Sunday
Jun302013
Masterful Mix
Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 12:03 PM 
The First Lady participated in a discussion with students at the Sci-Bono Discovery Center in Johannesburg. South Africa on Saturday. Mrs. O was joined by teenagers from across South Africa as well as students who joined virtually from cities around the United States. For the event, Mrs. O mixed prints, pairing a green and yellow skirt with a navy and black blouse.
Update #1: Mrs. O wears a blouse from the Spring 2013 collection of Nigeria-based designer Maki Oh. The blouse can be seen on Style.com, here.
Update #2: Mrs. O wears the Strata Panel Midi skirt from Osei-duro, previously available from Anthropologie, here. The label is based in Los Angeles, CA and Accra, Ghana. Thanks to reader Dove for the tip!
Reader Comments (17)
I lke both pieces, just not worn together.
Am digging the skirt!
The combination reminds me of styles I saw in Botswana.
I also don't think the two pieces go well together.
Nope
She missed this one.
I loooove this pairing on the First Lady! The convergence of the varied colors and patterns creates a refreshing effect--a much needed break from the mostly European and American style of dress(ing) where everything has to "match." ...I love the patterns and textiles of African design!
Fits in with this event for teenagers and I agree it’s not the best combination.
I hope she got the contrasting pant with the same print by Maki Oh as seen on style.com, that’s quite an interesting set.
They’ve watched and followed Mrs. O from the other side of the globe, how down-to-earth and warm she is, and people feel at ease and comfortable with her. Now theyr’e in the same room together. You can tell by the expressions on their faces, that this will be an unforgettable experience. I love the speech she gave a few days ago telling the young people to put education first and foremost, that’s what her parents/she did and the possibilities for a great future is endless.
The blouse is nice, the skirt is too loud. Not one of my favourite looks on the first lady.
Did this ensemble remind anyone else of Duro Olowu? That was the the designer that I just KNEW designed this. Maki Oh........oh my!
FLOTUS sure will give you someone new, someone not readily known or on our radar. I like that.
@ Marcus Perry, I could not agree more! I enjoy seeing the mixture in patterns and textures. My friends think I am crazy but I adore the way Solange Knowles utilizes this style of dress. This look is one of my favorites casual looks !
Yes, I like this, too. We get too hung up on always being matchy-matchy. I like to see the prints mixed up a bit.
I love this combo. It's young, bold, and perfect for an event which included so many young people.
The skirt is Osei-Duro, a company started by Maryanne Mathias and Molly Keogh that uses fabrics made in Ghana and West Africa. I believe Anthropologie carries some of their clothing from time to time. They are white designers working with textile makers in Africa. Here is an overview: https://shoppourporter.com/designer/osei-duro/
Love, Love this pattern combo. It broadens the fashion conversation.
I’m intrigued by what she does with this look. She wears clothes like an artistic expression on canvas. Mrs O has a tall, well toned, curvaceous body, and a beautiful warm expressive face. She is the canvas, of her outward expression, of a style uniquely hers.
My eye is drawn initially to the midi skirt, love it! The fabric is soft and fluid. Notice that she wears the skirt with the buttons to the side, not in the front. The abstract rectangular design in the fabric becomes the center of attention and draws the eye upward, to a narrow waistband and the blouse becomes not a distraction to the skirt but another element to her style. Pay attention to the side panels of the bodice and the under panels of the sleeves… the navy allows the pattern of the blouse center front to stand alone, yet in harmony. Both designers have given us beautiful pieces to admire but the mix-master (Michelle) paints the canvas in her own style.
I love this look! I wish the skirt was still available and yes, it fits in perfectly with Africa. Go Michelle!
Judging by where the row of buttons is on the website, it loods like she has the skirt on crooked.
I have this skirt! And did a little happy dance when I saw the First Lady wearing it!