mrs. T, you and Mrs. O are both just GREAT!!!
Mrs T I am really happy for you.
Oh thank you Mrs. T for all you do. I am so excited to see the State dinner gown. Company for dinner tonight, so can't check until tomorrow :( but as soon as I can, I'm on it!!.
Congrats to our very own Mrs. T......we've got an ace reporter on the ground! Do us proud!
On a fashion note, our Michelle looks lovely in this brocade suit. The First Lady of Korea sure has a beautiful smile. I like the monotone grey outfit with what looks like Tahitian pearls.
Oh, I cannot wait to see the fashions tonight! No doubt our Michelle will sparkle!
I am so proud of you Mrs T!!!!!!
Very flattering color.
Mrs. T, SO excited you've gotten a press pass to attend the press preview. Does that mean you'll see a table setting? PLEASE do tell!!
Absolutely love the suit! I'm glad she took off the belt though. I didn't want to say anything, but I think it looks much better without it. Congratulations on being on the scene Mrs. T!
fresh, sophisticated...love the hair. FLOTUS looks lovely.
Pics of gown are now available @ Getty. Jewel tone...very pretty!
Mrs. T. how neat that you will in the mix....oh back with wonderful details!
Mrs. O, is wearing a purple gown, her familiar one shoulder look, it's by Doo-Ri Chung a Korean-American from New York!!!
Mrs O., gown from the back....beautiful draping!!!
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/129176214/Getty-Images-News
And the gown from the front
http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/129176481/AFP
It's gorgeous!
clever: two outfits created with(out) an accessory!
Mrs. T, I'm STUPID HAPPY that you were able to be at the White House today, LOL!
Both First Ladies look great!
Woweee!!! Stunning!! I love Mrs Obama!!!
I especially love her with long hair!!! So beautiful!!
Mrs T, I'm incredible proud of you. Enjoy the moment, you'll remember it for the rest of your life. On a slightly different note, I love the colour of the suit.
I echo Nyon - I too am STUPID HAPPY! Hahahahaaa. Hope you had an amazing time today. You have EARNED IT.
Love this blue suit, the textures and colour. I too think that the First Lady of Korea also looks great and is working some great looks here.
SO proud of you Mrs. T! Really....WOW I'm almost brought to tears I can almost imagine your excitement and wonderment.
Up close and personal!! Mrs. T I share your excitement! I am loving the brocade outfit without the broad belt. She looks fabulous as usual!!!