A Proclamation of Personal Style
Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 9:22 AM 
Photo by Joel Ryan/WPA Pool/Getty Images
As part of a day of events scheduled around London, First Lady Mrs. O joined the spouses of world leaders attending the G-20 conference at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden this morning. Per Politico, Mrs. O wears a Jason Wu dress and an asymmetrical Junya Watanabe cardigan. We recognize the green Jimmy Choo "Glacier" pumps from the Inauguration.
To our knowledge, this is one of the first times the First Lady has publicly worn Junya Watanabe (unless he's also responsible for that tiered black ruched number? Hmm...). Watanabe is a Japanese fashion designer who began his career at Comme des Garcons. We're excited to have a new name in the First Lady's wardrobe, and more importantly - to see Mrs. O making one of her boldest fashion statements yet! Mrs. O's remarks at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in Islington, north London are a must see (thanks to those who linked to the video):
Jason Wu, Jimmy Choo, Junya Watanabe in Outfits
Reader Comments (330)
If you check out the photos on daylife (http://www.daylife.com/photo/00K2aZr2pvbPn?q=Michelle+Obama), it all makes perfect sense. She is dressed appropriately to attend an event that could be described as 'artsy'. The colors are beautiful and the sweater in argyle (traditional) yet deconstructed (artsy) is perfect for the occasion.
Just like yesterday with her dark colors not to overshadow the Queen, today she is playful and filled with life, like the young people she is observing. Go girl!!
See, this is my beef with Jason Wu. He could've had the pleating in the center front or back and left the sides with less or even no pleating. The skirt section would not stick out so much and whatever jacket/cardigan she chose to wear over it would have a chance to hang better. And we all know by now she wears her clothes in lots of different ways. Wu needs to learn how to better design to her body and schedule, in my opinion. Other than yesterday's coat (an easy task) he has not impressed me.
I'm British and live in London and Mrs O is well regarded here, by the media and general public. Fashion pundits and morning TV shows such as "GMTV" and "This Morning" are fascinated by her. Today there was a feature on 'how to get her look'. The Daily Mail is a rag, and is known for having opinions that relatively few people agree with.
Btw, Gordon Brown is scottish so I'm sure the tartan look will be appreciated. Mrs O knows what she's doing, she's not just dressing on impulse. This woman is clued up.
Our president is fond of saying that we can disagree without becoming disagreeable. It seems that his and his wife's admirers would do well to heed that good advice!
The First Lady looks fresh and classy today, as always. She is very comfortable in her own skin and not afraid to take chances with fashion...kudos to Mrs. O!
Well, I'm by no means your only Brit but I would say that Michelle is certainly a beautifully approachable person. In her own way. She does have, I agree, a great heart and a way of connecting with everyone she meets. My feeling is that Michelle's appeal comes from a very different place than Diana's did.
Diana was an aristocrat from a divorced family, a bride at 19, never worked for a living, had low self esteem, body image issues, didn't have the support of her husband. Mrs O is a confident, professional, much loved daughter, wife and mother, with a strong family background and a strong work ethic. You know? Their appeal comes from such different places. Michelle is appealing because of her strength and confidence. People reached out to Diana because she was vulnerable.
I can't compare them. Do you know what I mean?
Truebrit,
That's good to know about The Daily Mail. I was hoping a Brit would fill in the blanks. I also agree that although I like Jason Wu, he still hasn't fully grasped Mrs. O's body yet. Maybe in time. He's never even met her or talked to her in person.
I don't think I disliked anything Mario Pinto did, but then again, she was designing and talking with Michelle personally in Chicago when the President was just a state senator. That's a long time to get a fashion feel for Mrs. O.
I do think that Wu is more youthful and whimsical, and Michelle seems to be beaming when she wears his clothes. I'm sure she hasn't given up on Pinto--maybe just a change for a while. I can relate.
As I browsed the internet today I have seen many comments by people who don't like what Michelle wore to the Opera House this morning. Many think that the colors don't match. Maybe if the colors matched perfectly she would look as drab as the rest of the spouses on that opera house stage this morning. They blend in and there is nothing special about them. Be glad Our Girl Sticks Out. I remember being in Art Class in College and wondering why some other students were able to see colors, shades, light in objects that I could not see and translate on paper. Michelle is like one of those artist. She sees things that we can't see and forces us to think outside of the box. Just think people, that's what the Obamas' presence on the world stage symbolizes. They are teaching us a knew way of being, FOR THE BETTER. When I look at that sweater I see her brown skin, I see the white pearls, the aqua which picks up the green and the blue in the shoes and the dress. People wake up and look beyond the surface. We failed to do that for 8 years and look what a mess we got ourselves into before the OBAMA STORM!!!!!!!!! Thank your spiritual mother or father that we have leaders who force use to think outside the box.
I just saw the pics of her with the students too..those girls seem amazed. But I took another look at the cardigan and it seemed like it was buttoned the right way this time in the photos with the students then it was earlier with the wives..so maybe earlier it was actually buttoned wrong..I guess she fixed it..well thats what it looks like to me anyway
WOW, I just saw some of the pics with her hugging the Children and she brought tears to my eyes! She truly has a beautiful heart!
So, for all those here talking about being "embarrassed" because you simply don't like what's she's wearing, perhaps you should check out those photos.
This week so far has been exciting, can't wait to see what's next, I like this look, it looks 50s-ish. But what I love, love the most is our First Ladies confidence and sense of self, she knows who she is, and thats so important when you have so many people with so many different opinions commenting on every step you take.
Christina, this one's for you!
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/rids/20090402/i/r2911454474.jpg
And I don't know where my earlier post went. Here's a photo of the Watanabe cardigan: http://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/newin/item10013720.aspx
Good answer,post tater,to my comment asking how Diana and Michelle compare. Even though Diana and Michelle have radically different backgrounds, marriages and confidence levels, it is that openness that draws people to these ladies. Because Diana suffered in her personal life, it made her sympathetic to the sufferings of others. Michelle was loved and nurtured in her life which cultured her open heart. Even though their life paths are not remotely parallel,it is the openess of their hearts is the core appeal.
Good gried . . . if this is the way women get on about the FL . . . I can only imagine how the women I work with talk about ME!!!!!! LOL
To Kels, and whoever else the disagreement is with (i think jenna), can't we kiss and make up, and agree that everyone is allowed to have their own opinion, with either being called a troll, or a biased observer (we love some outfits, we don't quite like others, and that is what this forum is for)
now, back to clothes, does anyone else see a similarity to this Jason Wu Dress from his last collection, only its not in Yellow, and without the detailing at the bottom?
http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2009-RTW/JASON-WU/Jason-Wu/(view)/0/(imageIndex)/24/(play)/false
This week so far has been exciting, can’t wait to see what’s next, I like this look, it looks 50s-ish. But what I love, love the most is our First Ladies confidence and sense of self, she knows who she is, and thats so important when you have so many people with so many different opinions commenting on every step you take. - Dee
................................................
I told my husband the same thing it reminds me of 50s style dress similar to the one she wore at the prayer service right after the inauguration. She really does look cute and happy in the dress.
i meant this link:
http://www.elle.com/Runway/Ready-to-Wear/Fall-2009-RTW/JASON-WU/Jason-Wu/(view)/0/(imageIndex)/24/(play)/false
Britt,
I noticed the button change too. The cardigan is buttoned wrong on the home page photo here (while at the Opera house). At the school, it is fixed, buttoned probably, and fits better.
I thought I was losing my mind or thought that's how the cardigan was constructed. Anyway, the kids looked thrilled.
If anyone has footage of Mrs. O with the kids today, please post the link.
Here you go, guys. Mrs. O and kids in action. It's quite moving:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7980012.stm
Earlier, I linked to a much better picture (zoomable!) of the cardigan so you can all get a better idea of why it looks misbuttoned. As it appears to be sitting in moderation forever, you may want to go to Farfetch.com and search for Watanabe patchwork cardigan to see it. It's enlightening.
I am not loving this get-up.
Michelle O in Jason Wu=fabulousness. Sarah Brown's panty line =gross pic here: http://is.gd/qkuP
Oh, and shameless Michelle O-related business story plug:
http://is.gd/inRM
These comments are nuts. The outfit is ugly and the sweater is tacky. I think all of you need to take a second look. She needs a stylist and fast.
i was off line all this time and it seems I missed the fun. I love the outfit. Not something I would wear but I think it looks great. if anyone has a source for the article about the protocol statement from the palace and other stuff like that I would like to find it as one of my very conservative cousins emailed ranting and I just want to pass on the information and correct the misinformation. Thanks!
There's a video up at BBC News. It's quite lovely.
Ooh, Chicagoan, thanks for that link to farfetch.com.
That sweater is really interesting. I think i go back to what I said in some other thread, through -- with such a striking piece, maybe that should have been the centerpiece, with a more subdued pair of slacks rather than a full skirt? (Although I'm sure there is "protocol" about pants and if she had worn them, it would have been tantamount to some kind of grievous offense...)
The sweater is so avant-garde that I wonder if she's not making fun of us a bit..."you're tired of my cardigans? Well check out THIS cardigan!" You couldn't wear such a piece without having a real sense of humor about your clothing; it's kind of witty the way it blends the staid preppiness of argyle with the glitz of sequins and the asymmetrical construction.
Still don't know if the whole ensemble works for me, even though I like the ingredients. But it's fun, for sure.
that cardigan ruins the beautiful dress. I wish the first lady wore it sleeveless. The color is beautiful though and next to th toe British equivalent of a first lady, Michelle's error is nothing to complain about.
I have to say how unfortunate for Mrs. Brown, to wear something that's so unflattering to her body.
"The sweater is so avant-garde that I wonder if she’s not making fun of us a bit…”you’re tired of my cardigans? Well check out THIS cardigan!” You couldn’t wear such a piece without having a real sense of humor about your clothing;"
Christina, your comments are always so right on! This is exactly my own thought.
Also, I wonder if Mrs. T is doing more interviews, hence the lag in moderation? I hope so. I like that she's become the "expert" when TV shows want to talk about Mrs. O's style.
I wish the woman would stand up straight!! Her posture is embarrassing! She's tall, we all know she's tall, so stop slouching!
Christina, glad you like it! I think it's just brilliant... very different, perfect Mrs. O statement. And I even like it with the dress. You're right; slacks might have been wrong -- not only because of the other First Ladies (women don't wear pants in many parts of the world) but also because it would have been much more casual and we Americans get blasted enough for being too casual.
No, struck a perfect chord. Oh, when the comment comes out of moderation, you'll find a link to a TBG photo, too! (smile) Sadly, however, he's wearing a wedding ring...
Here's another look at the cardigan. It's very chic! I'm loving it :-)
Uh....the cardigan is mismatched in hue, it is buttoned wrong (who did that?) and is entirely wrong for the dress. A crop jacket would have been more appropriate and especially for a mini-opera. Sorry, I love Michelle, but this was a fashion gaffe.
Uh oh...I am not feeling that sweater Mrs. O is wearing. It looks like something the Joker would have worn on an old Batman episode...the color of the whole outfit is wonderful though. Mrs. Brown think A-line skirts and stay away from clingy knits. Hmmm, oh well
Here's another look at the cardigan. It shows both arms. I love it.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2009-04-02-michelleargyle.jpg
valdivia, I'm sure you've found your protocol info by now, but if you haven't, there's a story on Yahoo's home page titled, "Michelle Obama charms queen away from protocol." It includes a quote from Buckingham Palace about how the Queen broke protocol with her rare show of affection. Should be all you need!
First rule of fashion: Wear the clothes. Don't let clothes wear you.
This is why truly fashionable women (not fashionistas) think very carefully about how they will be perceived, photographed, etc. If an attractive woman's oddly argyle designed sweater is the first thing one notices, the she has made a mistake.
Ok, I thought last night's outfit was bad. This is worse. Another cardigan. Another freakin' cardigan. Well, at least we know that the buttons are actually supposed to align. But then that means someone let Michelle go out with her buttons messed up like that, which is far worse. And people wonder why she needs a stylists? A stylist would not have let her go out with her clothes not properly buttoned.
This is my problem with the dress. It's actually pretty, just not for her body type. It's for people with no curves. No hips, no waist. Straight up and down like a little boy. Carla Bruni if you will. Now, I think it could work if she got rid of the cardigan. Had the waist dropped significantly because she's high waisted. And get rid of the pleats or have one simple pleat. And add a belt. I think that would work. I still wouldn't like it, cause I'm not really feeling Jason Wu, but at least the fit would be right. I think if she wears Jason Wu, she ought to stick to the shifts with him, because he makes clothes for little boys who like to wear dresses, not women.
Jenna, you rock for posting all this perspective from media. Posh Tater, I love that you are on the scene. We can all agree that today's outfit is controversial - whether you love it, hate it, or are indifferent!
I think that a few people posted that they love all the components of the outfit separately, but not as an ensemble. I am pretty much in that corner. But I don't think she has committed a dire fashion sin. One of the things I Love about Mrs. O is her sense of adventure and her willingness to take risks. I am sad Posh that you do not like the argyle (LOL) b/c my feeling is Mrs. O was throwing in a little homage to her host country!
And I love that an inside source has clarified that the Queen does not feel that any protocol was broken! Now I rest easy (LMAO)!!!
I did a terrible job of editing my own comment above. It should have read:
If an attractive woman's oddly designed argyle sweater is the first thing one notices, then she has made a mistake.
Sorry.
I'd love to see us follow the three strikes rule that someone just posted. If you have made the same point 3 times, trust your reader to get it. Seems fair and reasonable to me. What say you, fellow commenters?
Other thought
TBG, I have seen so much of are favorite S.S man
OY!To have a photo of w/ Mrs. O is difficult enough, as she is such a stellar woman, but to wear an illfitting, too tight suit and be so unfashionable, well, you just have to feel sorry for Ms. Brown. I think the green shoes pick up the teal tone in the blue skirt, and in this time it is certainly a good point that she is 'recycling' as we all know that shoe from Inauguration day. She can't do wrong in my book!!!!
Here's a clip of her been mobbed bu a group of school children. You can see the secret servicemen getting very nervous.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/business/2009/g20/7979982.stm
here are some good clips:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/business/2009/g20/7979982.stm
she really did get mobbed (its funny to see secret service hyper ventilate...but im glad they have her back), its really touching
and another clip
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7978828.stm
and a michelle obama mania piece (for anyone who has lingering doubts that Mrs. O is VERY well likes in UK, this should put you to ease)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7978054.stm
ps: DID YOU GUYS KNOW THAT MRS. O ALSO SPEAKS FLUENT FRENCH?!?! I HEARD IT ON CNN TODAY, I WONDER IF SHE WILL SPEAK FRENCH IN FRANCE...I HOPE SO!!
She wears Jimmy Choos. Go to jimmychoo.com and check out the prices in US dollars. One would definitely "recycle" Jimmy Choo shoes until the darned things fell apart. :)
Homage? Dear God, we shall be overrun by golfers.....
I'll tell you something, if I could have found an itinerary I would have been SO on the scene. Failing that, I am as glued to my PC as the rest of you!! But I am familiar with the workings of Westminster, in a modest way, and I've also been to Palace-hosted parties and worked for government run conference venues, so I do feel equipped to comment.
thanks chicagoan! I will look now I had not found it yet.
The kiddies don't seem to mind at all what Mrs. O is wearing!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7980012.stm
The formal statement from the palace is also on CNN's site.
(CNN) - First lady Michelle Obama did not breach protocol by touching Queen Elizabeth II at a reception for world leaders attending the G-20 summit, Buckingham Palace told CNN Thursday.
"It was a mutual and spontaneous display of affection and appreciation between the Queen and Michelle Obama," the Royal Press Office said in a statement Thursday. "The London Summit reception at Buckingham Palace was an informal occasion," the statement also said.
No breach of protocol occurred, according to the Royal Press Office, because Buckingham Palace does not issue instructions about how to address the Queen.
Enough with the pearls and the cardigans already..time for a new look and not just a mis-buttoned cardigan...