Hello and Happy-Happy Day!
The brilliant minds over at WWD (Women’s Wear Daily) have put together some fabulous special issues of late, both online and off. The story & sketches were released online yesterday, while the issue carrying the story is dated 12/3/08. The article is entitled “Michelle Obama: What Should She Wear?“
Isaac Mizrahi via WWD
The story by offers sketches of different inaugural gowns from a broad group of prominent design and fashion houses. Above we see Isaac Mizrahi’s idea for Mrs. Obama along with daughters Malia and Sasha, all of the designs just beautiful.
The always exquisite Monique Lhuillier offers a vision in deep crimson…
Monique Lhuillier via WWD
.
The winter white peau de soie by Peter Som is stunning.
Peter Som via WWD
As is this Carolina Herrera…
Carolina Herrera via WWD
.
And this offering from Badgley Mischka…
Badgley Mischka via WWD
There are several day looks as well, including this elegant suit from Diane von Furstenberg.
Diane von Furstenberg via WWD
The Tracy Reese design is simply divine. Note the small bow near the left collarbone on the coat; a bit of a trademark for the future First Lady.
Tracy Reese via WWD
The rich purple from Tuleh is also head turning.
Tuleh via WWD
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Back to the party frocks, with the Elie Tahari submission also showcasing a bow at the neckline.
Elie Tahari via WWD
Betsey Johnson’s effervescence is evident in her design and her drawings:
Betsey Johnson via WWD
.
Regular readers know TP is a huge Oscar fan; we have been for years.
Oscar de la Renta via WWD
But we were a little underwhelmed by his submission. The red, white and blue theme is certainly patriotic, but Malia Obama’s dress reminds us of something Scarlett O’Hara might have worn and Sasha Obama’s dress doesn’t appear special in any way. Is that just TP being a crankenstein… or do you concur?
Let’s not go all fuddy-duddy here… oh, whyforever not? It is this with which we struggle: the sleeveless look for young girls, in this case the Obama girls, but you are seeing it everywhere, or so it seems of late. When growing up we simply didn’t go out in public with bare arms at that age, unless perhaps in a sundress for playing on the beach or another equally informal setting. Even recognizing we were raised in the dark ages, we still don’t find it appropriate for young ladies to be out in the evening in a party frock with straps where the sleeves should be. Harrumph. (Calling all Mothers and Grandmothers… do let us know of your thoughts and preferences on this topic, we would love to hear from you!)
Having done our best to be tedious, here is a look for the Obama girls from Best & Co., showing both the coats and the dresses to be worn underneath.
Best & Co. via WWD
We are thinking the girls’ coats would be a soft wool or wool/cashmere blend with velvet trim and buttons; they are darling. The dresses underneath leave us a little flat.
Best & Co. via WWD
The Koi Suwannagate dress for the future First Lady is a little frou-frou for us, but if anyone could pull it off, Michelle Obama probably could.
Koi Suwannagate via WWD
Michael Kors‘ design is classic elegance…
Michael Kors via WWD
The Christian Lacroix look seems a little fierce.
Christian Lacroix via WWD
We shall leave it at that this evening, but we will share more of the designs, including a fabulous Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel look.
A quick update on the $30,000 ring the President-elect was allegedly buying for Mrs. Obama: there isn’t one. At least not a ring purchased by Mr. Obama from Italian jewelers Giovanni Bosco. Our original post here showed the ring, accompanied by some background as well as our open expression of angst over the veracity of the story.
Courtesy Giovanni Bosco
It turns out the Obama office is denying the story according to Tommy Christopher at Political Machine.
“The Obama Press Office told me this: the story is not true, there is no $30,000.00 ring.”
And on that note, g’bye until next time.
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December 4, 2008 at 1:58 pm
I just adore Betsy Johnson–I actually have a few of her dresses and sweaters
December 4, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Thank you for this post. Some of the dresses are gorgeous and elegant – what we want from our first lady – some a bit hideous in my humble opinion. I like what Isaac did for all three – mom and daughters
She should stay with the “bow” trademark, though. Oscar’s dresses for the girls – NO on that one.
December 4, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Oh, what a delicious treat this is to look at this morning. I simply must talk the Anonymous Husband into running for President. Can you just imagine designers COMPETING to dress you? Sigh.
That being said, I think the fashion forward Mrs. Obama could definitely pull off something like the Koi Suwannagate, but my more traditional heart adores the Mizrahi, Lhuillier (absolutely stunning), Herrera (as usual), and Kors.
I too am disappointed with the de la Renta, which is so surprising since he basically defines First Lady attire in my head.
December 4, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I have to confess, your website is just too much fun. I love the political/fashion series you have been showing. It’s fun to speculate.
December 4, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Beautiful! I love the Kors, Peter Som and Isaac Mizrahi – the rich colors would be great on her!
December 4, 2008 at 7:26 pm
first off, great post.
Second, Thanks for visiting my blog!
And, I’ve checked out your site-we have a lot in common!
If you ever want to add to your jewelry please remember that I do wholesale. In fact my site is really a wholesale site for the sports stationery, gift wrap, and posters we produce. The jewelry, hair accessories and gifts support the line.
http://www.backyardartllc.com
In January I hope to debut Preppyplayer which will be primarily apparel.
Keep in touch
December 4, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Very gougeus and elegant!!!
December 4, 2008 at 8:33 pm
I should add I would not like to see the future first lady in the Betsy dress but I think she needs something with graceful curves–she is quite tall and I think it would soften her–the first lady should always look elegant and femine
(Can’t wait to see what the girls wear!)
December 4, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I agree with Preppy 101… not sure about Oscar’s girls dresses. And I don’t think the off the shoulder by Isaac Mizrahi for the older girl (this is bad that I don’t know which one is older) is age appropriate.
Always ending on a postive note, the Monique Lhuillier is GORGEOUS!!!!!!
December 4, 2008 at 11:54 pm
She is spoiled by choice. Wow! The only one I cannot see on her is Betsy’s entry. Otherwise I think she would look great in anything. I really like the Isaac dress. Very pretty.
December 5, 2008 at 12:50 am
Michelle Obama has a a wonderful sense of style and we are confident that she will weed out the wheat from the chaff from these beautiful selections. As for those beautiful girls, I do remember the rules on the arms being covered per my lovely aunts. Actually, per my aunts, a young girl NEVER wore the color black either. It was much too mature. However, times change. As long as the dresses are age appropriate and tasteful, these young ladies will look lovely I am sure. One can only hope good taste will prevail.
December 5, 2008 at 11:38 pm
This is a glorious game; I want to cut out the drawings and play paper dolls! Most fun site ever, really. Gosh, given our fist lady’s Olympiad bone structure Michael Kors’ beautiful blue has my vote unless, Goddess forbid, he is hinting at glitter on the skirt. No no! So IMO it best to must go with the drop dead elegant Peter Som. TP’s assessment of the de la Renta ruffle debacle for the innately elegant Malia has me in stitches. I completely agree about the sleeveless look for children under 14 affording way too much exposure. There’s plenty of time for that later and one does want the poor things to be warm. Where is the creativity in dressing young ladies as little adults? Betsy of course is fabulous… there is always a sassy little Betsy Johnson hiding in us all. Sigh!
January 21, 2009 at 3:36 am
I am positive that she has read this page!