Red, White & View

The president and first lady taped an interview for The View earlier today, which is set to air tomorrow. On the style front: Mrs. O paired a green full-skirted, square-neckline dress with layered necklaces and red heels. The Obamas are in New York this week for the United Nations General Assembly. 

Update: Mrs. O's long necklace is Azaara, available on Fragments.com here.

Congressional Black Caucus Gala

The first lady attended the Congressional Black Caucus Gala in Washington, D.C. last evening, speaking with a strong message on voter rights: 

"We cannot let anyone discourage us from casting our ballots.  We cannot let anyone make us feel unwelcome in the voting booth.  It is up to us to make sure that in every election, every voice is heard and every vote is counted."

For the occasion, Mrs. O wore a Michael Kors black georgette pleated one shoulder gown paired with a sparkly vintage rhinestone belt from New York Vintage at the waist. Of note, Mrs. O wore the same gown for the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony in June, here. This is the first time in memory that Mrs. O has repeated a formal ensemble.

"At Black Caucus dinner, Michelle Obama urges members to get out the vote" [Washington Post]

"FLOTUS goes Old Hollywood glam" [Huffington Post]

Going Green

The first lady was in North Carolina yesterday making campaign stops at East Carolina University and North Carolina Central University. On the tarmac in Raleigh-Durham, Mrs. O greeted children from Y.E. Smith elementary Museum School. 

For the appearances, Mrs. O wore a vibrant green and black dress, previously seen in Hawaii this January, seen here. More to follow!

Mrs. O Monday

The First Lady traveled to Gainesville, Florida for campaign events today, visiting Girls Place, an after school program, as part of her stop. For the visit, Mrs. O wore a blue print dress belted at the waist. 

Update (9/19): Above, Mrs. O wears a dress by Barbara Tfank as reported by WWD this morning. The rolled-neck dress was made from Bianchini-Ferier silk twill in a mosaic tile motif. The designer is a collector of Bianchini-Ferier fabrics and bought the mosaic print at an auction.

Mrs. O also appeared on a pre-taped episode of Rachael Ray this morning. For the appearance, the first lady wore a Tracy Reese peasant blouse in black and ecru paired with orange trousers.

Introducing Peter Soronen Corsets

Peter Soronen is a name that longtime readers of this blog know well. Many of us were introduced to Peter Soronen when Mrs. O wore his ivory and lime brocade cocktail dress to the Democratic National Convention in 2008. Soronen went on to create several knock-out formal gowns for Mrs. O, seen here, here and here, as well as a number of splendid suits and cocktail frocks. I'm a devoted admirer of his work and am excited to announce his latest venture: Peter Soronen Corsets.

Corsets are Peter Soronen's signature. He began designing in the early 1990s, "making vintage corset patterns into modern dresses." Peter Soronen Corsets is a celebration of this first love, and a display of Soronen's trademark craftsmanship and mastery of shape. Please enjoy a brief Q&A with the designer below and be sure to check out his new site.

Peter Soronen Corsets is your first e-commerce venture. What inspired you to create this new line?

It always seems that when I have visitors to my studio, the girls are looking for something to add to their wardrobe, asking, "Do you have any corsets?" If I have one in stock, and they put it on, they fall in love. It was difficult to let them know that I was out of their size or the color they wanted. The website offers a great range of colors and allows girls everywhere the opportunity to have a demi-couture custom corset at a great price.

What do you love about corsets? What keeps you coming back to them as a designer?

I have been intrigued by the corset ever since I began making clothing. I think it is a true art form -- the way the stays are placed and the panels are cut, giving shape with a cool blend of fabric and steel that is unmatched. It is only trumped by an umbrella on a rainy day! 

How do you envision your customer wearing a Peter Soronen corset?

Corsets can be worn in so many ways, the obvious being paired with a slim sexy skirt or a full one. But I think they are even great dressed down with a jean and tank underneath for a fun night out. Oh, and don't forget, with a long white skirt of your choice you have an amazing wedding gown in no time!

What have you been working on this fall?

Fall will have a lot of great cocktail dresses in light organza with a sporty and flirty look to them. Also, nice pleated dresses in light wools that can be worn anywhere. I am really into a dress that has more than one purpose.