Tuesday
Jul072009
Lovelier Than Ever
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 10:40 AM 
Photo by Denis Sinyakov / Reuters
Mrs. O is visiting St. Dmitriy Nursing College of Sisters of Mercy in Moscow today. The first lady is re-wearing a Jason Wu frock, first seen last November during an interview with Barbara Walters. As many will recall, the interview was the first time Mrs. O wore a dress by the young designer.
We have always loved this dress for its trick of the eye. What might appear to be a print is in fact thousands of embroidered french knots, representative of Jason Wu's fine craftsmanship. The bright blues of Mrs. O's Matryoshka doll - a gift from her hosts - pop against the graphic black and white of her dress.
tagged Jason Wu
Jason Wu
Reader Comments (86)
She looks fantastic! Just a great look for her. The sisters of Mercy look so happy to meet her.
Oooohh Yeaaah! My wish from yesterday has been fulfilled, Michelle is back in a FABulous sheath-there is a great picture of her & Mr. O today on Getty Images that knocked my sox off.
I love how they hold hands when they are out in public, you can tell his first priority is always her.
Beautiful!
The dress reminds me of the Black/White House dress she wore on "The View" last year.
She looks great, as usual.
SHIP SHAPE & BRISTOL FASHION - Mrs.O is Wonderful in Wu.
I'll take a #17 from Wu's Spring collection to go! And can I hear a collective sigh of relief from all those - myself included, who have been dying to see a return to the days of the "shift". Hallelujah...hello curves, and goodbye bulky layers of fabric.
I smile at how Mrs. O's complexion and smooth skin tone stands out against that of the nurses in their white and pastel coloured uniforms - a statement in itself.
Michelle always looks happy and excited about meeting new people and having these incredible experiences. She just seems so genuine and lovely.
Such a sophisticated frock. She looks lovely, as always! :)
It's wonderful to see Mrs. O in a simple shift dress again--simple, uncomplicated lines, showing her lovely curves--but interesting with it's French knots, and perfectly accessorized with one of her brooches. It's great to see her and the President presenting themselves to the students at the college in typical American fashion, entering together holding hands, and both greeting the students after the speech.
I love seeing Michelle's radiant smile as she meets the student nurses and hugs the orphans. There doesn't seem to be a naturally compatible vibe with Mrs. M, as Michelle's face often looks a little strained when they are together.
It's great to see Malia and Sasha at the musical performance, and to see Sasha flash her delighted smile. I love Malia's hair like that.
Gettyimages seems to have the biggest collection of photos. Thanks for that referral.
Democraticunderground has some fabulous photos, too:
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Jackeens_for_Obama
I am so pleased to see that dress again. It's such a fresh take on monochrome, I really like it. She looks pretty and professional. Nice.
Off I go to Getty.
Willow I wondered about language, with regard to Mrs O looking a little strained. She's a naturally communicative person. Maybe it bugs her that she can't just chat with Mrs Medvedev? Unless Mrs M speaks fluent English, in which case I'm way off.
This whole Russian trip looked strained for our team. The Russian side seemed a little straighter and stricter, if that makes any sense. I just feel like our cultures a very different, and so our more laid back American style, embodied by our President and First Lady, is kind of a clash. Given that, I think both sides handled the cultural difference very well.
NOW ON TO MRS. O!
I am a happy camper! I wanted a sheath yesterday, and I got it today. And did anyone notice her shoes! Check them out in the link Willow provided. They are hot - sexy, open toed, and a nice heel. She looks stunning - I'm glad she brought this dress back since we only saw it briefly during Barbara Walters' interview right after the election.
Now onto Italy, where I'm sure she's going to feel much more herself.
What are y'all's thoughts about visiting the Pope? I hear she should wear something over her head - like a veil. I think she'll look so angelic and sweet if that's what she does.
Etiquette says that women being presented to the pope are requested to cover their head. Lace is traditional, something like a mantilla. Personally I have always wanted someone to stand up against the request and not wear it - it's a request, not an order, and I am a bit twitchy about women "having" to cover their heads under any circumstances, especially when the visiting men aren't asked to wear a veil or hat. For myself, I'd love to see her go in bareheaded.
This is the fit and cut that MAKES her look the best and she should stick with it. It's elegant, appropriate and befitting her age and official title. Here she wears her clothes, not her clothes wearing her and fighting with her as seen in other outfits.
Iva:
It was the tradition in the Episcopal and Catholic church for the crown of the woman's head to be covered by lace or as Posh states, a mantilla.
I am Episcopalian and the women in my church no longer wear them (we didn't wear the longer ones). When I was younger, no one would come without the crown covered (or you could wear a hat).
You can still go to some conservative Episcopal and Catholic churches and see the women wearing them.
Yeah, it is a bit messed up that the woman has to cover her head, but no the man. Oh well - some traditions, particularly with religion, die hard. I don't care which way, although I'd like her to choose the path of least resistance when it comes to this particular meeting.
Fabulous! Fabulous all around! I LOVE the pics of Mrs. O with the nuns!
I don't think the Os look stiff or uncomfortable at all, but I was struck by the difference in the President's body language in the pics with Medyedev vs. Putin. He looks so relaxed and at-ease with M, while he looks much less so with Putin.
Has anyone heard whether Mrs. O's arms are making a splash in Russia the way they did in the U.S.? Russia has suuuuuuuch a traditional culture in some ways; I really wonder what they make of this beautiful, elegant, tall, yet thoroughly modern and fashion-forward, woman!
I too vote for no head covering when she meets with the Pope!!!!!
Posh, I'm with you. I was raised in the Catholic church with all that head-covering stuff. I don't often see the inside of a church these days, but I'm really glad to see women going bare-headed, just like the men.
Although I think Michelle would look lovely with a lacy veil of some kind, I hope she is rebellious enough to stand liberated and bare-headed before the Pope. She hugged the Queen, didn't she? ;-) Just my little fantasy, that I apparently share with Posh. ;-)
I'd like to see the cradle of my spirituality (the Catholic Church) come into the 21st century by allowing married priests, by allowing women priests, by accepting the proper place of birth control and stem cell research, and by getting more honest and less hypocritical about itself. I hope I won't offend anyone by saying this, but despite the words of this church about caring for the people, there is too much evidence that the caring is really about protecting and supporting the dysfunctional hierarchy.
I'm sorry for this little rant. But, just seeing Michelle stand bare-headed before the Pope would do my heart good!
This dress looks great on her. It really works, and the picture is just beautiful.
The young sinster (wearing blue) is just beaming.
Great job Mrs. O
I have a picture collected a few years back with the previous Pope and the previous Spanish leader Aznar and his wife having an audience. She has nothing on her head. She is wearing a light suit with pencil skirt and sits with her legs crossed and her skirt falls well above her knees.. She quite likely is a good Catholic--perhaps that allows her more freedom because she understands how things are changing in the Church.
Good observation IVA! The Obama's easy going but powerful & cohesive presence really seems to have thrown their hosts for a loop.
Oh come on Posh and Willow, from this nice catholic girl, let's indulge the pope just this time :-) But I don't think she'll cover her head...and if she does, it'll only be because she absolutely wants to; And I trust her judgement...
I'm just so glad they are meeting with the Pope...It's driving some in the establishment insane!
Full length view of the Jason Wu dress:
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0dA43Wf9DR96a?q=Michelle+Obama
Wow, stunning. yes the sheath looks fabulous, the shoes are so sharp. I really like the pattern on the dress. Reminds me of the black and white large herringbone pattern popular in the early '90s. The Obamas look so tall and regal standing next to their hosts, I imagine it is somewhat intimidating. Now off to Italy, a cultural 180.
Regarding the strained looks: Posh, you are probably right about the language barrier, and you, IVA about the cultural differences, and you, Audrey, about the powerful, cohesive, and--I might add--more spontaneous style of the Obamas.
Some of the pictures at Democraticunderground, however, show Pres. O and Pres. M having a great time together. The photos of Pres O and PM Putin looked more strained.
Did anyone hear Pres. O's speech to the students? It was fantastic. He is doing such an incredible job of laying out a new vision for Russians and Americans, and all countries to work together. He is really revolutionary on the international stage. I was sorry to read that his speech did not reach many of the Russian people because it was not carried on most of their TV stations.
Perfection. I've always loved this dress for its classic simplicity and playfulness. Up close the spots look like clusters of tiny flowers but from far away it's the cut and fit that you notice, and it fits beautifully. Very Audrey. Impeccably tailored. And is that a peep toe heel I spot? I wonder if she was cold at all though I'm glad she didn't put a cardi over as that would have hidden the fab lines. If she ever wears this with a cover up I hope it's a sleek coat or jacket, or a wrap to dinner with the Pres. I am already calling for an encore. What a versatile dress.
Lovely Dress if it was the right size. It's so tight it's straining across her hips (ARRGGGGHHH!!!)... not attractive. At least there's no clear belt today. Thank heaven for little favors.
@ Sharon - Thanks, I'm happy to know that.
Just a comment on whether Mrs. Obama will cover her head or not during her visit to the Vatican. The comment by one of the bloggers, " I hope she is rebellious enough to stand liberated and bare-headed before the Pope." is so surprising and appauling. I am a Catholic and I do not wear a veil at Church. However, the veil and the black dress at the visits with the Pope, are not only traidition but are also a matter of protocol and respect to the Pope and to the Church. This is not an occasion to be rebellious - why should she be? She is not a Catholic, anyway! All other First Ladies and dignataries have followed this respectful tradition. Please also remember that when President Obama visited a mosque in Turkey he took his shoes off as a matter of respect, tradition and protocol. That is proper behavior from the President. I only can imagine Mrs. Obama - being the caring, sensitive, educated and respectful lady she is - will just conform to the Catholic traditions when she visits the Pope. BTW: Mrs. Obama looks just lovely and perfect with this black and white dress.
She always looks great in a sheath dress, this one is especially great with the details of texture, trim etc.
Now I can say that the outfits yesterday were tired and fussy without being striking or particularly attractive, or flattering. I'm guessing she got some kind of briefing on the Russian public-political class and how they appear -- very different from ours, not open or Democratic or casual. It's just not their style. So she dressed more conventionally for the events yesterday which were covered by media.
The peach outfit -- no. You can't wear a vibrant color like that in a style that has so much fabric -- only black or white. Black shoes, ugh. Also the shades don't quite match and the coat is about an inch longer than the dress. Ick. The dinner outfit was oK but kind of trite -- black pants, white sweater non-set - blah. The necklace looks like an afterthought, like this outfit is really boring!
Today their events are not covered widely so she is dressing more like herself -- attractive, confident, approachable, friendly.
The Russians are not our friends -- they are rivals, they want to be a bigger influence in Europe than we are. That is always the issue and is not going to change whoever is president. They are interested in concessions from the American President and whether they can make him look weak. Period.
I think the Os will have a much better time in Italy and Ghana!
Although I agree that this dress would have looked better were it the next size up, it is indeed a lovely dress....simpler is always better.
@ IVA, Willow et al
Just an explanation on the traditional church thing, though this may not be the forum I will try to clarify.
The late Pope John Paul II, commissioned the catholic church to be " New in it's vision, New in it's zeal and New in it's approach" - in other words, out with the old and in with the new! It was an invitation for the Bishops and all lay people in the church to move out of the dark ages and into the 21st century, by embracing all that was changing in the world, without neglecting our faith.
In short, the veil is a thing of the past. I am Catholic and go to church regularly and have never worn a veil - my grandmother never even wore a veil and she was 83! However, it is still a part of some people's lives, and their way of showing respect.
So, I don't expect Mrs.O to wear a veil and neither would Pope Benedict be surprised or offended.
I think the remarks about Mrs. M looking frumpy are not fair. The pictures of today are especially charming; she looks like a very nice person who is doing her darndest to be a good hostess. I love the picture of her sitting next to MO with what can only be described as an appreciative smile on her face. And, she has lovely hands.
As far as the veil in the Vatican issue goes: I hope MO wears one if it is protocol for women in her position. This is not a moment for a political statement; it's a moment for respecting one's host and the traditions he represents. I think she'd be making a serious mistake if it would risk a lot of negative press that would overshadow the good things that have been happening on this trip so far. And I doubt she'd take that risk.
Video of Mrs. O at the orphanage in Russia today: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=8020058
I don't know why, but the young black boy, who's clearly one of the older orphans, I imagine he's been there for most of his life, made me sad. I wish I could adopt him...
There appears to be debate about the veil issue when a woman meets the Pope, so I hope she errs on the side of wearing one.
I had made a comment before regarding the "veil" -- but it seems it is still being cleared. Do not know why? My comments were regarding some comments that Mrs. Obama should be rebeliious and not use a veil. Why? She is not Catholic and a veil is a tradition, protocol for dignataries meeting with the Pope. The President when visiting a mosque in Turkey took his shoes off in respect for tradition, religion and protocol. Why would the First Lady be rebellious and not use a veil. Being the sensitive, warm, caring, educated and proper First Lady she is, I am sure she will respect not only the Catholic - but other religious and cultural traditions as well. I have no doubt she will do the right thing!
This is an absolutely SMASHING look for Michelle. I LOVE it!
What an awesome photograph. The colors and the contrast between Mrs. Obama and the Sisters is truly revealing and interesting. I think it displays some of the cultural and social divides between the U.S. and Russia.
the pictures on democratic underground are nice. i got tickled while scrolling through them when after the picture of flotus and flosu greeting there is a picture of barack and dimitry. the curtains in the background struck me as vaguely similar to michelle dress pattern :) made me think of scarlett in gone with the wind and the famous curtain dress :) i know, stupid and silly. and no doubt the dress is hot and she is wearing it, but dang when i think about them curtains and look at her dress, i smile.
Strong, You are going to have to explain your comment to me. How does the photo display cultural and social divides?
Thanks so much IVA for providing the link. :)
Pope Benedict is very traditional. What is the harm for showing respect to your host?
@MJMR - I am sorry that you found my comment appalling. I didn't mean to shock anyone. I believe that Mrs. Clinton and Mrs. Bush wore veils when they met the Pope, but I don't believe they wore black dresses.
I was pleased to see Sharon Nelson's comment at 3:07 telling us that the Spanish leader Azner and his wife visited the Pope, and she wore a light colored suit and no veil, and she must be a Catholic.
The Pope sees many women in his life who don't wear veils in his presence. Many nuns no longer wear a habit and veil, and I believe that they see the Pope with bear heads. Why is it necessary for the wife of a head of state to wear a veil in his presence? I don't get that.
I don't see a similarity between taking off ones shoes to visit a mosque--which is always the correct thing to do--and wearing a veil when meeting the Pope.
Pope John Paul held the Second Vatican Council in the early '60s to try to bring the Church into the 20th century. We got "Mass" in the vernacular, no headdress required for women in church, women allowed to distribute communion, serve as altar girls, read from the old testament and the epistles. But, much to the chagrin of many who worked on that council, like Cardinal Suenens (who worked mightily to get the church to rationally approve of the use of birth control), Vatican II didn't accomplish much in the way of real policy change. And there has been a backlash to much of what was contained there by more conservative successors to the Holy See.
The Church has such a long way to go to really respect women, and to do something rational about the priesthood. My sister lives in a rural area in southern Minnesota. Their church and many others in neighboring towns closed because there are not enough priests. To insist that only men who think they can live a celibate life be allowed to serve as priests seems to me like some kind of insanity, and results in the kinds of sex scandals that have come to lite in recent years.
Truly bringing the church into the 21st century would open up the priesthood to married men and women. It would accept and approve of birth control.
Anyway, I'm sorry to go on like this.
I don't know where it is written that the wife of a head of state must wear a veil to visit the Pope. If anyone could show me that requirement, I would feel enlightened about it.
It will be interesting to see what Mrs. O does.
On the Veil issue...I am hoping Mrs. O does choose to respect protocol and wear the traditional dress of black with a veil. I personally do not think this is the time to be whimsical or rebellious. Protocal was set when Barack bowed to the Saudi King and took his shoes off while attending a service in a mosque, the First family can't recognize one custom and disregard another's custom.
It's the art of diplomatic dressing, taking into consideration the customs and culture of the country she is visiting. She is an ambassador of the United States of America.
I believe she is well aware of the fact that there are plenty of other events and occasions to make a fashion statement.
I think she will wear a veil. I'm finally catching up on Mrs. O's part of the trip to Moscow, and it appears that she deliberately dialed back her style, her demeanor, her outings, out of respect for the culture of Russia. From everything I've read, from watching videos and looking at picture, the first lady in Russia is just not to be seen as a prominent figure so I think Mrs. O played the role of supportive spouse being seen and not heard. It's a shame, but such is life in these delicate situations.
Further, the Russians were not ga-ga over our new President, in fact they aren't ga-ga over our country as a whole. This was a low key, all business trip, where the leaders met to handle some major issues and lay some concrete foundations for continuing negotiations. Mrs. O conveyed that in her limited outings and in her behavior and dress.
Now, Italy and Ghana are 2 other ballgames. Both cultures are more passionate, I guess you can say, and outwardly joyous. There are better personal relations between our people when it comes to Italy and Ghana, and less tense issues surrounding the relations. The media in those countries are freer, so the people are more aware of Mrs. O, in her own rite. I have a feeling Mrs. O's demeanor will be livelier, as will her style. In other words, she'll conform to the more livelier and familiar settings in Italy and Ghana. Do we know if Carla Bruni will go to Italy?
With that in mind, I am pretty sure she will conform, and adopt the behavior of previous First Lady's from the U.S., and don a veil, and probably wear black. With the Notre Dame drama, etc., I just can't see her deciding to make a statement or break the norm at this juncture. To me, the risks of backlash outweigh any gains from not wearing a veil. I see her wearing a veil in a similar way as when Hillary and Valerie Jarrett wore scarfs draped over their heads when they toured the mosque in Egypt. I have to admit that I'm curious to see her in a little veil. I think she'll look very pretty and feminine. It'll definitely be a different look for her.
I'm not Catholic and never have been, so I share none of the angst toward Catholic tradition. As an outsider, I'd guess that Mrs. O will follow protocol. The church's traditions are what they are; I don't think it's the role of the President of the United States to challenge those traditions. I think the Obamas have shown such enormous respect for diversity and individual choice that I can't imagine her going in to see the Pope like a rebellious teenager who wants to "do her own thing." I think she and the president both have far too much class for that.
It appears that it is not currently the tradition for the wives of heads of state to cover their heads to meet the Pope.
Here is a photograph of Hillary Clinton meeting the Pope with nothing on her head:
http://cache.boston.com/bonzai-fba/AFP_Photo/2005/02/02/1107360361_1114.jpg
Here is a photo of Laura Bush meeting the Pope with nothing on her head:
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/iib4ftl8C-p/George+Bush+Meets+Pope+Benedict+XVI/2jlfR8PEP7U/Tarcisio+Bertone
Photo of Nancy Pelosi (a Catholic) and Condeleezza Rice meeting the Pope without their heads covered:
http://unrepentantoldhippie.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/nancy_pelosi_with_pope_benedict_xvi.jpg
In this photo, Laura Bush wears white and has a bare head in the presence of the Pope. Nancy Pelosi wears grey and has a bare head:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_L6pDyjqqsvY/SAZGF1KvkZI/AAAAAAAAM7o/PWVFdjdL-yQ/s400/pelosi%2Bpope.jpg
Who cares what others have done. It would be a nice gesture to go with the old tradition. imo
She looks beautiful.
But if you all get to see the ABC video you should, oh my God sasha was not playing she was going to seat next to her mom no matter what it was cute
Go Willow, you stick to the facts girl! That's it no veil unless Mrs Obama feels like it
Thanks for the context Willow. I have seen a picture of Laura Bush with a veil on, though.
For me, since there's a debate on the issue, I hope Mrs. O errs on the side of wearing a veil. If they do the research like you have, and see that it's not a big deal one way or another, then I'm cool if she doesn't wear one. As I said, I'm not Catholic so I don't have a personal position on this...I only want her to take the path of least resistance/drama.
@ briana - that is the truth. Little Sasha was no joke about sitting next to mom. And if you look at pictures of them at the show, Sasha is practically laying on her mom. It is adorable. CNN has an article about how the President said Sasha went into their hotel room and plopped on their bed, and woke them up at 4 am to talk about the trip. I can imagine that having the family around is a nice dynamic for him on these high-intensity meetings.