Thursday
May122011
Must Read: Barbara Tfank
Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 1:59 PM 
Official White House Photos by Pete Souza and Samantha Appleton
In this circle, few designers have received quite the reception that Barbara Tfank has enjoyed. The First Lady has worn two of Ms. Tfank's ladylike, vibrantly printed dresses, and on each occasion, they've sent the collective us into something of a splendorous fashion tizzy.
I've been eager to learn more about Ms. Tfank's work, as I'm sure you have been too. Lucky for us, Forbes has published a new interview in which she elaborates on her experience creating dresses for Mrs. Obama (and reading the Mrs. O blog!). Enjoy!
"What It Takes to Dress Michelle Obama" [Forbes]
tagged Barbara Tfank
Barbara Tfank
Reader Comments (29)
Also, thank you to reader "Chichunter" for the link! xx Mrs. T
Great article, and especially love the shout out to Mrs. T and this blog!
Both dresses are lovely, but I really am digging the first one.
These are two of my all time favorite dresses. And thanks for the interesting article Mrs. T!
Well I loved both of these dresses and it's so lovely to read about the designer at first hand. Thanks chichunter and Mrs T!
I LOVE the amazing fabric and the quiet formality of these dresses. The rich palette for each is gorgeous. Mrs. O looks absolutely stunning in both of them. I remember putting them on my favorites list when Mrs. T asked us about our best Mrs. O picks. Wonderful that this blog is mentioned more than once!
Hi Mrs T.
Thanks for picking up my story in Forbes.
I love, love, love the floral print dress and the photo is priceless!
I loved the Tfank line from the first dress MO wore from it. I had not been familiar with Barbara Tfank before, but was an immediate fan. During Fashion Week (probably Fall 2010?) I poured over it on on Style.com and loved every single piece. There is actually a lot more variation in the line than we see on MO - a lot of it is very sculptural and close to the body. Gorgeous slacks! Personally, I would wear any and all of it. Beautiful clothes, perfectly tailored and balanced, gorgeous and luxurious fabrication.
Love it!
I think these dresses are my all time favorite looks on Mrs O. I wish she would wear more of of Ms Tfanks designs.
OpFan I agree - in particular from the S/S 2011 there is a blue dress with a black yoke and contrast blue bow that I can really see Mrs O in. In fact I'd be surprised if we didn't see her in that!
I love these dresses......they look so nice on Mrs. O.
Enjoy your week Posh, and let's hear from you! How about a tiny hint of who you are and where you live.
Great dresses...I appreciate the quiet formality. Who are the guys in the 2nd picture?
Anything that the First Lady wears by either Rachel Roy or Barbara Tfank are sure winners for me.
These are two of my favorite photos of Mrs. Obama. They show her in two very different roles, but clearly comfortable in each role. It is clear that her fashion reflects her comfort with herself and her willingness to step out of the box and embrace a very diverse group of designers....and people.
Both are two of my all-time favorites!
How do you pronounce "Tfank" ?
Oh, my goodness! Love the purple shoes with that dress - I would have NEVER thought of that!!! She really does come up with the best color combinations.
Mrs. T fans; pick up the June 2011 copy of Veranda magazine to read a cute article about Mrs. T.
You'll get a good look at some of her favorite things, too.
That long, elegant arm just slays me! A beautifully proportioned sculpture!
In addition to her elevating the standard of dress in America, she is also setting a standard of a realistic female body type. Both these things are healthy for our young people.
As I've remarked in another context, it's wonderful to see her rejection of the unhealthily thin stereotype of beauty in favor of fitness within the size God gave her.
babs, that's a very good question!! Anybody know?
As it is written, according to this article...
http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/fashion/article530889.ece
"Must read," indeed! This article is so helpful to me in clarifying my thinking on style. I remember Jacqueline Kennedy from my childhood. She and other style icons were revered for their polished, rigorous, clearly defined mode of dressing. So when Michelle was in her earlier Maria Pinto sheath dress mode, I got the comparisons to Mrs Kennedy. However, when Michelle became more electic (to be positive) or all over the map (can you tell I'm confused and distressed?!) in her choices, I just didn't get it. How does that wide-ranging manner of dress equal a style icon?
Barbara Tfank spells it out for me! The sparkle and joie de vivre Mrs Obama brings to her position as First Lady are on display in her choice of clothing:
"Her style is very personal which I love... I love that she represents the reality of how women dress rather than an overly studied look, which I do not find natural or fun. The first lady enjoys the clothes she wears.... Her style has encouraged women to take pride in their appearance, which is wonderful. She has also encouraged women to have fun getting dressed up which is equally wonderful."
OK, I get it now! Thanks for this wonderful little article.
I believe her last name is pronounced Fank.
The young men in the second photo are the Wounded Warriors.
Love the second one with the wounded warriors. Not to crazy about the first one.
since you loved the Forbes article you may enjoy this from LA Times with more of her pieces shown
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/alltherage/barbara-tfank/
Our dear First Lady gave a remarkable commencement speech today at Spelman College:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xiq07c_first-lady-michele-obama-commencement-speech-at-spelman-college-may-2011_news
What a truly exceptional woman and role model extraordinaire!
Hey Valerie,
Thanks for the link! Her clothes are elegant, classy.