Access Blogs
Analyzing Michelle Obama's Inauguration Style
by Mandi Norwood, author & Access guest blogger
What can we say, but Wow, Wow and Wow!
When Mrs. Obama appeared at Barack's side this inaugural morning, she was more than a breath of fresh air. She was a dazzling ray of sunshine in a gorgeous yellow, mirrored ensemble by Isabel Toledo.
Symbolizing optimism and confidence, the sheath dress and coat was a spectacular feat of glamour and artistry by the Cuban-born designer who was recently awarded the 2008 Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion. Slightly retro, beautifully tailored and fashioned with cheerful daisies with mirrored centers, the shimmering two-piece reflected the magnitude of the occasion, yet the simple silhouette created the accessibility of shape we have come to love of Mrs. O. Ever the style pragmatist, Mrs. Obama incorporated a super-fine layer of cozy cashmere between the dress and coat, pinned at the neck (to stop unsightly flapping and fluttering) by a vintage inspired diamante brooch.
As every fashionista knows, yellow can be a difficult color to wear. As w
ell as happy and confident, yellow can be so bold as to be unforgiving. In fact, early morning viewings of the Bush-Obama greetings made us doubt whether we truly loved Michelle's look. And then it struck us: the open dress coat cast an unflattering angle on Mrs. Obama's real-woman body. Happily, Toledo has a great eye for detail and elegant dressing, and had incorporated a delicate chiffon ribbon within the coat. When tied in a bow (which is so Mrs. O!), it fastened the coat and created a fitted and streamlined silhouette in a beautiful, flattering Empire line. Phew.
Michelle's make-up was radiant: subtly outlined lips with a satin pink lip color, soft brown-shadowed eyes fringed with rich mascara and those perfectly groomed brows created a glamorous and polished look. Together with softly blown, bobbed hair, her look was touchable and natural. Simply perfect for the occasion.
As usual, Mrs. Obama didn't just focus on her own look. She dressed her daughters, Malia and Sasha with equal and exquisite attention to detail. In adorable soft wool coats in crayon-colored brights, they too, sported the signature Michelle bow-tie ribbon belt.
Mandi Norwood is the author of "Michelle Style -- What Mrs. O Knows" (Harper Collins, due April 2009)
Can't say I loved this outfit.
I'm sorry but I think the media had made up its mind to "love" her clothes no matter what. Her day dress was ok, but nothing spectacular. Her ball gown looked like a mummy coming undone. I have to ask the media..."what were YOU thinking?" in the love fest???