Two Ladies Out on the Town
Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 8:46 AM 
Photo by Nigel Treblin/AFP/Getty Images Mrs. O and Ms. Carla Bruni-Sarkozy have ventured out this morning, visiting Rohan Palace, as well as the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg, France. Mrs. O wears a double breasted cropped black jacket with leather detail at the shoulder and front seams, paired with black trousers and signature flats. And is that a purple floral cardigan we see peeking out? An anonymous tip from our favorite anonymous tipster:
"Michelle Obama’s jacket was designed by Azzedine Alaia, the incredible French designer. While he is known for amazing dresses, like the black knitted one that was worn by the First Lady last night, he is an expert tailor. The cut of this jacket with its punched and woven leather seam details and curved lapels is a signature Alaia style. Alaia is one of the last great couture trained designers in France. His clothes are not easy to find, he doesn’t really do runway shows anymore and the quality is incomparable. He is a legend."
There has clearly been a level of wardrobe planning this week akin to, if not surpassing, the Inauguration. Mrs. O has continued to champion her favorite American designers and brands - Thakoon Panichgul, Jason Wu, Isabel Toledo and J.Crew - while also incorporating pieces from Junya Watanabe and Azzedine Alaia, designers from Japan and France respectively.
The First Lady's choice of an Alaia knit, ruched dress last night and tailored jacket today is a thoughtful sartorial gesture, undoubtedly made to show respect for her host nation and its legendary designer. "Has there been too much attention paid to Mrs. O's wardrobe?" is a question increasingly asked the past few days. But in the way clothes can speak without words, our First Lady's wardrobe has said volumes. Not only have her ensembles been lovely in the aesthetic sense, they bring nuanced meaning - projecting the strength, intelligence and gracious nature of the woman wearing them.
Reader Comments (152)
thanks Mrs T. I am loving that Bruni coat. And Michelle's jacket has amazing detail. My only question is about the pants--are they side zipped?
A little surprised she chose an all black outfit and it's hard to see any details in this photo. But her smile is as radiant as ever!
Carla's coat is divine - cut, colour, fit - everything!
Love Carla B. coat
Both ladies look absolutely Amazing. Mrs O never fails - she has wowed us with her fabulous style. Have loved every single thing she's worn so far
I like Mrs. O's outfit. Mdme Bruni's outfit is lovely! Mrs. O is dressed quite sensibly for a tour....a lot of walking. Maybe with a slight heel the pants wouldn't bulge at the bottom, but I hear that it was also quite windy when these pics were taken. Maybe that explains the pants...
Mrs. T, maybe you could consider changing the "Palling Around" title as it brings up those right wing ugly and incendiary comments from the election.
I love Mrs. O! She's great.... the two first ladies do seem to have discussed their choices beforehand...coat with a bow over gorgeous dress, little black dress last night, and now today....black pants with a top and jacket including a splash of color
I love, love, LOVE Mrs. O's jacket... i always think she looks great, but i usually only fall in love with an outfit when i can see myself wearing it as well. And this outfit is one i would def wear. After months of visiting this site Mrs. O finally forces me to comment :)
Another view of the jacket in the link below... so hot, i just love it
www(dot)daylife(dot)com/photo/0fBo7Nn92W5cN?q=Michelle+Obama
American-n-Rome...I wonder if you are right!
An article that I read yesterday pointed out that they both wore coats with bows at the neck, that fell to the knee. And then they both wore black dresses for the concert. And now they are both wearing strikingly different outfits except that Mrs. S has a longer coat and in a color. If you look at Carla's waist, there is a colorful scarf, and Mrs. O seems to be wearing a similar one tied to her blouse, if you look at some of the pictures where it's peeking out.
There is an endless combination of outfits that they could each have worn to each event. The odds that they would accidentally wear something so similar are actually slim. I wonder if they decided to diffuse the whole "showdown" aspect by wearing similar clothes. It's deinitely possible!
@ Jenna
Thanks for the great links! There's a picture in one of the links that shows a lot of what Mrs. O has on under the jacket and it looks very interesting. I see colors that match Carla Bruni's coat. Is this coincidence? There's also so much detail on the back of the jacket reflected in the pictures.
Who is the designer I wonder. Carla Bruni's coat is gorgeous. I noticed that Carla has on some heels today, probably b/c she's not with her husband. I want Michelle's suit and Carla's coat!
Mrs. O looks great. I'm glad she finally wore something to show off her great American physique. Mrs. B-S looks fantastic in the lavender coat Wow! What a great color on her.
i like both casual looks
does anyone else thing that Mrs. Carla B's coat looks like Mrs. O's purple Narcisco Rodrigues coat she wore to the arlington national cemetery the weekend of inauguration, and it has made other appearances?
I agree with others in saying that Carla and Michelle, or at the very least, their staff HAD to have had some consultation in order to diffuse this supposed competition from these two women. The press is something else. Carla has vocally said on Leno that she greatly admires Mrs. O, and Michelle looks very happy to be with Carla.
I remember a speech Michelle gave at the WH recently with the celebrities she brought in and D.C. girls. Mrs. O said she greatly disliked women not being supportive of other women or constantly trying to bring one another down. So I know for a fact this is a drummed up media story so the newspapers can stay in business and the TV networks can stay relevant. Don't believe it people--these are two wonderful women!
I also read today that Michelle gave a special guitar to Carla Bruni as a gift and the French press thought it was really nice.
Good Morning America,
I really enjoy coming to this site to see what the truly beautiful, in all aspects, Mrs. O is wearing. I am never disappointed.
Is it just me or is yesterday's black Azzedine Alaia dress not almost exactly the same (except for the non-sleeves) as the beautiful dress she wore to the White House Inauguaration Staff ball (with boots) and the one shoe wore to the Kennedy Center gala for Senator Ted Kennedy's birthday?
I often modify clothing, jewellry and shoes I love to freshen up their appearance. I wonder if Mrs. O does too?
I'm loving this suit. Perfect casual suit to spend the day sightseeing in. And I like the peak of color underneath the jacket. And yesterday the two both wore coats with bows at the neck. Last night they both wore their LBDs, and today they're both in suitwear with splashes of purple.
Great fashion minds think alike! LOL
Here is a nice one!
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama/im:/090403/481/vlm15404031952/#photoViewer=/090404/ids_photos_wl/r2871786.jpg
Very nice style for both first ladies.
Mrs. O looks nice, but I'm sorry Mrs. B wins this one (that coat is gorgeous!) The entire look seems so put together and effortless: The Black on Black. scarf around the wait, and the purple purse. The only thing I would have gotten rid of the stockings. Mrs. O seems to be wearing one of those belts again under that Jacket
I suppose its Mrs. S's turn to show more color this time, but both outfits look nice. France is so beautiful...I was there two months ago in Paris, and I can't wait to go back...
Quick question: Have all of the outfits that Mrs. S has worn been Dior? If so, the price tag must be tremendous....wow!
btw Mrs Brown seems to looks great today--a grey skirt suit. So happy for her.
Carla has worn that coat before, this is a color she uses a lot. I can't remember if it was from last fall that I remember seeing it.
American-n-Rome,
Carla Bruni, like all French First Ladies, is encouraged to wear the French fashion houses. It's almost seen as a patriotic duty, the French public does not care about the price tag. They don't think that discount shopping or buying clothes from J. Crew is something to brag about. Totally different culture in that regard. It's safe to assume that anytime you see her in pubic she's in Chanel or Dior of Chloe or any other French fashion line. That outfit she has on is easily tens of thousands.
The two first ladies look terrific! They both have a casual, but elegant look.
I love Mrs.O's jacket. Something I'd wear for sure.
I love both outfits. It seems like they decided who will be the more colorful one today. I believe that if they had both worn colorful outfits, the press would turn it into a fashion nightmare. They way they have done it, it seems like they both always look nice, but they aren't competing for who is the more colorful. I like the fact it seems one is always stylish but toned down while the other is stylish and striking.
Mrs Sarkozy wins this one! she looks amazing
@ Charis, you took the words right out of my mouth
I am convinced their staff got together to coordinate aspects of their attire in order to show a somewhat balanced look. Very smart. Each of their outfits have their own pluses and minuses and it's hard to definitively declare one person "won" over the other in each look, although last night's black number by Mrs. O was a clear winner.
I have to say I love this look by Mrs. O today. Very chic, yet functional. I wear suits often, so I'm loving the blazer. Whoever wrote that Mrs. B-S's coat looked like Mrs. O's purple Rodriguez coat, I agree and that's the first thing I thought when I saw it. I'm sure they're not the same, but the color and style are very similar.
no im sorry mrs.o wins this one carla looks to dressy to me
Mrs O looks like she didnt even bother today, fatigue, homesicknes and annoyance with the "face-off headlines" perhaps?, but whatever the reason Carla B looks really chuffed.
Like a great boxer I know Mrs O is gonna step up her game on Carla B. Yes she may win this one hands down, great lilac coat and matching chanel bag.
I can see others have not even bothered to comment on this post.
Carla's coat is amazing! Hopefully they are taking a walk into the salon to get her a hair trim!
Michelle can be all tired out from fashion, that's ok with me. My only comment here is that I am not crazy about the fit of the slacks she wears. A longer jacket would have been more complimentary.
But after the last few days of stardom, she deserves a fashion vacation.
I love both outfits. Specially Mrs. Obama, so comfortable and elegant. I really think Madame Sarkozy's coat is the same purple Dior coat she wore on her visit to England last year.
I agree with SierrA, Mrs O wins this one. If you don't agree look at the Jenna's link to see close ups and the outfit from all angle.
... I forgot to add that I really like Carla's streamlined look. Very chic. The coat cements the outfit, it's beautiful, and would rock in most colors. It looks like they're really enjoying getting to know one another, which of course is a very good thing.
I think the issue with these slacks is that they are side zipped. I have seen this sort of thing on her before and they are always side zipped which is not an easy cut to carry and mess with the fit. I love the look though but the pants as said by allison are a little off.
Carla's coat may look like Rodriguez but she has had it for a long time, I am pretty sure it's Dior. I believe she wore it on her trip to israel last fall.
Mrs. O looks great. She is doing us all proud! I loved yhe light colored J.Crew ensemble she wore a few days ago...Wish she would go with some more Spring colors.....
Amidst all the tension with Nato Summit, it is a very sensible choice for Mrs O to have forgone the glamour look, divert the attention away from herself. She has opted for a more practical,sober and militant look, to show people that she intouch with the real issues arising from the Nato Summit.
Here is a news excerpt about Mrs O's cancelled hospital visit today:
STRASBOURG, France (AP) — Michelle Obama and other spouses of NATO nation leaders have cancelled a visit to a French cancer hospital at the last minute for security reasons, the French president's office said, as police fired tear gas at protesters nearby.
Some 1,000 protesters were staked out in the historical center of the French city of Strasbourg, near where the spouses were meant to visit a hospital and the city's renowned cathedral Saturday on the sidelines of a NATO summit.
Thanks tess! As you said, definitely a cultural difference. If Mrs. O had worn Oscar de la Renta day after day on this trip, the American press would be in negative frenzy and the population would all but send her back to Chicago. I love Mrs O for keeping it real and being cognizant of the economic times we're in. I call Mrs. O "The People's First Lady!"
can we stop saying someone "won," I mean a lot of people on here love Mrs O, do you think she would like the idea of putting women against eachother in this sort of "competition."
I mean yes, Mrs Carla B definitely shines today, and Mrs O definitely shined yesterday, but this whole idea of "won," "smackdown," "showdown" goes against the spirit of Mrs O, remember what she said very eloquently and emotionally to the girls in London, each of them are jewels, and women should uplift each other, and not pit them against eachother
Mrs. Carla B looks great today! and Mrs O. looked great yesterday, and they both look fantastic everyday.
ps: im not saying we should not comment on what we like about each lady's outfit, and not like, but im just against this whole idea of someone has to "win." They are very different women, both with fantastic styles.
(pps: sorry, I don't mean to be preachy)
Mona, actually lots of people are commenting on Mrs. O's outfit so I am puzzled by your comment.
I really, really want to see what's under the jacket. From one of the pictures I posted above you can see it's a white blouse with a ruffled collar, a floral cardigan or scarf, and then some sort of belt. A very Mrs. O combination. And no doubt we'll get to see pictures of it at some point in the day.
And what's up for tonight? A romantic dinner in Prague! I can't wait to see what Mrs. O wears. From the Times Online:
The charms of a wonderful woman and a beautiful city are hard to beat.
So much so that Barack Obama will snub his hosts after arriving in Prague this evening in favour of a romantic Saturday night dinner with his wife, Michelle.
.....
“He requested a romantic dinner with a view of Prague, where they can eat the best Czech food,” said a Czech government source. “They have spent days trying to decide on the right restaurant.”
The front-runner is said to be Hergetova Cihelna - The Brick House - on the banks of the River Vlatava with an unbeatable view of the Charles Bridge. “The atmosphere is sophisticated, but not imposing,” enthused the Prague Experience website.
I think they both look beautiful and sophisticated and I'm loving the color of Mrs. S's coat. It's not a competition ladies! They can both look beautiful at the same time, which I think they have this entire visit.
Carla Bruni and Michelle Obama are both Capricorns. So, they should have a few things in common that is if you believe in astrology. There fashion sense seems to be interwoven as both Ladies dress almost similar at time. Only difference is Carla loves to rock the fashion houses of Paris clothing and Michelle mixes up her clothing with lower end brands here in America. Both women look nice together and happy :)
Im sorry i strongly disagree if michelle were to wear a long coat like mrs carla half of u guys would be all on michelle for wearing that coat. Some of u would say its to dressy especially when youre walking in the street
Both ladies look positively lovely for a day of sightseeing. And not a fanny pack in sight! (j/k LOL) Mimi thanks for that picture. I really like Mrs. O's jacket when it is closed. Very Chic!
As others have said, I do feel like a bit of coordination is going on between the 2 first ladies. What a wonderful display of humility and sisterhood. I love it!
ok these two ladies compliment each other really well. this is the best i have seen mrs. s. and of course mrs. o is on point. i notice mrs. s is showing homage to our mrs. o's style and her love of color, with this bright colored coat. very mrs. o and very american. absoulutely lovely....i hope they become bff's.
Jenna,
Can you provide a link to the article that you quoted? I very much want to show it to my husband the next time he tries to cancel our date night because he is "tired from a hard day at work" or because some sporting event is on TV.
A date night in Prague after dealing with all of those world issues?? *swoon*
Both women look great! I love this site. Thanks for keeping it up-to-date.
Michelle Obama's jacket was designed by Azzedine Alaia, the incredible French designer.
While he is known for amazing dresses, like the black knitted one that was worn by the First Lady last night, he is an expert tailor. The cut of this jacket with its punched and woven leather seam details and curved lapels is a signature Alaia style. Alaia is one of the last great couture trained designers in France. His clothes are not easy to find, he doesn't really do runway shows anymore and the quality is incomparable. He is a legend.
Interesting that observers often cite another Mrs. Obama favourite, Narciso Rodriguez, as having a similar aesthetic to Mr. Alaia - sexy dresses and immaculate tailoring.
It is obvious that wearing such a respected and storied French designer is a huge tipping of the proverbial hat to the continuing influence of French Fashion and Culture and a diplomatic coup d'etat for America.
In a way, the perfect compliment to President Obama's diplomatic charm offensive to the Europeans this week.
The First Couple have made a distinguished and vibrant impression on the world stage during this trip and Mrs Obama's choice in clothing should not be underestimated for its level of importance and symbolism.
This has been a pitch-perfect week, sartorially speaking, and America should be brimming with pride that they have a First Lady ambassador of such incredible range, depth and glamour.
Much comparison has been made between Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Kennedy, but some people in the UK made comparisons between Princess Diana and Mrs Obama this week. It is interesting how both sides of the Atlantic are desperate for a role model that can be beautiul AND of substance.
I personally can't wait to see what happens next.
Here's a great diary on Daily Kos about the abscense of women of color on the runways. Guess how many women of color walked Donna Karan's runway at the last fashion week. THREE! 3 out of 45 models in her show were non-white. Amazing. That WWD article is really starting to gain traction and a lot of people are starting to talk about it. I mean, they're talking about fashion on Daily Kos! LOL. I think these people are going to soon regret that they tried to call out Mrs. O.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/4/4/716393/-Whites-Only-Designers-Reap-What-They-Sew-w-Mrs.-O-(POLL)
Eeeek.
Yes, Michelle, I know I told you to try a jacket instead of the cardigans....but double-breasted makes you look chunky.
The pants are oddly cut and not flattering.
So, a black jacket, black pants and flats.
This is something Hillary would wear! Nuff said.
Carla B-- Love the princess coat, purse, perfectly cut pants, the touch of the scarf at the waist, the heels....tres chic! Utter perfection.
Wonderful analysis, anonymous! Her clothing choices were not only visual appealing, but the designers and messaging behind her choices is also important.
And I LOVE that story about the President taking his wife out rather than politicking. Awwww.... She's not following him to Turkey, so it's a nice end-of-trip dinner for them.
@ nonpasserat: Hillary would never wear a suit coat that doesn't come past her hips.
loved your post anonymous.
another cultural difference--what Carla is wearing is super European and not formal at all. I think in the US that would be considered elegant but what she has on is the equivalent of a sunday brunch outfit. The use of the classic scarf, this time tied around the waist, is utterly french and beautiful. In general Bruni si good with color (see all her trips to brazil, israel etc) yesterday's morning choice made her look a little wan but as some have noted Michelle and her seem to be complimenting each other in this trip.