But I do have a point of view and I do have loyalty. ", Where: At the White House State Dinner, waiting to welcome Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Mrs. Margarita Zavala, Wearing: Peter Soronen one-shouldered gown. Malia looked trendy in a navy jumpsuit layered over a striped long-sleeve top, while Sasha was elegant in a floaty high-low floral dress. Both girls paired their on-trend looks with subtle choker necklaces, bringing a youthful feel to their sophisticated outfits. What the first lady of the United States wears is always noteworthy. [After she wore my dress] to the White House Correspondent's Dinner I became a designer to watch. Michelle Obama's Beauty Game Has Never Been Better, Screen and Stage Star Jessica Walter Has Died. ", Where: An election night gathering in Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, Wearing: Narciso Rodriguez dress and black cardigan, Why it mattered: As First Lady, Michelle's public image is inextricably tied to being a wife and mother; On election night, she communicated that role beautifully with a Narciso Rodriguez dress that managed to stand out and blend in with her daughters and husband. Keren Craig: We've been so honored to have had the opportunity to dress Michelle Obama multiple times throughout her time as the first lady of the United States. For President Bill Clinton’s first term, First … "I think [Michelle] will be remembered for the way she used fashion as a form of a communication," says fashion critic Robin Givhan. Where: The Neighborhood Ball in Washington, DC (the first of 10 inaugural balls), Wearing: Jason Wu one-shouldered chiffon gown. She is elegant, modern, compassionate, and inclusive–someone's mother, daughter, sister, and wife. Roots of Style is a rare look into the mind, life, and journey of one of our generation’s most coveted fashion designers, Isabel Toledo. I knew that it wasn't just as simple as her saying, 'Oh, I'll wear the pink one.'. Found insideWhat is the name of the children‟s author who published the coloring book about President Obama? 7. ... When is Michelle Obama‟s birthday? 20. ... What tween designer designed an outfit for Malia and Sasha‟s inauguration? 32. I've never experienced anything like it in my entire life. Given her eight years at the White House, it was little surprise that Michelle Obama knew precisely how to dress for the occasion. "She normalized a sporty look for a First Lady," says Dincuff. It was an honor, as an American of Chinese heritage, to be able to make these pieces on behalf of Michelle Obama.". It was a really incredible moment for me—as I mentioned before, my parents came to the U.S. as immigrants and I was raised in the merging worlds of American and Chinese cultures, so to watch the two first families unite firsthand was quite touching. She was not just getting dressed to look pretty. That's kind of been what I've seen in the eight years. Here, at a 2012 visit with U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron, she wore a multi strand necklace that matched the green of her dress—and was a far cry from your standard pearl necklace. Why it mattered: Michelle Obama has done more for the cardigan than even Mr. Rogers. Halfway through the evening, I was tapped on the shoulder and escorted to a side room outside of the ballroom. moment. We met when Barack won the Senate and she wore a suit of mine for the swearing in. For a February 2014 State Dinner with French President Francoise Hollande, she wore a long-sleeve Carolina Herrera gown to stay comfortable in the low temperatures. All Michelle Obama wardrobe sightings — and thus, for lack of a better term, product placements — are not created equal. I went to school, worked, paid my dues. Where: At the White House Grand Staircase posing for an official photo with Samantha Cameron, wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron, Wearing: Marchesa off-the-shoulder gown and Tom Binns necklaces. And then she wore them again. Georgina Chapman: We always feel incredibly lucky when any woman chooses to wear Marchesa, but of course, it was a proud and humbling moment when the first lady of the United States chose to wear our designs—not once, but on several occasions! Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton, January 20, 1993. Not only was Michelle bringing an attitude of accessibility to the White House with her fashion choices (who doesn't own a sleeveless LBD? This book takes readers through the creative journey of some of Siriano's favorite dresses, from initial inspiration to finished gown. "an Honor" [Updated] The custom-made dress marked FLOTUS’s second time wearing the designer. "I don't have any empirical evidence, but anecdotally I would say the clothes could be a bit more upscale. But for her to make that constant statement for eight years about politics and fashion, we could not have asked for a better champion. Where: At the 2015 'Black Girls Rock!' The items quickly sold out, J.Crew's stock price climbed 25 percent in three days—and the Michelle Obama effect was born. The sleeveless sheaths that I encouraged her to wear—it brought sleeveless into a space that was considered more acceptable. Years later, I was invited to the White House and got to take my mom. (Coincidence? Underhill examines how a woman's role as homemaker has evolved into homeowner; how the home gym and home office are linked to the women's health movement and home-based businesses; why the refrigerator has trumped the stove as the crucial ... She definitely finds a way to make it complement her positivity as a person. ", Where: The opening of the NATO summit at the Kurhaus in Baden Baden, Germany. Business-wise, people knew who I was and gave me more attention. At the time Wang tweeted: "It is such a privilege, as an American of Chinese heritage, to have dressed first lady Michelle Obama for this state dinner honoring President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan, of the People's Republic of China. It was just sample yardage from this Italian mill that I loved. For our brand to be associated with her, even in a small way, has been unforgettable. Mine is the cliché American story coming true. He's dressed celebrities like Demi Moore and Thandie Newton, and he actually clothed Michelle for her trip to the Smithsonian with Jason Wu … The only front-page byline I ever got as a reporter at the New York Daily News (in tabloid parlance, the only time I made the "wood"), was thanks to Michelle―she wore a sleeveless Michael Kors shift for her first official White House portrait, and I wrote a few sentences about it. Where: Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the Hillary Clinton 'Get Out The Vote' rally with Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, Wearing: Eggplant coat and matching dress. ", How 9/11 Changed the Fashion Industry Forever, Janet Jackson's Documentary Is Coming in January, Roots of Style: Weaving Together Life, Love, and Fashion, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Yet during her first year in the White House she did opt for the color a handful of times. ", Where: At an event promoting the 'Let's Move' initiative in Washington, DC, Why it mattered: "Michelle's daytime outfits spoke to a broader range of women than if she were just wearing a simple suit every time we saw her in public," says Givhan. In other words, a perfect match for the show's millennial audience. This look—worn to a 2009 event on the front lawn of the White House—is as real as it gets without looking uncool. ELLE participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The timing was right around our brand's 10-year anniversary, so emotions were particularly heightened. I would leave the White House thinking, I'd give my life for her, she's so wonderful. "People have tried to suggest that Michelle invented the sleeveless sheath dress," says Givhan. "She's not expressing herself through her clothing, she's expressing herself through her words," says Dincuff. "While other First Ladies might have been photographed in sneakers, she made them feel really sporty and youthful. "It sent the message that style doesn't have to be exclusive, it doesn't have to be expensive," says Betts. We chose colors which respected China's heritage: red, of course, with jade green and turquoise, both auspicious colors to the Chinese. Here, she wore a patterned Chris Benz dress, which catapulted the designer to new heights of renown. But I am very skeptical, and I'm afraid of where it's going. "In many ways she has shown us that power can be pretty, women can dress for themselves and write their own rules when it comes to their wardrobes," says Betts. And I lost it. According to her husband, Ruben Toledo, her partner since high school, the cause of death was breast cancer. Why it mattered: When she appeared on The Tonight Show for the first time as First Lady-Elect, Michelle made headlines for eschewing a designer name in favor of mall brand J.Crew. At that time, they were not keen on providing measurements and doing fittings, so I designed the corset with stretch panels if she needed it to be tighter or looser. She would tell me, "I have to wear every designer." "It wasn't a new concept, but it was repackaged by the fashion media simply because she did it so well," says Dincuff. But there are so many memories. She is married to Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States.. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, Obama is a graduate of … Why it mattered: "Mrs. Obama dresses to stand out and she uses color beautifully to telegraph a message of optimism and confidence," says Betts. "We did not want Michelle to freeze," she wrote, according to an excerpt shared by Racked. She just looked so amazing and more than that, though, the speech was so strong and eloquent and everybody was really mesmerized. Found inside – Page 82Instead of choosing a big-name Seventh Avenue designer to create her inaugural wardrobe, Michelle Obama had gambled ... fashion industry—the chance to dress the First Lady on inauguration day would catapult their names into newspapers, ... It has been one of my proudest moments as a designer, and as an American, to dress Michelle Obama. "I think the whole idea of wearing a sweater instead of a jacket is very American," she says. The Signature Notebook series features some of the most prominent figures in our society, from William Shakespeare and Jane Austen to Barack Obama and Jacqueline Kennedy—and Michelle Obama adds another inspirational personality to the mix ... For her moving speech at the 2016 DNC, she stuck to a simple dress in a solid color. Here, in July 2009, is an early example of what would become her signature daytime look. Name (required) Email (required) ... Michelle Obama sported gowns from designer Jason Wu at the 2009 (left) and 2013 inaugural balls. Throughout Michelle Obama's time in the White House she's been conscious about the pieces she wears and why she wears them. Michelle knew how to wear a red dress in a way that felt exciting and powerful but not overtly sexy. I think this demonstrates how much care there is in every choice Obama makes, even across the span of time. ", Where: Victory rally at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina, Why it mattered: The First Lady's style is still emerging here. Where: The Blue Room of the White House for the official portrait, Wearing: Michael Kors dress and double stranded pearls, Why it mattered: Controversy erupted in 2009 when Michelle chose to wear a sleeveless dress for her official White House portrait. Why it mattered: It was the fist bump seen round the world and the first glimpse of what we could expect from the formidable first couple—not least because of Michelle's eye-catching ensemble. Found inside"Oprah's Book Club 2018 selection"--Jacket. That he would even take the time to say that—they're just really great people. Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. Where: At President Obama's State of the Union Address on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, Why it mattered: "This is probably her most conservative State of the Union look," says Dincuff. It was something that was part of the fashion conversation and she embraced it and wore it in a very public way. I have never designed a dress with so much thinking. There is nothing wishy-washy about working with her. The former First Lady selected an ensemble from Black designer … I think it's such a 'Go girl!' ", Where: Day 1 of the DNC at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wearing: Christian Siriano cap-sleeve dress. Dress the former First Lady in more than a dozen memorable fashions including gowns by Jason Wu and Naeem Khan, simple but chic Narciso Rodriguez skirt and top, the Tadashi Shoji dress she wore on "The Tonight Show," many other outfits. It's so trivial'? Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. "I wanted this coat to protect the First Lady, to comfort and hug her like a friend, while still allowing her relaxed body language to shine through and speak. Where: At Barbara Goleman Senior High School for a speaking engagement during a campaign event. '", Where: Final day of the DNC at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, North Carolina after Obama's acceptance of the nomination, Why it mattered: Even before the fashion community had fully embraced the off-the-shoulder look, Michelle had championed the silhouette, most notably at the DNC in 2012 in a pretty Lauren Smalls frock. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Where: The Metropolitan Museum of Art for the Anna Wintour Costume Center Grand Opening. Found insideThis collection of 150 candid photos—many previously unreleased—and Amanda’s narrative reflections reveal just what makes Mrs. Obama so special. Found inside – Page 2By the inauguration, I was in full pash mode with Michelle Obama; so much so that I covered my office wall with designer sketches of her inauguration dress. I began my day with New York magazine's “The Michelle Obama Look Book. Where: Day one of the DNC in Denver, Colorado, Wearing: Maria Pinto dress, her own brooch, Why it mattered: It was at the Democratic National Convention in 2008 that Michelle's style really began to make waves, further establishing her mastery of bold colors and unconventional accessories. Why it mattered: Michelle rarely wears black—especially for evening. Where: The Inaugural Parade in Washington, DC, Wearing: Isabel Toledo dress and coat, Nina Ricci cardigan, Jimmy Choo heels, and J.Crew leather gloves. In this, and many more obvious ways, she has demonstrated incredible respect for designers and the fashion industry. But that simple fact speaks to one of the most defining hallmarks of her fashion legacy: "First and foremost she chose things she felt great in and looked great in," says Givhan. Christian Siriano Calls Michelle Obama Wearing His Dress at the D.N.C. I do. There was one sequin—and they were hand-beaten—made from 24-karat gold. When I worked for Halston, Warhol was very much part of the group. "The pleasure of fashion was never lost in the complicated diplomatic conversation. I thought it spoke in many ways about her public relationship with fashion—particularly her choice of designer. She has a keen awareness of the impact she wishes to make through her wardrobe choices. So that goes to her interest and willingness to participate in modern fashion. Found inside... one of the most renowned dress designers in the world. Ms. Keveza was there for a trunk show that showcased her wedding dresses. She has made dresses for well-known women around the world, including Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, ... It's also one of the reasons why she was particularly captivating to women because they know what it takes to get those arms. I think what she also did was bring a certain level of understanding of how to dress in a feminine way and be very empowered. One of our most wonderful memories was when Mrs. Obama chose to wear an emerald green Marchesa gown for the Kennedy Center Gala in December 2013. My grandfather made embroidery for the Indian royal family. Then the next day it just went off the hook, like, 'What is she wearing? A photographic journey of Michelle Obama, one of the most beloved First Ladies. Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. Where: On the White House South Lawn at an event supporting Chicago's bid for the Summer Olympics, Wearing: Cardigan, skirt, and signature thick belt, Why it mattered: Besides the cardigan, Michelle will also be remembered for her signature belts. If you look at the early looks and where she goes now with shape and color, it's awesome. "Mrs. Obama pays for her clothing. I really care for our fashion industry—and the first lady was so conscious of that. Jan 13, 2017. Her actions of wearing my designs made me realize the responsibility we have with our own actions. ", But perhaps the most compelling hallmark of her fashion legacy is also the simplest: "Really, she wore what pleased her," says Givhan. Meanwhile, the British and European press were so enamored with her style, that the Telegraph hailed her as a "the black Jackie Kennedy, the first presidential spouse in four decades to be a fashion icon as well as First Lady. "One thing I did notice between the first term and the second term is that I would say that the regular occurrences of mass market brand seemed to decrease," says Givhan. "This is such a celebratory look," says Dincuff. Why it mattered: Michelle knows when to let her clothes do the talking—and when to let her words speak for themselves. By Mary Bruce May 3, 2012. "She's playing it safe. Thakoon The young, Nepali designer first made waves in America after showing his spring 2009 collection. Go for it.' I think that she's going to go down in history as one of the most incredible first ladies we've ever had the pleasure of having.