Style Icon: Michelle Obama
January 6, 2009
The day after Barack Obama’s presidential win, the headlines weren’t just about the new milestone our country had just experienced … it was about Michelle Obama’s dress on that historic night.
I applaud our future first lady for this choice and others she has made, that push the envelope and introduce the country and the world to designers they wouldn’t have necessarily come across otherwise. Her bold choices are a sign of independence, confidence and gusto … BRAVO !!
The future of our country seems to be laying in the hands of Obama …Mrs. Obama that is.What will decide this future? The dress she dons on January 20, 2009 for her husband’s inauguration. Of course, we all know what you wear makes a huge impression, but to have so much riding on it is unprecedented. Her choice will signify hope, promise, and for sure influence women everywhere in their fashion choices. Designers will use Michelle as a muse, and inspiration will trickle to the runways for seasons to come.
Many believe her choice should be an American designer, and I agree. It should stimulate excitement for the garment industry in the US, which is especially feeling the strains of the economy. There is a very delicate balance to focus on. The coveted choice Michelle makes shouldn’t be too over the top, alienating the more conservative mass, yet with her obvious youth and spunk … a fun, fabulous, slightly risky pick would be perfect.
Oscar de la Renta has been a first lady favorite for years, with Laura Bush as a huge fan and before her Hillary Clinton.
There’s Diane von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Rodarte, Nicole Miller, amongst others.
Tracy Reese would be an amazing choice; being a successful, accomplished African-American woman, very similar to our future first lady. Not to mention her designs are simply stunning.
Michael Kors has national recognition with his Project Runway fame; his designs are clean, classy and crisp, sophisticated and spectacular. He also is accessible, with a bridge line Michael Michael Kors … making him attainable for the masses, and the pick I am pushing for !!
Quelle colour? Michelle looks amazing in most tones. Purple seems to be her color of choice. Blue would be absolutely appropriate, Red might be too much after her election night pick, and Black might be too basic.
In this case, and always: Understated elegance is always best.
She also has her two daughters to keep in mind, Sasha and Malia. They always seem to blend perfectly, with few words; their wardrobe often speaks to their individual and unique personalities.
Now that the election is over, and our choice for president has been made, the question is: What will Michelle wear? I can’t wait to see for myself …
Article written by Alana Kelen, Head stylist for VH1
Tyra Portrays Michelle Obama in Harper’s Bazaar’s September Issue
August 5, 2008
Harper’s Bazaar is going political again. January’s issue included a fashion spread entitled “The politics of Fashion” showcasing cardboard cutouts of political candidates. This time around Bazaar will be featuring an editorial of the outspoken super model Tyra Banks portraying Michelle Obama. The September issue is notorious for being the biggest and most important of the year. Our current elections are by far one of the most important in history and everyone including fashion publications are taking notice. I cant wait to get my hands on a copy!
Update: Check out these fab pictures now seen on the Harper’s Bazaar website!




















