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Michelle Obama not new Jacqueline Kennedy
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Also by Jessica Gressa:
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In 1961, Jacqueline Kennedy stole the public eye with her impeccable fashion sense the moment she attended the inaugural ball in a satin ivory gown designed by American Oleg Cassini. Her style exuded glamorous modernity, yet reflected on classic American culture. Her time as first lady was characterized by her dedication to the arts, the televised tour of the renovated White House, the fashion-designer friends. Her social eloquence, dedication to the arts and photogenic appearance instantly won over the media placing her alongside Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn with the title of “fashion icon.”
Now, almost 50 years later, a first lady has entered the White House potentially claiming the title once held by Jackie O. Michelle Obama’s similarities to Jackie are undeniable. Michelle is young, modern and has captivated the American people and media. With this in mind, I can understand why Michelle is suddenly being mistakenly labeled a “fashion icon.” Don’t get me wrong; I adore Michelle Obama as a woman and as a first lady. I think she is stunning, supportive and an incredibly optimistic symbol for our country. She looks good in contemporary fashion and attempts to break away from the stiff skirt-suit, unlike Laura Bush, gaining the respect of the fashion world. Although I do admire her unconventional choices, Michelle does not always hit the mark or display the same sophistication that would grant her the title of “icon.”
For starters, our first lady wore a hideous gown on the night her husband was elected president. I do not care in what way the glossy fashion mags try to spin it — that was not attractive. She did, in fact, choose a designer highly praised in the fashion world but not commercially known; however, she did not pick an appropriate gown. The fit was terrible for her body. It made her look heavy, which she most definitely is not. The splattered paint/blood was not too inviting or optimistic. The bolero she wore, although in Vogue, was an unnecessary addition making the outfit frumpy. Her simpler choices, such as J. Crew cardigans and tweed pencil skirts, are a contemporary version of the typical first lady uniform typically worn by preppy sorority girls. Nothing about that is unique or iconic.
I was always skeptical of the “icon” nomination but wanted to wait until the inaugural ceremony and balls to make my final judgment. With that said, the only thing louder than Michelle’s canary-yellow Isabel Toledo jacket was Aretha Franklin’s rhinestone-encrusted hat. The jacket was unquestionably bold, but a true icon makes a statement with the simplest of outfits, such as the case of Coco Chanel and the classic LBD. The fabric looked like it came from a stuffy embroidered curtain hanging in a White House window. Her inaugural ball gown gained much praise from the media but failed to impress me. I thought the dress was modern and on trend with the asymmetrical, one-shoulder, Grecian style, but looked like it had been shredded by their new pet dog. It also was not completely age-appropriate and looked like it belonged on a young Hollywood starlet walking the red carpet.
One thing Michelle has done right is combining inexpensive designer pieces with the high-end. Her choice of J. Crew and H&M is humbling. It also inspired American women to go out and shop. In these “economic times,” a first lady who can encourage consumer spending may greatly improve the American economy and create hope that things will change. Michelle’s support of American designers is marvelous as well. Her choices of Maria Pinto and Narciso Rodriquez as favorites put America back on top in a European-dominated industry. Since her appearance in the hideous Isabel Toledo jacket, Toledo’s career has taken off. She has gone from being unable to run advertisements due to limited funds to a household name. But some members of the Black Arts Association are unhappy with Michelle’s choices. They are upset Michelle has yet to wear anything from a black designer. Now that she is in the spotlight for her style, the pressure is on to please all, even if she did not ask for it.
The main reason Michelle Obama should not be recognized as a fashion icon is that she is not in any way attempting to be one. She does not have close relationships with the designers, she has not studied art or design and she herself said she just wears what she likes. I understand that Michelle Obama may be young and has brought change as first lady, but she is no match for the demure, chic style of the notorious icons. Our first lady should be recognized for her intelligence, confidence and generosity, characteristics that reach beyond the superficial and are true complements. Michelle Obama is a symbol for optimism and change that is about to sweep the nation — but not one for fashion.
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Your assessments of the dress choices are correct, the First Lady does need to be more careful about what she chooses because she does have the perfect physicasl attributes to be a fashion leader for this country. However, to “adore her” is a description I find very frightening, has she become Mrs. Messiah? Admire her, like her, honor her, but please leave the word adoration in your dictionary. Jill
Adoration is for God only.
If Michelle had come from the same background of privilege that Mrs. Kennedy enjoyed, there would be an inherent fashion sense.
Mrs. Obama needs guidance.
“Mrs. Obama needs guidance.” Because she’s not as “privileged?” So one needs money to also have fashion sense?
And adoration is not limited to gods. Good lord.
this article was ridiculous. you are comparing a woman who has been the first lady for less than a week in 2009, to a woman in the early 60s. I think we can’t compare todays fashions to the “icons” of the previous century. now a days, we need someone who portrays the (almost) typical woman. a woman raising 2 children, and a woman supporting her husband. if she likes wearing tweed skirts and J. crew cardigans, it is obviously because she feels comfortable in it, not because she is trying to become an icon. yes, it is important to look presentable, but i think michelle obama has more important things to do that to become bffs with fashion designers.
and, you keep on contradicting yourself. you want her to seem less stuffy, less laura bush, more iconic…but then you accuse her of dressing like a pop icon. exactly what DO you want her to wear?
She is in need of much guidance in her clothing choice. She needs to learn to dress appropriatley to hide the many body flaws, she has. She is not built proportionatly, and needs to find more flattering clothing for her body shape.
very interesting ideas and comments. i’d say her actions are true to her words—she wears what she likes and in person —i’d hazard a guess—looks radiant, in large part cuz she is happy wearing what she loves!! i also believe her husband’s choice(in part foisted on him)to emulate at times the style of KENNEDY (while for substance he has chosen FDR or LINCOLN) influences his wife,albeit unconsciously, to reflect, at times such as the inaugural ball, JACKIE. in all events, as good actors always say: DO STEAL BUT ONLY FROM THJE BEST WHEN YOU PLAY YOUR ROLE… esp. ON THE STAGE OF HUMANITY. IT HURTS NO ONE AND PROBABLY HELPS THE WORLD AT LARGE. i do not use a tv so my sightings are in the newspaper and i will note that she does not choose with how it will photogragh in mind, as that is a whole other science, if-you- will. who cares? all and all, i look forward to her freshness and her decision to dress- for-self attitude.it is so nice not to have a first lady taking dictates from media fashion mavens and equally nice not to have a first lady dictating to us!! hear, hear!!
is that a joke? she has many body flaws? please post a link to a picture of your perfect body…
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d186/mqutt/Victorias%20Secret/vs2005-giselle-bundchen-05.jpg
This is the my idea of a perfect body
Adam
gg
We are seeing the “before” Michelle as First Lady. What fun we will have watching her transform in this role. You have only to see a recent TIME magazine article (Jan.26.2009) which showed her in 5-6 outfits and predicted her as America’s Next Top Model. She is fab in longer sleek dresses that flatter her curves and cover her (large) knees. She is also better when her posture is confident and tall instead of yikes…I’m not really ready for the stage slouch (in the same photos). I have every confidence M. will grow into this. Her smooth page boy is already modified from her flip style hair during the campaign. Michelle will inspire as F.L. with causes (military families), devoted mom, and wife with brains and beauty. Think of Hillary Clinton’s continual physical transitions as First Lady and let the show begin.
Michelle just is radiant. Look at her, and admire her open, happy smile.
Very accurate assessment. Michelle Obama is to be admired for her gracious gift of inclusion with people from varied backgrounds, solid family values, and partnership of hope for all with her husband.
Michelle Obama is contemporary and enjoys fashion but definitely could use guidance in choosing designers that understand the art of draping textiles to enhance her statuesque body with fluid elegance.
We all learn along the way. This a unique opportunity to explore the infinite options that she will be presented ahead of her. She has the spirit of openness to welcome diversity and together with a beautiful family….. inspire the world.
She could really use a hair dresser…Im sorry but she is NOT a fashion ICON