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November 5, 2008

Michelle Obama Makes History in Narciso Rodriguez

First Lady-Elect Michelle Obama takes the stage at Chicago's Grant Park in Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Rodriguez, Spring 2009

Images:  Ron Sachs/Rex, Imaxtree
 

Michelle Obama made fashion history last night.

Rather than make her First Lady-Elect debut swathed in a classic Oscar de la Renta creation favored by First Ladies of yore Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush, she set the stage of style to come in a bold (albeit not beloved by all), slightly-modified frock from the Narciso Rodriguez Spring 2009 runway. 

This is not a First Lady who's going to play it safe when it comes to fashion, as we discovered when she finally hit her style stride on the campaign trail (see her style transformation here).

Throughout her husband's campaign she was heralded as the next Jackie O (aka Michelle O).  She was also described as someone who "will bring affordable American sportswear to the forefront" -- a comment inspired by the humble $149 White House Black Market Donna Ricco dress she famously wore for her appearance on "The View."

But let's be honest -- there is nothing humble about Michelle Obama's wardrobe (nor was there about Jackie Kennedy's).  Filled with custom Maria Pinto pieces, dresses from fashion-forward designers Thakoon and Narciso Rodriguez, and luxe accessories from Erickson Beamon and Azzedine Alaia, her wardrobe is nothing short of a fashionista's dream.

There is no doubt that change is coming to Washington D.C., and that is already evident in Michelle Obama's closet.  America, get ready to see what a true modern style icon is all about...we are in for a wildly stylish ride.


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Tangential as usual, but still somewhat related, I wanted to share an awesome description of what another first lady, Georgia's first lady, wore to a State Dinner of the Southern Governors' Conference in the pre-color photo days. Atlanta Constitution 'Women's Editor' Betty Carrollton writes: Mrs. "Carl E. Sanders...wore a stunning Countess Alexander original in Paris pink. The sheath underskirt was of chiffon and the Chantilly lace overskirt was encrusted with sequin embroidery. The design featured three tiers of small ruffles on the bottom of the dress and overskirt. Paris pink ostrich plumes worn in her hair were fastened with a diamond clip."

Posted by: khouse | November 18, 2008

Let's give it to this lady, they need all the support, forget fashion face the real stuff, thank God she's not from Africa like me I would have appeared in a big headscarf on my head, with some wrap-round to show the true African beauty.

Posted by: happyface | November 14, 2008

I love Michelle Obama and she has a great sense of style. But I think she missed with this dress. I really hate it. The "criss-cross" thing in the middle with the taffeta like material is all wrong. Just a horribly ugly dress.

A fashion miss but we all mess up from time to time. :-)

Posted by: Stephie | November 12, 2008

I voted for Obama. When I looked at her dress I was disappointed. It reminded me of a lava lamp. I think she could have used a better bold and modern dress that fit her, accentuated her features. I think it may look better in person - but didn't come across as wonderful as it may have been.

Posted by: lava lamp | November 12, 2008

I believe Michelle Obama is an attractive woman
and has looked very nice every time I have seen her
until she wore that hideous dress on the night
that Senator Obama received the nomination. I am
Republican but I was at a Democratic friend's house
and she commented first that she thought the dress
was ugly and I concurred.

Posted by: Barbara Monroney | November 12, 2008

This lady and her family are BEAUTIFUL IN THE TRUEST SENSE of the word. Understand this...They are about so much more than what they wear.

Posted by: Brenda | November 12, 2008

the dress is NOT attractive. all that red in the stomach area and breasts is not pretty. she isnt overweight but the dress makes her appear so. she can take lessons from sarah palin, yes that's right obama lovers.

Posted by: | November 12, 2008

love the lady, kind of shock about the choice of dress.... TV might not show all... but knowing her choice I settled. I love people who are daring and can wear decent daring clothes.
I am like a trendsetter myself. So Michelle,you set the trend for those who dare and are afraid. Thanks. we need you. No more suity suits ALL the time. Wear something classy and DARING.

Posted by: kiwiapple | November 12, 2008

I thought the dress was hideous as well. All that came to my mind was "Oh no she didn't!"

Posted by: Janie | November 11, 2008

I believe that Michelle Obama is classy. I was just not a fan of that particular dress, however what I've seen her wear up to this point has been nothing but classy. Bottom line we will never agree with each and every outfit anyone puts on.

Posted by: Tameka Revere | November 11, 2008

I did not like the dress, designer or not. Need to take some advice from the show TLC what not to wear. That red accenting the bosom and the belly was not attractive. Try sticking to classy because that is what a first lady to be should have.

Posted by: Whatnottowear | November 10, 2008

Michelle you looked beautiful, i love your style; please don't start wearing those tired, ready for the casket suits that Laura and cindy wore. You are a young beautiful lady with a beautiful family; don't second guess yourself because of some idiots who wouldn't know fashion if it slapped them in the face. i would love to see the figures of all of the haters on this site. i bet it would be a nightmare on Penn. Ave. part 1,2, and 3. love you Sister First Lady!

Posted by: vmac | November 09, 2008

Mrs. Obama's dress (black & Red) was a very poor choice, I've seen her wear more attractive clothes than that one. Designer or not who ever is dressing her better get a clue.

Posted by: Riki | November 09, 2008

Congratulations to Ms.Obama.
Number one rule to remember clothes doesn't make the person, the person make the clothes!!!

Posted by: Majennie Aboulane | November 08, 2008

I think Mrs.Obama looked beautiful as always. Very happy and fulfilled in her life. Why can't the rest of the Americans be happy for her. Is it they don't have a happy life?

Posted by: Mary Slu | November 08, 2008

I think the American people are not interested in what Mrs. Obama wored during her husband's victory speech as a condition to know who she is or will be. As a will of life, people alway talk about others especially those in high public profile positions; what they do and even deeply into there personal life affairs. Mrs. Obama was not taken part in a fashion show so lets leave the incoming first family alone.

Posted by: Harrison K.Sorsor | November 08, 2008

Michelle looked fabulous! Times change, fashions change, and finally, our country and the world will change for the better with this wonderful man in office and his beautiful family in the White House. Thanks Michelle, for sharing your family with us. And just for the record, didn't Nicaso Rodriquez design Caroline Bessette Kennedy's wedding dress? It was a lovely bias cut column gown that again, was ahead of it's time, and worn by a much too short lived fashion icon

Posted by: | November 08, 2008

This is a nice dress. But I rather see her in the original Rodrigez from the runway, even when she would have to wear a silk sleeved teeshirt underneath.

Posted by: Pierre | November 08, 2008

Congrats to American finally seeing the 1st African American as our President. I think Michelle is real, whatever she wears.
Let's all hope he will lead us back to the victory country we once were, where our allies look with envy and not laughter on their face.
Good going Obama, dare to dream where a world with not boundiers, not color, but a goal to achieve for all of us.

Posted by: Stacy of Monterey Park | November 08, 2008

Ampalo or what ever your name is. Michelle was so cute in that dress as she alsways is. What some people do not understand is African American women embrass wide hips and really don't try to hide them. She looked great! She is not a model she is real. I bet you couldn't wear that dress and walk out in front of thousands of people and strut like she did. She is our real 1St Lady.....

Posted by: Shannel Harris | November 08, 2008

Michelle Obama is an embarrasment.

The first lady needs to show class and style.
Clearly Michell Obama lacks of any!!!

One word describes our new first lady TACKY

Posted by: Jack Newman | November 08, 2008

She is a beautiful lady but that black and red dress is the pits! She looks like a black widow spider in reverse.

Posted by: webweaver | November 08, 2008

Wow it's amazing with the comments that are on this page. Viewing this really shows how shallow some people are. Who cares what anyone wears why is this even a discussion. The only area of concern that I would think would be an issue if the lady committs some serious crime... Come on people is this actually a concern seeing what's going on in the your country.

Posted by: C Taylor | November 08, 2008

She has her own brave style..that is what makes her special and unique..just like a good recipe..one cup of confident..two tea spoons of good taste..2 pounds of smiling...and the cake is done..a sure well dressed women of the new era...

Posted by: heidimarie | November 08, 2008

My first thought when she walked on stage was "smart lady" as in accentuate the positive and de-emphasize the negative. We are looking at the close range perspective, when in fact her selection is also based on her distance from the very large crowd in attendance.

The long range view, and to some extent the short range view, is not as dramatically different from the runway model as these two women are likely to be in person. Had she worn the dress without modification the red area would have accentuated her broad hips. By wearing it in it's modified version, with black side panels, she creates a smaller central focus on the red portions. Not necessarily hiding her broad hips, but clearly minimizing them.She also modified the neckline to a more modest dip. Smart choice and what this Country needs most is smarter.

My second reaction was I was glad that she chose chunky earrings, as in I'm not Nancy Reagan. I did think black or red would have been more appropriate to the overall look. Same earings...different color. They must be silver, but they appear to be white and out of sync.

My fourth reaction was how well the family was color coordinated in it's first First Family appearance.

My fourth reaction was thank God we are not getting the gold clad Barbie doll.

Posted by: ARDELL | November 08, 2008

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