Yesterday, we reported on Oscar de la Renta’s anger over Michelle Obama’s fashion choices, particularly her clothing for the Obama’s European tour last week. De la Renta wants Mrs. Obama to focus on more established fashion houses for her wardrobe, and he even had some snotty things to say about the outfit she wore to meet the Queen.
Even though established fashion designers like Oscar, Vera Wang and Donna Karan might take issue with Michelle’s style choices, fashion critics are applauding her all around the world. Dylan Jones, the editor of GQ UK and a prominent “style commentator” thinks that Michelle’s choices are pitch-perfect. He wrote a piece in next week’s Hello! Magazine describing in detail the various outfits Michelle wore last week, and why she was “undoubtedly the best dressed spouse of the week”. Unfortunately, Dylan Jones stops talking about Michelle’s outfits once she was out of England. I’d really like to know what designer made that stunning black suit she wore when she and the president touched down in Prague.
First Lady Michelle Obama got off to a flying start in the fashion stakes as she touched down at Stansted Airport on Tuesday night in a gorgeous bright yellow dress by Jason Wu, accessorized by her favorite Azzedine Alaia bondage belt – her husband Barack doesn’t understand her fondness for this striking accessory, calling it “the Star Trek belt”.
The presidential party had left Andrews Air Force Base earlier in the day with Michelle wearing a white spring coat by Thankoon Panichgal and a shift dress by Michael Kors, the style of which was echoed in the beaded cardigan she wore for an official portrait with Gordon and Sarah Brown outside of 10 Downing the following morning. The sparkling top from US High Street brand J.Crew was paired with a jacquard mint-green pencil skirt and snakeskin-effect court shoes, making the very picture of (considered) elegance.
Michelle had yet another look for her meeting with the Queen – Jason Wu again, a black coat over an Isabel Toledo dress, Azzedine Alaia cardigan and Chanel-style pearls – but at no time did she look anything other than demure.
[When Michelle visited] The Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Language College in North London…[she wore] a vivid, sequin-trimmed Argyll top by Junya Wantanabe for Comme des Garcons.
Some fashion commentators voiced concerns that some of Michelle’s outfits had been too informal. But she pitched it perfectly.
Carla Bruni…is less of a class act and more of a celebrity always on the lookout for a photo-op.
[From Hello! Magazine, print edition April 14, 2009]
He just had to get a little dig in at Carla Bruni. I actually love the way Carla dresses – she does the refined, formal looks really well, but she has a bohemian streak that is very appealing to my tastes. When Carla and Michelle went to a historical church in Paris over the weekend, Carla was wearing one of the most fabulous coats I’ve ever seen – it was a vivid, beautiful violet, in what I suspect was a substantive wool gabardine or crepe.
As far as Michelle being the best dressed political wife – well, yes, she was. Part of it was probably that she’s a new, fresh face on the international scene. Another advantage is that she’s got a great figure, and when she stands up straight, clothes look great on her. And the last part – Michelle just has wonderful style, and you can tell that she enjoys clothes and getting dressed up. And that kind of joy translates in any country.
she is so beatiful i love her style
btw first and second
^^wtf? Did I click on Perez Hilton’s comment section?^^
Love Carla’s coat, the color is perfect on her.
Am I the only one that sees these articles and think “Princeton Grad, Harvard Law grad…and all they constantly care about is the color she’s chosen to wear today, people are so stupid.”
Oh and agreed, the violet coat is adorable. I covet it.
I’ve spent the last twenty minutes trying to find who made that violet coat, but no one is reporting it. Some little fashion blogger claims its Chanel, but it doesn’t look like Chanel to me.
Does anyone know?
Pretty sure it’s Dior.
Yes. It’s John Galliano for Dior.
Well, even though I can’t stand man-eater Bruni, I admit she’s a far better dresser than Michelle. As I said before, Michelle’s clothes don’t fit her body properly, everything looks so tight and uncomfortable. And she chooses some pretty wacky prints.
Anyway, Michelle may not dress as well as Carla. But she happens to be much smarter and more accomplished than Carla. Michelle was not some spoiled heiress, famous for taking some dumb pictures or dating married guys. Michelle is not the trophy wife of some french little fascist fool. And that’s enough.
I love the color of that coat so much I’d have one made just like it if I could afford it…Yes, it’s a little disappointing that women are still judged mainly by their looks rather than their accomplishments. I wonder if that will ever change.
Enough about the wardrobe. Let’s focus on the work she is doing. Is she doing any? She dresses nice, but I am not all that impressed. Carla looks better in this particular photo.
I had many troubles reading through that entire little piece because I found myself screaming out “and who gives a fug?” half of the time.
I would much rather read about what Michelle is doing than what she is wearing. Honestly, who gives a fug what belt, necklace or shoes she is wearing?
Thanks Geronimo *wink*
Princeton and Harvard!!! Now who can top that??? Love our intelligent, beautiful and stylish FIRST LADY!!!
FROM Cali with love XOXOXO
From http://www.mrs-o.org/ apparently what she was wearing on touchdown in Prague is: Fitted Narciso Rodriguez black knit dress paired with Azzedine Alaia black bolero jacket and black kitten heels
Throw up, what with all the fawning.
Jackie O *invented* Michelle’s style.
I think Michelle Obama looks awesome. I fell in love with her the day she had the balls to wear that absolutely fantastic green ensemble at the inauguration. I loved it…the gloves were my favorite.
I have watched her clothing choices with pleasure ever since.
But, like some of the others here, I am sick of her clothing choices being the only news we hear of her. I’m CERTAIN she does more than dress up. I want to know about what she’s doing…not just what she’s wearing.
Michelle of course is best dressed because most political women’s clothing choices are so boring. That said, at least commentators have something to talk about.
Dior, the violet coat must be from Dior like almost all her clothes. She also wears Hermès.
Carla is more elegant in her lilac coat. Michelle’s too small and too tight jacket isn’t flattering, she’s not 17 anymore!
I don’t like her style and the Brit”s taste is poor clothes, food…), so they not a reference to anyone in Europe.
Is this what people are degrading Michelle Obama to? A well dresses, nice to look at First Lady? The 21st century and still looks are more important than brains? For shame.
I would not agree with such a statement
I LOVE how Michelle Obama dresses. She comes across as accessible and I find myself thinking, “I could totally be friends with that woman.” I’m glad to see that she’s NOT into the insanely expensive labels (Oscar De La Renta, Chanel, etc…) but I don’t think J Crew is all that affordable, either! Come on–$78 for a flimsy little camisole? $98 for a cardigan? My family’s blessed to have a more than decent income, but I still try to get entire outfits for the price of one sweater from J Crew!
You’re welcome, Daisy. 😉 (we’re so shamefully low-brow!)
It’s interesting that Michelle doesn’t wear the ‘big names’ and looks so accessible and chic while a lot of other first ladies wore them and just managed to look forgettable and frumpy.
Sorry but I prefer women who chose which fashions work for them rather than changing themselves to fit the fashion. Maybe the big houses are worried that this is the tip of the iceberg and that THEY’LL end up having to cater to the public.
Yeah, shocking stuff.
I like Michelle as she is, she generally hits the mark as far as I’m concerned.
As for a comparison of the two in pictures. Carla might look more ‘classic’ but she plays it safe most, if not all, of the time. It’s not really inspired. Michelle looks fine but mostly she looks interesting and makes you think about different styles. I’m actually surprised she’s taller than Carla.
I prefer Michelle evolving her current style rather than caving to the critics.