It is curious to notice the role that fashion and physical appearance play in politics. How many times have we witnessed the influence of looks on the election results in the United States? During a political campaign both the candidate and their spouse have to pay close attention to the messages they convey to voters through their image. From the day Barack Obama publicly announced his decision to run in the 2008 presidential election, the entire Obama family came under close observation. Michelle Obama’s fashion taste has been scrutinized by the national and global media.
Through all these different major public appearances, Mrs. Obama’s taste for fashion has either been criticized or praised by fashionistas. Some have commended her choice of bold colors and sleeveless cuts that highlight her image. Critics have exaggerated her love for cardigans by saying that they are too casual or inexpensive for a first lady. However, there is a general consensus that she is indeed, a fashion icon.
When Mrs. Obama began campaigning for her husband in 2006, she tried to avoid wearing suits because she didn’t want to come off as dominant or overpowering. Nor did she want to follow the trend of the typical political wife attire. Instead, Mrs. Obama began setting her own trend by mixing and matching dresses, cardigans and accessories from stores such as J. Crew to designers like Jason Wu.
The 5 ft 10-inch first lady, who is rumored not to have a fashion stylist, knows exactly what to wear to accentuate her figure. During her 2008 debut appearance on the ABC morning talk show, The View, Mrs. Obama wore a black-and-white floral dress with no sleeves. A few months later, the sleeveless purple sheath Maria Pinto dress she wore on stage for the Democratic presidential nomination was another big win. Fast forward to the historical inauguration ball in Jan. 2009, where the first lady looked absolutely radiant in her one-shouldered ivory gown designed by Jason Wu.
Nationally, Mrs. Obama has been compared to Jackie Onassis, one of the most fashionable American first ladies whose fashion legacy continues today. She has also been compared to French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, a former supermodel. When these two ladies met for the first time in Strasbourg during the 2009 NATO conference, the “Fashion police” of Hollywood entertainment site E! Online did not hesitate to name this as the “European summit fashion” event. Mrs. Obama donned a floral print Jason Wu necktie coat over a fitted dress and Bruni was spotted in a similar Christian Dior necktie suede coat—both first ladies wore their outfits with elegance.
Mrs. Obama has been listed on several best-dressed lists and featured on numerous covers for fashion magazines. Whether she is touring the world with the president, hosting state dinners or spending time with her daughters, she stays true to the colors, prints and cuts that not only accentuate her figure but also give her an impeccable public image. She can definitely teach fashion enthusiasts a lesson or two.
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