Some Thoughts on the First Lady’s Inauguration Attire…
President Obama with The First Lady in Isabel Toledo
While I applaud the First Lady’s commitment to lesser-known and emerging American designers, her specific choices were a surprise. I personally love Isabel Toledo. (In fact, at Thursday night’s Boucheron cocktail party at Place Vendôme here in Paris, I wore one of my favorite pieces by her: a brocade bolero jacket). However, the color was not what I would expect.
It’s been widely reported that the bright “lemongrass” color was selected by Toledo to symbolize optimism and new beginnings – a metaphor for the Obama administration itself. But the ensemble looked like it’d be better suited for spring, not a freezing January day. I’ve read that the dress was wool lace and lined in silk netting with little secret pashmina tulle layers for warmth and lightness – keeping her warmer than it may have appeared – but there’s still a disconnect between the color and winter wardrobe. Her dark pumps were a proper indication of the season, but that meant, unfortunately, they sparred a bit with the dress. Perhaps soft green shoes to match her J.Crew gloves would have been better. Ultimately, I’d say that I admire and appreciate her refreshing spirit and her sense of adventure marked by this dress. But I would have expected something more suitable to season, like many of the other ensembles she had worn throughout the campaign trail Narciso Rodriguez.
The Inaugural ball gown by Jason Wu was also a surprise. I applaud her for engaging new and independent designers, but, again, I’m not sure if the dress was the right fit. It was a very beautiful dress, but I think it wasn’t the right form for her. I envisioned something simpler and more stately to accentuate Mrs. Obama’s striking frame. Donna Karan famously makes dresses with cuts that highlight the beauty of a woman’s body, and although she is obviously a well-known American designer, I would’ve loved to see her create a chic dress for the occasion. Furthermore, I think a dress in jewel-tones, as opposed to white, would have best complemented Mrs. Obama’s glowing skin and regal presence. Her jewelry for the Inauguration balls, on the other hand, was an excellent choice. Very chic but not over the top.
Her daughters Malia and Sasha looked perfect. The J.Crew coats and winter wear were adorable, festive, and age-appropriate.
Wearing Isabel Toledo jacket, with Richard Turley, Sally Wu, Ling Tan
Above is a photo with me in the Isabel Todelo bolero, taken last April, when Carolina and Reinaldo Herrera and Ruben and Isabel Toledo hosted a party at the home of Yaz and Valentín Hernández to announce plans for the upcoming El Museo del Barrio gala.
We woman over 40 are especially excited and are looking to Michelle to be the one to inject some fresh, age appropriate sense of style to the White House, and so far she has done a great job, however, we agree with you that her 2 choices for "the BIG day" were a disappointment. The green dress was dowdy, the shoes NOT at all appropriate with the dress as you mention. The white (Kleenx box dress) was a bit casual and might have looked better in person, but sure did not photograph well. I hope she will get back on track. She does seem to be daring and adventurous so will have at least a few more years to Wow us!!
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