Michelle Obama – The New First Lady of Fashion?
Obama’s Fashion Style Has Been Likened to Jackie Kennedy
Nov 8, 2008
The fashion media is desperate for a new first-lady of fashion and Michelle Obama has been in the news of late both for her trademark dresses and her likeness to former first lady Jackie Kennedy.
Over the past 2 years Michelle has found herself being analyzed for her outfits and fashion accessories. From her faux oversized pearls to her signature shift dresses. She has also been commended for supporting American designers (Donna Rico, Thakoon Panichgul, Narsico Rodriquez), including Maria Pinton who hails from her hometown of Chicago and who designed her turquoise DNC speech dress.
Even before Michelle received the more intense scrutiny of the last few months, she was making her mark on the fashion world through the pages of Vanity Fair. The magazine’s readers voted her top of the Vanity Fair best dressed list in July 2008.
Michelle Obama's Style
She has received many comparisons, likening her fashion sense to that of the oh-so-elegant Jackie Kennedy. The Washington Post’s fashion editor, Robin Givan claims that she is associated with Jackie O because this was the last time a first lady has a particular trademark style.
In Harriette Coles article in Ebony magazine, September 2008, Givans is quotes as saying, "She just gives you the impression that she enjoys clothes," Robin says. "Not that she's obsessed with them, but that she enjoys them, she's interested in them. And having gone through two first ladies who so often seemed to approach fashion holding their nose."
In Ebony, Michelle admits to finding all the fuss about her wardrobe curious but says she loves to look glamorous. What woman doesn’t? However she admits to finding it flattering, not only for the fact that Jackie O became a style icon that is still revered to this day, but for the fact that she was a terrific mom and such a grounded person.
Says designer Helen Taylor in the Toronto Star 's article, “Fashion is Political,” September 9, 2008“ Michelle is really fresh and could sort of go where Jackie O went, given the right tools and grooming.”
Michelle Obama’s Clothes
On her dressing down days she favors Gap shorts and T-shirts, and told J Leno of The Tonight Show that she generally buys clothes over the internet. Amid all the (unfortunate) controversy over the GOP's expenditure on Sarah Palin’s wardrobe , when questioned by Leno, Michelle admitted that both she and Barack bought their own campaign clothes (shopping to a budget), and demonstated this by showing off a J Crew outfit, bought online. The fashion press immediately jumped to attention and priced-up the outfit in hours – a princely $340 according to the New York Daily News, October 29, 2008, in “150G? Try Michelle Obama’s $340”
Simple sleeveless sheath dresses with a cardigan or cover-up tends to be her favored style. Both her Maria Pinto dress and her Thakoon acid floral print (worn for Barack Obama’s acceptance speech at the DNC) proved popular, creating a flood of interest in both designers. Michelle also boosted sales of Donna Rico dresses when she wore a $149 black and white print on The View. The same is likely to be true of J Crew outfits, particularly the yellow skirt and printed tank, worn on The Tonight Show. The black and red Narsico Rodriquez dress, seen by millions on election night has sparked some controversy, but has still put this New York based designer on the map.
Favored Fashion Accessories
When it comes to fashion accessories she is known for her trademark pearls and pendant necklaces and often favors stylish ballet flats with hidden wedges, given her 5’11 stature. However, according to the article “Shoes of Power,” on Trendyshoeshop.com, she still loves to wear stilettos and sling back kitten heels on occasions. The site lists Cole Haan Air Camille Ballet flats (available at Zappos.com $198) as some of her favorites.
America's 44th First Lady
When Michelle makes it to the White House on January 20th as America’s 44th first-lady she is unlikely to deviate from her style. In a CBS News article, Michelle Obama’s fashion home run, August 26, 2008, Laura Schwarz, former adviser to wife of Sen John Kerry said “It’s likely that Michelle won’t change her style…..she already looks like a first lady, her style is so clean and elegant she won’t need to change anything."
In the meantime, the fickle world of fashion is champing at the bit for a new style icon — a new clothes horse at the White House.
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