Michelle Obama’s inaugural fashion an all-American tribute
It might be back to business in Washington, D.C. but the inaugural interlude made for a stylish few days.
Michelle Obama showed a lot of love for Jason Wu, of course, dressing for the second time in one of his gowns for the inaugural balls. But her choices for other official functions once again demonstrated her loyalty to the American fashion industry as well as her penchant for staying true to her own fashion identity.
Obama’s ivory embellished Naeem Khan coat and dress ensemble for Tuesday’s prayer service, the black beaded Michael Kors dress she wore over the weekend and even the casual looks she donned all showed her support for the $350 billion fashion industry, said Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
“She’s a great force for American fashion,” Kolb said. “She’s doing more than just picking clothes; she’s making a statement. She knows that fashion drives the American economy, whether she’s wearing something from a small start-up or a mega brand like J. Crew.”
That said, the first lady selected things “she feels pretty and comfortable in,” Kolb said. And she always puts her own stamp on an outfit. That’s why she accented her sharply tailored custom coat and dress from Thom Browne with a jeweled sash from J. Crew. And why she chose one of her signature cardigans rather than a jacket to toss over her dress for inauguration day lunch. And also why she decided it was time for a new hairstyle with bangs for her 49th birthday just before all the inaugural hoopla started.
There were others to watch besides FLOTUS of course, and Dr. Jill Biden always represents well at these occasions. She made a smart choice in a Lela Rose coat with a big bow on the front for the inaugural swearing in, and was sophisticated that evening in a cowl-neck blue satin dress from Vera Wang.
The right coat — well tailored and preferably in a flattering color — is a key piece for these occasions when you’re being photographed outdoors, in the cold. That’s what made Eva Longoria’s pink leather wrapper look both fashion forward and chic. And of course the Obama daughters were lovely in their violent and periwinkle princess coats from J. Crew. Jenna Lyons, the brand’s creative director, said the coats are classics on the company’s line, but that the colors Sasha and Malia wore will be retired.
As far as couples making a statement, it was hard to take your eyes off Jay-Z and Beyonce at the swearing-in ceremony, lip synching lyrics or not. His Tom Ford suit and her beaded dress and fur coat might have been a little over the top, but we wouldn’t be expecting this pair to be wearing the proverbial Republican cloth coats now would we?
Let’s hope we can see more such style on display throughout the administration. It is stimulating the economy, after all.