DNC Delight
Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 7:17 AM 
The First Lady delivered her knock-out opening night speech of the Democratic National Convention wearing a custom-made Tracy Reese dress paired with J.Crew Everly suede pumps in rhubarb. For those curious about Mrs. O's nail color, People confirms the polish as Artistic Color Gloss Vogue in Grey Lilac. A fantastic ensemble from fingertip to toe!
Tracy Reese has been a staple designer in the First Lady's wardrobe during the first term, introduced when Mrs. O wore a pink lace dress by the designer for her February 2009 cover of People magazine, seen here. In celebration, Reese tweeted: "Thanks everyone for sharing this amazing moment! We are all so grateful and honored to have dressed Mrs. Obama for such a momentous speech!!"
Further Reading:
"Michelle Obama's Dress in High Definition" [New York Times]
"Michelle Obama: The Anti-Fashion Plate" [BuzzFeed]
"Designer Tracy Reese on Seeing Michelle Obama in Her Dress at the DNC" [Fashionista]
J.Crew, Tracy Reese
Reader Comments (61)
Mrs. O never ever seems to diappoint me! I have watched her speech over and over again! I loved the nail polish she put on...went so well with her dress and the background of the stage! Mrs. O is ALWAYS On point!
Christina, you asked what would Jackie O have worn for an occassion such as this? I can completely see Jackie in just such a dress as the one Mrs Obama wore so beautifully. After all, it was Jackie who elevated the simple sleeveless sheath and A-line to such elegance. Simply gorgeous.
All of Detroit is soooo incredibly proud of our very own (born & raised) Tracy Reese for dressing our FLOTUS in such a beautiful dress on such a historical occassion. She really did a phenomenal job with that dress.
Our Michelle has never looked more beautiful, graceful and down right HOT! She looked like the epitome of soulful strength, poise, sincerity and a woman comfortable in her own skin.
She did indeed hit it out of the park!
Jestina (and others), If you are interested in going to the inauguration it is not too early to start working on getting the ticket to the actual ceremony. If you are an expat, email your Congressperson or Senator and tell them you want inauguration tickets. In August of 2008, I contacted my representative and got on the list--each congressional representative and senator gets a certain number, and by election day it may be too late, their quota may be promised, because it is supposed to be first come, first served for most of them (apparently if you are a Hollywood celebrity, astronaut, etc they can scavenge a few at the last minute :) ) . I have to say going to the inauguration and the outdoor concert at the Lincoln Memorial were among the most exciting and satisfying things I have ever done, and everyone should try to go to at least one inauguration in their lifetime--I'm so glad my daughters can say they were at President Obama's!
There is a picture floating around facebook claiming this dress cost $4000 and the shoes were $800 and the hair and makeup cost another $1000 and her earrings were nearly $2000.
@Amber--The story about cost is simply untrue. The shoes are on the J. Crew website and they are a little over $200. Tracy Reese stated this morning that the dress will probably cost about $350-$450. (She was on the Today Show this morning.) Please don't be snookered by those whose only motive is to maintain a drumbeat of negativism. What would Jackie have done? If she were here she would remind us that a silk dress is always correct for any occasion and Tracy Reese said the dress was made of a silk jacquard. If she had worn anything underwhelming, more of us would be complaining. That dress is positively stunning and I just can't get enough of looking at us. It is days like this when I really appreciate Mrs. T's work to keep us informed on this site. THANK YOU, MRS. T!!!!!!
This is IT! Diane is right-the dress avoids the garish red, white, and blue blast most would wear on such a patriotic occasion, but it stays within the color group. I do not think the cut is too casual, and comparing her style with Jackie Kennedy's is out of the context of 2012 fashion, just as comparing Jackie's with the Woodrow Wilson-era style would have been. Mrs. O. had every eye open her and every ear tuned to the substance of her speech. A fashion HIT and a speaking TRIUMPH!
There's a rumor floating around on the Internet that Elvis is alive, as well, Amber. A bit of investigation of sources with solid credibility is suggested.
We are still in awe after a week has passed. Does anyone know who does her makeup? She really is ICONIC. She is her own brand.
She really has a great style!!!
The dress is so amazing that I gotten it at the Tracy Reese flagship store in NYC. I wouldn't spend so much on one attire, but I just loved the dress that I bought it. I also bought another dress that is similar to this dress the Impressionist dress with lily pads and other designs. The First Lady is always radiant and especially her smile. She's a wonderful woman and she's just a cool mom and First Lady.