CFDA Honors Mrs. O
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 at 7:42 PM On Monday night, First Lady Mrs. O received the Board of Directors' Special Tribute award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in New York. Mrs. O accepted her award via a pre-taped video speech (thank you MJ Strong for the link):
Beyond her words in the March 2009 issues of Vogue, when Mrs. O said, "If I can have any impact, I want women to feel good about themselves and have fun with fashion," this is the first we've heard the First Lady more formally articulate her appreciation for fashion. The qualities she calls out -- art form, ingenuity and craftsmanship -- are all hallmarks of the otherwise quite diverse range of designers she has embraced in recent months, from Isabel Toledo to Maria Cornejo to Jasmin Shokrian.
In honor of the award, Mr. Andre Leon Talley of Vogue wrote a piece for Style.com in which he highlighted a few of his favorite Mrs. O looks. His picks? The recent Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez and Givenchy ensemble worn for D-Day; the Alaia belt and blue VBH clutch worn for date night in New York; and one of our personal favorites, the argyle Junya Watanabe cardigan with teal Jason Wu dress worn in London.
CFDA, Givenchy, Jason Wu, Junya Watanabe, Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez, VBH
Reader Comments (20)
Some of my all time favorite pieces too...any videos or stills from the event Mrs T.?
Love your site, Mrs. O is just the best. I am especially enjoying the very close up photos of the "art" of fashion, fabric pattern and design, jewelry craft and construction. Thanks also for the garden photo; I only wish I looked as stylish while working with my "harvest"! Which is no where near as lush. "Go tomatoes go!"
Michelle's taped remarks:
http://www.style.com/video/vogue/ivoguei/1896809786/michelle-obama/26430799001
.
I love her attitude.
Mrs T, you are the best, thanks for all of today's updates, especially this video. Crisp white shirt and pearls. Quintessential fashion.
That's great she received this award. I respect her authenticity. She is always herself and one of her many wonderful qualities.
A simple, elegant and classic look! I love it!
I love this white shirt...does anyone who makes it?
A million thanks for all you do on this amazing site!!
Mrs. Obama sees art in fashion, in food, in family, in artists work, music, gardens, children and everywhere. At the same time, she does not get corraled by whomever she is appreciating. That she accepted the fashion award in a simple white shirt a pearls sends the message that style and graciousness are not only a privilege of the wealthy.
Mrs. O is truly the epitome of chic, classic sophistication - from the way that she speaks, to how she carries herself, and the way she dresses. She exudes class. :)
Here's a nice piece about Mrs. O, the CFDA awards and the fashion industry by Robin Givahn.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/16/AR2009061600030.html
What a smart cookie she is!
To wear such a simple and classic look embraces ALL the fashion designers.
It's great that Mrs. O described fashion as being "most of all, fun".
Her white shirt is beautiful. It appears to have a sheen to it. Mrs. T, do you know who created the shirt?
Great insight, Playpnw.
I loved Lady Michelle's remarks! Right on the money. Her blouse and necklace were sleek as well!
Mrs. O looks great in this video. Her hair is perfect!
Here's the link to the style.com article by Andre Leon Talley.
http://www.style.com/vogue/voguedaily/2009/06/michelle-obama/
And accepting the award in a classic favourite - the white shirt and pearls! Brilliant touch.
"...Inspiring, liberating, but most of all fun..."
Pretty much sums it up huh...?!
Time to give up her belts.
Am I missing something? I don't see everything Mrs. O wears as well thought out, well fitting fashion? The argyle sweater set --too tight! The twins set to visit the queen - in appropriate!
Politics aside...some of her fashions have been a miss and I am surpirsed Vogue missed that?!?!?!