Michelle Obama, New Icon

« I hope that women learn to wear what they love » said Michelle Obama since that is what she does. The First Lady of the United States managed to impose her style very rapidly.

We have said it already, the importance of a first lady is essential. Ms Obama unintentionally became a fashion icon. The gown she wore at her husband’s inauguration ball is now exposed in the Smithsonian Museum next to her predecessor’s. That is how style is important in the American public opinion. But Michelle Obama did not stop there. Annie Leibovotz dedicated her a cover in Vogue Magazine in March 2011, making her the second first lady to pose for the authoritative magazine as regards fashion.

Michelle Obama's gown for her husband's inauguration ball, exposed in the Smithsonian Museum 

But far from staying captive of a pre-constructed circle, the 44^th US first lady asserts her style. She appreciates being surrounded by young designers such as Jason Wu and Isabel Toledo. She also surprised everybody when she wore a dress from H&M for a talk show. Ms Obama created her own style, sometimes off the beaten track and that is what gives it so much impact. If fashion isn’t wearing anything one’s like and want according to one’s personality, what is it then? The First Lady understood it well and makes it a point to share her view.

Michelle Obama wearing H&M for the Today Show

  However, she does not put her role of First Lady aside for all that. To represent the first world power requires a special attention in her choice of outfits. The first mistake could become a diplomatic incident when under the international spotlights. Michelle Obama is aware of that fact. She went on an official visit in India and chose an Indian designer, Naeem Khan who created for her a gown very similar to the traditional saris. 

Michelle Obama wearing Naeem Khan for an official visit in India 

And when the Chinese president Hu Jintao visited the White House, she commits a “stylistical diplomatic incident” (according to French newspaper Paris-Match) by choosing a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown instead of an American designer when hosting her husband’s most  formidable counterpart. But Michelle Obama sends her own message and the symbolism is to be found in something else like in the colors, black and red, red being the symbolic color of china. Once again Ms Obama created her own path, challenges the codes and revolutionizes the diplomacy of the gowns by “wearing what she likes”. Thank you Ms Obama, allowing H&M to enter the White House proves what a Great Lady you are.

Michelle Obama wearing Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen  during the Chinese president's official visit in the United States

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(translated from French by Absolute B.)