Travel and Style Abroad
Sunday, March 8, 2009 at 3:04 PM 
Jacqueline Kennedy in front of the Taj Mahal, May 15, 1962; Photograph by Cecil Stoughton
The White House has announced that President and First Lady Mrs. O will make their first overseas trip since moving to the White House - visiting England, France, Germany, Turkey and the Czech Republic for a series of World and NATO summits from March 31 to April 5. This seems like a fitting time to look back on the influence Jackie Kennedy had while travelling overseas as First Lady. We turn to one of our all time favorite books, "Jacqueline Kennedy: The White House Years" for insight:
"Jacqueline Kennedy used clothing as theatrical device, dressing in subtle complement to her host nation. When she visited Versailles the Parisian couturier Givenchy was given due credit as the the author of her fresh but regal ensemble. For a trip to Mexico Cassini created a collection of outfits for her in appropriate "sun colors." And for the tour of India and Pakistan Jacqueline Kennedy assembled a wardrobe from various fashion houses with the panache of a costume designer. Its vivid palette was that of Mughal miniatures, and the reflective fabrics conferred an additional brilliance."
Mrs. O's style is increasingly known for its range and multiplicity, the result of a woman who dresses for herself, not a calculated image. While not a constant, there have been times when Mrs. O has undeniably used her style to send a thoughtful message - first to mind are the optimistic lemongrass ensemble worn on Inauguration Day as well as the Kai Milla design worn on the recent evening Stevie Wonder was honored at the White House.
This first overseas trip presents a similar opportunity for Mrs. O, particularly when visiting nations where fashion is so deeply entrenched in the country's culture. As Mrs. Kennedy displayed, attention to nuanced wardrobe details can pay dividends in such cases. Will Mrs. O charm the British in Alexander McQueen? Enchant the French in Sonia Rykiel? Perhaps even bring her Azzedine Alaia belt out of the archive? The thought of Mrs. O and Carla Bruni Sarkozy in the same room is almost too much for our fashion loving mind to handle. Needless to say, we have much to look forward to in the weeks ahead. We'd love to hear your thoughts on Mrs. O's overseas trousseau.
Misc
Reader Comments (58)
Wouldn't you expect her to stick with American designers? I'm afraid that the politics of fashion virtually mandates an all-American wardrobe -- which is no handicap, by the way. (And as much as I approve of her sleeveless dresses [just look how often Jackie went sleeveless] I expect she should wear sleeves when meeting the Queen!)
Mrs. Z - I'm not sure. Those designers I mentioned above are ones that we've seen Mrs. O wear since becoming First Lady, plus Nina Ricci and Moschino. Mrs. O absolutely supports American designers, but wearing all-American all of the time is another fashion rule I don't believe she's going to follow.
Appreciate the historical context here of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy's fashion savvy while travelling overseas. Looking at the beautiful photo above, I am struck how quintessentially early-1960s, "within the rules" it is. Despite the sleeveless (!) dress, Jackie's pose is as careful and formal as the Taj Mahal and grounds behind her. Almost fifty years later, it will be interesting to see how First Lady Mrs. O presents herself on the world stage. Thanks for whetting our appetite for the Obamas' upcoming trip. And finally, Mrs. T., absolutely LOVE your range of stories on Mrs. O - yes, your focus is fashion, but you successfully weave in so much more about our oustanding First Lady and her influence. Thank you.
Mrs. T and Mrs. Z, it is a rather provocative question, isn't it? There have been casual comments from foreign leaders that they won't view "U.S. protectionism" favorably; I believe even the stimulus package was amended to remove "made in America" preference clauses as a result.
As much as I hate people looking to Mrs. O's clothing as indicative of her stance on much larger (and political) issues, I do think her choice of designers will come under the microscope on this trip. It's a sad reflection on the fourth estate, yes, but that's the environment Mrs. O unfortunately must operate within. It will be interesting to see how she chooses to navigate it.
everybody will be delighted to see michelle (and B.), and, really in Paris, who will care about the name of the designer ? It's just the beautiful, caring, bright woman, your lady in chief who is important...
Michelle Obama will have to step her game up to seriously compete with Carla Bruni, First Lady of France when it comes to fashion. Bruni is probably the best-dressed First Lady in the world, and Michelle is not up there (at least not yet). Not even close. However, Mrs. Obama is the best-dressed U.S. First Lady since Nancy Reagan, which is a definite positive.
To argue that Mrs. Obama doesn't craft a calculated image is false. All First Ladies try to project a certain image, and Mrs. Obama is definitely a big fan of the late Mrs. Kennedy. Mrs. Obama's calculated image is to undermine critics' claim that she is anti-American (use of American designers), portray an image of youth and optimism, and be "with the people" (via her use of many affordable clothes & accessories). I've seen how Mrs. Obama has dressed over the years - long before she became a public figure - and she has come **a long way**.
After the Obamas' snub of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife during their recent trip to America - which has upset the British - it certainly couldn't hurt for Mrs. Obama to wear a British designer while there as a makeup gesture.
Yes, in a sense V, who cares what designer? I just can't wait to see the wardrobe unfold, and to have such a fashionable woman representing our country. Together, they are quite the eyepopping couple!!
I imagine she is getting some help coordinating the things to bring, I have a tough time just packing for Peoria much less Paris and dinners with heads of state. I wonder if Desiree is going on the trip?
When the Queen of England travels she has bunches of valet type waitpeople. I doubt Michelle will have wardrobe people specifically. Just the logistics of doing a trip like this give me a headache.
Whatever she picks, I'll bet there is a black and white ensemble, plus lots of color. Maybe that yummy camel and black coat will come out again??
I can't wait!
I suspect Mrs. O will make nods to her host countries without going as full-on costumey as Mrs. Kennedy. This makes me think of when Carla Bruni went to England wearing a French label designed by a Brit. (It was Dior by Galliano, right? I don't trust my memory.) I'm sure there are cool ways to mix it up.
The Czech Republic has a long history of fancy beading...schedule a shopping break!!
Mara, Obamas didn't snub Gordon and Sarah Brown. I don't know where you got that information. They spent almost half a day with them in the white house. Anyway it wasn't exactly an official visit.
BTW I hope she wear either DIor or Chanel for her visit in France. In England probably Alexander McQueen. However, I doubt she will wear their clothes, she will wear American designers.
I didn't read Mara's statement as racist at all.
Seeing all these pictures of Jackie Kennedy makes me wonder -- what ever happened to gloves? You never see women wearing gloves any more (unless it's cold), much less the opera length gloves that she wore on formal occasions.
Carla Bruni appears to admire Mrs. O very much. When she was interviewed on the Today Show after Obama won, this is what she said; "I must say that she doesn’t look like she [needs] advice … I think it would probably be better for me to be getting advice from her." I'm sure Mrs. O will more than hold her own against her European counterparts.
I don't envy Mrs. O for this trip, however. Her husband will have to deliver on the substance, but she's going to have to deliver the style. And with a relentless European press, and an American press that is just looking for a story to spin, she's going to have to do quite a balancing act.
But with every obstacle or test put before the Obamas, they will not only pass, but they will exceed expectations. I can't wait!
TS, Your comment was too harsh and has been deleted. I think there's a kinder way to disagree with someone.
Oh shoot, you should probably delete mine too (and this one!) I need to learn to click the "report comment" button.
Mara, the Obamas did not "snub" the British Prime Minister. Do you really consider everything you read in a tabloid magazine to be gospel? Also, I am curious to know how you are able to judge how Michelle dressed before she entered the public eye. Perhaps you know her personally? I am not sure how else you would be able to make that claim.
Anyway, I agree that Michelle is not in the realm of Carla Bruni, who was after all a fashion model. There is that ongoing conversation about where exactly Michelle stands on the "spectrum", specially when the whole Jackie Kennedy comparison comes up. I have always maintained that she is a role model because she is a modern woman with a fresh style--but not in an untouchable way. Fashion is a talent and an enjoyable outlet for her, rather than a profession or a vocation. Therefore, she is neither Jackie Kennedy nor Carla Bruni. She is, of course, herself and that's why we love her.
@Mara - One of thing things that I admire most about our First Lady is that she is a very bright, educated, accomplished, grown-up woman. It is a bonus that she is (IMO) beautiful and well-dressed. Grown up women know that competition among women benefits none and hurts all.
Therefore, I fail to see why it is necessary to mention 'competing' with Carla Bruni. Why must that be brought into the discussion at all? I'd like to think that our First Lady is more interested in the pressing issues of the day than in being awarded some nebulous title of Best Dressed First Lady.
I really enjoy this website, but I think we will all be making a big mistake if we limit Mrs. Obama to her influence as a fashionable woman. Fashion is fun, but it is far from the most important aspect of being the First Lady--and that goes for ANY first lady--not just this one.
Personally, I hope she represents us well abroad--and when I say that, I'm not talking about by how she is dressed. I have confidence she will represent us well through her grace, intelligence, and ability to put others at ease.
I think it's silly how some try to find most any way to criticize this new President and his wife. The idea that they snubbed Great Britain is just harrassment--and during a time of worldwide economic crisis. You would think people would have better things to talk about.
Mrs. T,
Thanks for the recent post on the upcoming trip abroad! I had heard about it on CNN and just can't wait to see what
she wears. I believe she will give Carla Bruni some competition in the fashion world. 'Bring your A game Michelle' you can definitely do it! And without a doubt
go sleeveless on occasion. Bruni can't compete with that.
I was wondering if she gets any type of clothing allowance? Discounts or donations from designers? Can you imagine planning and packing for this type of trip?
Get another MrsO fix - attending the Kennedy birthday celebration/concert http://www.daylife.com/photo/045J8alaU6fb3/Michelle_Obama
I was wondering if they were going to bring the little ones but it looks like spring break for them is the week before. What a shame! Traveling is good for kids, i think. They'll have time in the future though, I'm sure.
I am sure we will see a variety of designers featured. I wonder what it's like to be one of the designers! It seems like they generally don't know ahead of time what she might be wearing; I can imagine there'll be quite a few of them rushing to the newspapers or surfing the web for photos, just as we will.
I've had the good fortune to greet the First Lady in person and she is so much more than the sum of her attire. She is truly stunning in every way.
I'm like most people here: I love to watch what she wears because she truly does know how to dress and I love to see what she's up to. But beyond this, it's so clear that Michelle Obama has been doing so much every day for ordinary people. She did an absolutely incredible job campaigning for her husband and for us for so many, many months. She is tireless and extraordinary in every way and I never once had the thought that she was not sincere. She really is a community organizer in her own right - she believes in becoming a member of her own community. So I think we will see her out and about in DC more and more over time.
I enjoy this site because it's a way to appreciate Mrs. Obama free of political cruelty. I hope we can continue to do that. In my opinion, she so deserves to be acknowledged for her unusually warm spirit and open heart.
Bravo, meta.
As an observation, I really do not see a strong correlation between Michelle and Carla Bruni Carla is a singer and recently promoted her music with a tour of the US. She is a first lady, but her singing career comes first. Carla maintains her own residence in Paris and her husband and she use both the official residence and her apt. as dwellings.
Michelle has stated that her children come first, but she appears to have dedicated herself to public service while in her role as FLOTUS. I think Carla was being sincere when she said she could learn something from our First Lady.
One fashion aside - they both wear flats frequently!
Spot on IVA, Jenna, menukjau, t'other Mrs. O and everyone else for correcting Mara's rather false and misleading assertions-
V.France: Thank you so much for your wonderfully refreshing insight from a culturally and geographically different perspective...Hope you can "cover" the visit for us from your very vantage point...and share all the tid bits too!
Your Carla Bruni is a lovely and fashionable lady, and I believe from gleaning interviews she really does admire and like Mrs O and is not exactly angling for a showdown but more keen to develop and emphasize a deep and abiding friendship and respect between the two...something more women ought to strive for instead of the unnecessary petty goading of divisive competitiveness, spite-laced ramblings and a desire to incite and flame fires...
Thanks Meta and Bevi too...You both continue to make it positively worthwhile to visit and participate on this blog-
I too in finding this site, sought a "politically and human cruelty free" environment for my enjoyment of the styles and person our newly minted first lady personifies...
I can't thank Mrs T. enough!
Michelle at the Kennedy Center tonight honoring Ted Kennedy's birthday.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/045J8alaU6fb3/Barack_Obama
"Mrs O should stop wearing sleeveless dresses, because her muscles, combined with her potent personality, made her daunting" . Mrs should loose 20 pound if she wants to continue to wear sleeveless dresses and we can start then to compare her to Mrs K.
Those pretty pictures of Mrs. Kennedy with gorgeous gloves! Gloves really add a lot of glamour and fomality to any dress, even the short and sleeveless ones. I thought gloves were back - or was it just wearing long gloves during winter??? I hope Mrs. Obama ONLY wears great, lovely American designer dresses during her European tour. She will do just great!
edwina, thanks so much for those photos of Teddy Kennedy's birthday celebration. I'm so moved by this honoring...there is a very gracious and loving relationship between these two families.
Thanks, Edwina.
@M - we're not comparing her to Mrs. K, thank you very much.
And I'm sure, M, you are just fit and fun. Jealousy has such a bitter taste, doesn't it? Sorry for you.
Look at that smile! Pure joy from our First Lady!
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0gfpbbDfwKal0/Barack_Obama
I marvel at how every other day or so some person has to make a ridiculous, ignorant remark.
@M - Why on earth do you find the need to make such a classless statement?
I wish I had half of the FLOTUS' energy, style and grace. Jackie would think you crass, I am sure.
Like it or not, people, the British press - not tabloids - is reporting that the Obamas snubbed British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife. From their gift exchange (where the Browns gave thoughtful gifts, while the Obamas gave cheap and not-thought-through gifts) to not rolling out the full red-carpet treatment for such a big ally, they feel snubbed. Hence my comments above. I have every confidence that the Obamas will make up for this diplomatic misstep when they visit Europe next month.
For the poster (TS) whose now-deleted post I assume claimed that I was racist for stating that French First Carla Bruni is ahead of U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama on fashion and taking issue with the claim that Mrs. Obama doesn't have a calculated fashion image like every other politician's wife does...Hello, I am a black woman myself! I am a fan of Michelle Obama. However, I will criticize where it is warranted. I want Michelle to look her very best, as she is a counterbalance to the image that hip hop is putting out there about black women. That means that she must step up her game when she goes to Europe, to be seriously considered on the same fashion plane as Bruni. It is rare when I see a photo of Bruni where she is not on point. Most of Michelle's clothes so far aren't on point. While better than the last three First Ladies and **way** better than she looked back in the day, there's still work to be done. Her fashion style will continue to evolve, I'm sure.
I think we can differ in our opinions about Michelle's standing as a fashion icon. Additionally, Carla was a fashion model for years, and therefore she spent a great deal of time working with designers and stylists.
So, from a fashion standpoint, Carla has much more experience.
Michelle does have light years of experience in community organizing and public service. It goes back to what we feel a first lady should personify.
But I, for one, will be eager to see photos of the two ladies together, and look forward to the discussions we have.
i want to apologize for my outburst at M. I broke the cardinal sin - Do Not Feed The Trolls.
she must step up her game when she goes to Europe, to be seriously considered on the same fashion plane as Bruni
Oh for doG's sake!! Who sez she wants to be on the same fashion plane as Carla Bruni? Mrs. O is not a vapid clotheshorse, she's not a model and she's not an entertainer. Mrs O enjoys fashion, but I strongly suspect and hope that she doesn't focus on her outfit through the course of a day, she focuses on whatever she's doing while she wears the clothes.
I seriously don't understand why are insist on making a fashion competition between the two First Ladies. What purpose does that serve?
I'm more of the mind that Mrs. O is her own person and she is bringing a breath of fresh air, and new energy to her role as first lady.
That said, did anyone else notice this photo of Mrs. K, accessorizing with pears and brooches?
http://images.google.com/hosted/life/l?q=jacqueline+kennedy+india&prev=/images%3Fq%3Djacqueline%2Bkennedy%2Bindia%26hl%3Den%26um%3D1&imgurl=80405dc9ac235bae
oops, I meant to say PEARLS and brooches (not pears!)
I agree with Mara. Mrs. O has to step up her fashion game, that's what we all do at some level when we go for get togethers, official meetings or parties. Fashion and style are just that Fashion and style, it doesn't matter what the prior experience of an individual with the fashion world is, it is what a person wears for a particular occasion that matters. When many considered Laura Bush or Sarah Brown dowdy, I did not hear anyone object saying, oh that's because of their various backgrounds. Hey, get over it naysayers, Michelle does make style mistakes every now and then and we have the liberty and freedom to say so.
For some of us Michelle could do no wrong, but for others like me, she is human like the rest of us and so is bound to err every now and then.
I don't believe this site is a drool site for everything Michelle wears. For crying out loud, we have the right not to like what she wears and to say so.
Bevi, you apologize for your outburst to M and then call her a troll. Very interesting.
Jackie Kennedy was way ahead of the style game at her point in history, some of us wish Mrs. O would be so too, but she is not yet there.
If anyone thinks Mrs. O is going to Europe and NOT going to step up her style game, then I'm not sure you've actually studied the WOMAN...She's smart. Remember the red dress to the White House visit? Recall the purple sheath at his victory speech post-getting enough delegates? And then there's the Isabel Toledo lemon grass dress and coat which gets an overwhelming amount of love.
She's misstepped a few times, but a quick google of Carla Bruni images will give you some great pieces and some not-so great pieces too...just be weary of the nude pics that show up every now and then.
And in terms of the snub I've been reading how Brown came to meet the new president but to really try and sell his plans for a global regulation scheme, and to get our country's involvement ($$$$)
This is the relevant part of the article:
- "The visit [Obamas' visit to Turkey after Europe] could add lustre to a trip that might well hampered by the difficulties of achieving any concrete progress in London on the type of global financial regulation championed by Gordon Brown during his Washington visit last week but viewed with suspicion by Congress and some in the White House.
Mr Obama, who did not repeat Mr Brown's cherished "global new deal" phrase, is heavily focused on forging support for domestic financial measures while Britain, France and Germany have yet to reach a common position on what kind of new financial regulations are needed.
Mr Brown called on the US government to deal with Europe as its foremost partner in world affairs, telling the US Congress: "You now have the most pro- American European leadership in living memory. It's a leadership that wants to cooperate more closely together in order to cooperate more closely with you. There is no old Europe, no new Europe; there is only your friend Europe." -
Brown came to Obama with an agenda of globalization, in some form. Thankfully, our American president wasn't going to buy it easily and it was going to take more than gifts to his daughters and a pen holder (which was very meaningful) to achieve our cooperation ($$$) in this global endeavor.
If you've been reading the British press about how the European leaders are dealing with their crisis, you'd feel better about us. They haven't done much. They want us to get involved further than we already have. Mr. O knew Brown would deliver his eager message and I'm glad Mr. O didn't overdo it in return, and give him any signs that we'd easily jump into such a global and intermingling role with the EU, while each individual country still has to sort itself out.
Just another way to look at the "snub"
I wonder if Ikram is consulting w/ Mrs O on her travel wardrobe ?
There will certainly be gala evenings - what will the gown situation be ?
Will Mrs O wear pants on any occasions ?
Mrs T has a good question - will Mrs O wear French designers in France, etc al. or use her ensembles during her travels as an endorsement of American Style ?
How exciting - and what pressure - the entire world will be watching.
I have complete confidence that Mrs Os natural and warm personality will enchant, and her innate glamour will dazzle.
Regarding the photo of Mrs Kennedy in front of the Taj Mahal, I have read that this pose of her standing, forlorn and alone, in front of one of the most potent and recognizable symbols of love and romance in the world, was her way of getting back at JFK in a covert yet public manner, as he was engaged in one of his philandering modes in the period before Jackie and her sister Lee embarked on this tour and word got to Mrs Kennedy that it was continuing in her absence. Mrs Kennedy was no slouch in using the press to her advantage, as this photo will attest.
As for Ms Bruni - I think her style is overrated. Besides her modeling days, I have not yet seen any real example of memorable style in the First Lady context. I cant get that ridiculous hat she wore to see the queen, out of my mind. She looked so silly and pretentious.
Her true style these days, when left to her own devices, is 'rich casual' - at least that is the way she dresses on many of her record covers ( she is also a pop star in France, in case anyone didn't know this. She had a successful pop career before becoming 1st lady - check out itunes for a listen...)
RJT, what a poignant caption to that lovely photo! Thanks for sharing.
I would also add that Carla Bruni has recently worn a young, upcoming French designer (Alexis Mabille) despite wearing Dior more often than not. Most observers attribute it to Mrs. O's influence.
Chicagoan - I saw have heard that - is that the designer who made the fuchsia sleeveless shift Ms B was photographed in, w/ black purse and black low heeled shoes ? This photo struck me as SO Mrs O style.
I have to say, after I posted I thought better of my dismissal of Ms Bs style and went to google images and discovered that her official sartorial choices have not been THAT bad. She seems to do best in the gown department though, rather than day wear.
RJT, the one I saw was a black sheath dress with "bow" detailing... see this article:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/fashionnews/4623785/Carla-Bruni-Sarkozy-chooses-French-fashion-label-Alexis-Mabille.html
And Mara really thinks Mrs Obama is searching through random internet blogs to get pointers from anonymous critics who might or might not actually have any real sense of style; and even if they do might really not share HER style...?!
My are we getting carried away or what...?!
My family live in the UK and this is just transparently contrived petty faux "outrage" restricted to conservative news rags (your republican version) and the Rupert Murdoch owned Times - again "right" leaning-
Sometimes it's important not to regurgitate everything one hears or reads and especially not so authoritatively...
Oh and by the way the "I'm a black woman too" bit is really starting to get very old...
RJT...funny you should share about the Mrs Kennedy/Taj Mahal photo - The late Princess Diana also did a "lonely" Taj Mahal photo op just before her divorce from Charles...
Very interesting indeed...
I again read the comments on the article with JackieO and the Taj.
Do you guys really think that Michelle will be creating a story and all this symbolism through what she wears? It seems that the lemongrass inagural color may have been picked for that, but to me it just seems that she likes to celebrate beauty, her own style, comfort, and balance all with cost and not getting too hung up about clothes.
Maybe I'm wrong. She just seems to wear what looks great and what she likes. Is that an oversimplification?
ps. AGAIN, more pics of Jackie sleeveless. Why the fuss about MrsO? (yes, I fussed about the speech to congress....it really seems more and more silly as time goes on and we see more historical and current photos)
Mara, speaking as a Brit, we weren't upset at all. I saw nothing to indicate any upset. A few journalists were trying to create a storm in a teacup with a few sensationalist articles, but we're quite used to it and don't believe everything we read in the papers! Gordon Brown doesn't like fuss, so a brief press conference would have suited him, I believe. More time to actually work, instead of talking about it. Sarah Brown detests the limelight, so I'm surprised there was more than one photo of her. Given the weather conditions I feel that it was right to hold a small press briefing and not encourage too many people to travel in the snow.
As for symbolism through clothes, I think one thing I am sure of is that Michelle will, first and foremost, wear clothes she likes and feels great in. I don't think she will use her wardrobe to "say" anything, she's confident enough in her role to be herself and not play games. She may well wear a little something French, or English, as visiting dignitaries often do out of respect, but Mrs O already does that. I think she will dress for herself. As she often wears non U.S. designers to events I can't see that there would be any drama in her wearing non U.S. stuff abroad! It will be interesting, as it always is, but hardly a drama.
I also doubt VERY much that Michelle would entertain for a second, the idea of trawling blogs to see what works and what doesn't. She has a life, after all! At the recent Vogue shoot, she didn't once ask the stylist what his/her (I think it was his) opinion of her choices was. She's just too confident for all that.
Sometimes, I think people comment from their own perspective, forgetting to look at things from Michelle's viewpoint. Just because one of us would defer to all U.S. designers for a foreign tour, doesn't mean that Mrs O would. She'll look at the itinerary and pick clothes that work for her. If I go to an Indonesian friend of mine for dinner, I don't wear clothes made in Bali. But I might have if I'd gone to her wedding in Jakarta!
Oh, and I really am getting very bored with the whole "Carla Bruni was a model therefore she is stylish" routine. Models don't necessarily have style. Carla does, and she is also helped by having a naturally thin physique and having Dior on tap!
I would prefer it if we could all remember that these are two, separate, strong women, with intelligence, style, careers and busy lives with spouses who happen to be world leaders. It's not a competition!
Suji, what I meant to do is apologize to all of the bloggers for my outburst, not
M. I was not clear in my writing as to what my actual intent was.
M.'s message looked like a hit and run, and I took the bait.
Just remember that there is a whole group of protocol officers at the White House telling the President and Mrs.O what to do and not to do when meeting with foreign dignitares, both home and abroad. Therefore Mrs. O's fashion choices may not be 100% her own.