Mrs. O Goes Abroad

What is it about first ladies and travel abroad that excites us so? My initial interest in Jacqueline Kennedy could be summarized by an image of the first lady dressed in an Oleg Cassini apricot silk dress during a boat ride on Lake Pichola in India during March 1962. A print of said image was taped to my dorm room wall throughout college, always offering a sense of wanderlust for a time, place and style I did not know, but felt deeply inspired by. I've wondered how many moments captured this past week, as our First Lady Mrs. O charmed and enchanted India, might also take on a lasting, iconic effect.

The Obamas' recent trip to India and Indonesia represents the highest peak of traffic to this blog since the president and first lady traveled to Europe in April 2009. Prior to this trip, it seemed that public interest in Mrs. O's style had waned to some extent. "If you're tired of hearing about Michelle Obama's style, you're not alone," began a recent BlackBook Magazine story. Though the community here remains strong, the broader public seemed tired of a story that has been told and retold in the American media, most times superficially, to no end. Yet, this past week, in India, the fervor and excitement suddenly returned.

Mrs. O's wardrobe was undoubtedly a focal point of the trip overseas. Ensembles were thoughtfully chosen to suit occasions and mood, from somber to playful, casual to the utmost formal. Designers and aesthetics honored Indian and Indonesian culture, resulting in shining moments for American designers Rachel Roy and Ranjana Khan, both of Indian heritage. A lace tee from J.Crew offered accessibility, while back to back pieces from Belgian designer Dries Van Noten delivered an element of the unexpected. And, of course, there were pride-inducing moments of high glamour, as Mrs. O once again elevated the notion of American sophistication on a global stage.

Ultimately, though, the clothes played second fiddle this time. The moments that endeared and will endure were those when Mrs. O interacted with the children of India. Ballet flats came off for hopscotch; a dress felt less important as Mrs. O danced to Bollywood music. The first lady came to life in these moments, offering a profound display of her genuine nature and ability to galvanize. The clothes tell their own rich narrative, but the real power is in the woman who wears them. This is something we already knew, but never has it been more palpable. I'll leave you with a few favorite photographs taken by White House photographer Pete Souza.

P.S. The title of this post is inspired by Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad, a truly magical children's book. 

Official White House Photos by Pete Souza

Gorgeous to Honor Gandhi

Image by B Mathur / Reuters Pictures

The president and first lady visited the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Rajghat in New Delhi, India this morning. Mrs. O wore a full skirt of vibrant greens and purple, paired with a black top and floral pin at the collar. A thin belt at the waist and metallic kitten heels completed the look.

Update: Mrs. O wears a skirt by Dries Van Noten, from the designer's Fall 2010 collection, as well as a pin by Alexis Bittar, available here. 

Robin Givhan of the Washington Post offers wonderful perspective on Mrs. O's choice of Dries Van Noten, and comments more broadly on how the global fashion market has embraced Indian aesthetics and craftsmanship: 

"On this trip, the first lady has also worn several pieces by the Belgian designer Dries Van Noten. That might not seem particularly resonant, but the choice speaks to India's expertise in embroidery and beading -- two of its great contributions to the modern fashion industry. Designers in Europe and New York regularly turn to India to create some of the most elaborately embellished works on the runway. Van Noten, who is known for his love for ethnic-inspired fabrics and lavish decoration, is particularly indebted to the country's skill at fine handiwork. Mrs. Obama wore one of his richly printed skirts at the Gandhi memorial. Obama's wardrobe not only serves as a nod of respect to her hosts, but also sends a message about the country's place in the global fashion economy."

A Most Gorgeous Dinner Jacket

Image via The Obama Diary

The president and first lady dined at the Prime Minister of India's residence this evening, where Mrs. O wore a richly embroidered jacket paired with black pants and a tassel necklace. 

An exciting tidbit! The first lady wears a necklace by Ranjana Khan, from the designer's Fall 2010 Art Deco collection. The necklace features black silk cord with a gold and silver medallion and silver chain fringe. 

Update: Mrs. O's jacket is Dries Van Noten, from the designer's Fall 2010 collection, seen here.