The first lady of the United States of America had an amazing, whirlwind week. She traveled through multiple European countries, met heads of state, attended official dinners and concerts, sat with the sick, gave inspiring speeches to children, embraced the Queen, and she wore many, many different outfits. Lots and lots of people wrote about those outfits—some folks were extraordinarily angry about her fashion choices. Others raved and declared that Mrs. Obama was the best thing that's ever happened to fashion. So, what does it all mean? Why is it important?
Michelle Obama, through her words, actions—and, yes, her clothes—is setting a new standard for what we think of as an American first lady. She's approachable, she's warm, she's highly educated, and what she wears is unlike anything you'd expect from someone in such a prominent position. Mrs. Obama (much to the disappointment of luxury labels like Oscar de La Renta and others in the fancy, high fashion-designer establishment) is using her profile to champion the fashion underdog. She wears clothes by little-known labels, often the work of first-generation Americans of Cuban, Thai, and Taiwanese descent. She loves J.Crew, a brand that many of the middle class grew up wearing. Her taste is great and affordable.
But perhaps what is most interesting about Michelle Obama's style is it seems honest, real, and relatable. It's fashion with a sense of humor. She wears comfortable shoes. She makes mistakes, and who doesn’t. She's like regular folks. She falls for a favorite belt and puts it on with everything, even when it sometimes doesn't match. It is nice to have a first lady that dresses like a real person. And just like a real person she does not always get it right. Her clothes are stylish, yes, but somehow informal. Last week, when designer Oscar de la Renta slammed the outfit Michelle wore to meet the Queen, stating rather snottily, "You don't...go to Buckingham Palace in a sweater," one could almost hear our first lady saying, "Why not?" And saying it with a smile.
Big name designers like Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren are asking where the love has gone. And it sounds like some designers are getting downright cranky.
Oscar de la Renta thinks she is sending the right message at this particular point. He said that he thinks it’s wrong to go in one direction. Would he say this if she was wearing mostly Oscar de la Renta? I don’t think so.
Donna Karan took a more positive tone: “I hope to be able to dress her, and not only dress her but address her, sit down -- I'm interested in her totality as a woman." (Interpreted: I want that big pay day that J. Crew and others are getting).
And Vera Wang also weighed in: "I love seeing young designers and their vision and how they grow and all of that," she says. "On the other hand, of course, I wish she would consider some of us, because I think we also have contributions to make." (Read: I want some of that money too).
Beauty comes from the inside and for the first lady, she is real beauty. Clothes or money do not make a person, however, the first lady makes a statement of good and affordable taste for everyone. She is a beautiful and elegant First Lady. She is bound to make a few fashion blunders just like you and I. My deep admiration for Michelle Obama has absolutely nothing to do with what she is wearing. She is educated, empathetic, intelligent, and compassionate. I suggest that if the big name designers want First Lady Michelle Obama’s money and others that following her lead, they should make something that middle class shoppers can afford to wear. If not, keep crying the blues.
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