Fashion Face-Off! Michelle Obama And Carla Bruni-Sarkozy Finally Meet In France (VIDEO, PHOTOS, POLL)

*Video, poll and slideshow below*

Update: See a slideshow of more first lady fashion at Friday night's NATO dinner and concert.

**
The meeting of first lady fashion forces Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and Michelle Obama has been one of the most highly anticipated get-togethers of the Obamas' European trip this week.

Bruni-Sarkozy was interviewed inside the Michelle Obama issue of Vogue in March, telling the magazine that she hates makeup, clothes and jewelry. Nevertheless, as a former supermodel she's become an international fashion icon, a role her American counterpart is quickly stepping into.

After the election in November, Bruni told David Letterman "France is thrilled, delighted. I think the whole world is delighted."

On Friday, the two women and their husbands finally met in Strasbourg, France.

The first ladies' outfits complemented each other, and each stuck to their favorite designer. Michelle wore a poppy printed Thakoon coat over a matching pink dress, while Carla wore a belted Dior trench in gray suede. Both coats had a bow on the neck and fell just below the knee.

Michelle wore black kitten heels while Carla went for Dior flats.

Story continues below

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SLIDESHOW:

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The world's most fashionable first ladies meet.

Upon arrival, Michelle Obama greeted Carla Bruni-Sarkozy with "Bonjour!" and a double-kiss.
WATCH:

POLL:

Quick Poll

Whose Look Do You Prefer?

Michelle Obama's

Carla Bruni-Sarkozy's

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*Or see more about Carla Bruni-Sarkozy's style*

*Or see all the outfits Michelle Obama wore in Europe here.*

Comments

[mamekibr]

I don't remember such conversations concerning the Mrs. Bush 1 or 2.. At time there were some on Clinton, I know no comparison but if she wore very expensive clothing I can imagine the comments. Oh, yes.
So let her dress however she cares.

[theredqueen]

I love the pink dress, it's a fabulous color for the first lady and the style is timelessly elegant.

[chimom]

Thank God!! Finally her hairdresser had the good sense to use the super strength relaxer. Now, how about some bangs to cover that forehead.

[L3ftofC3nter]

h a t e r alert....

[kd1313]

I hope everyone realizes how sexist this Michelle Obama fashion narrative is. You never hear critiques about the president's suits or ties. People hate this crap....http://hateonme.com

[sfn8iv]

Well....if President Obama wore a tuxedo to a press conference or a town hall meeting..... or a speedo while playing basketball.... then you might get some comments.

[liminal67]

What's up with the poll?

http://pitchbendpost.blogspot.com/

[sfn8iv]

While I adore our First Lady, I also believe that someone needs to advise her on what is, and is not, appropriate for day and evening wear in terms of fabric and style.

But, then, what the heck do I know. In San Francisco, we wear black most of the time. :-)

[jazabelz]

Obviously you don't know much. You need to loosen up a little and enjoy life -- wear color and don't worry so much what everyone else will think!

[sfn8iv]

You're the one who needs to "loosen up." I have an opinion and did not insult anyone. You, on the other hand, felt it necessary to tell me that I "don't know much."

[cariocamum]

Stop stop STOP!!! How can you compare these two women? Michelle Obama came from a poor black family and went on to excel at Princeton, and forge an incredibly career all on her own merit. Carla Bruni is a rich heiress, who made her name by selling her body (which is what models do, let's face it) and sleeping with famous men to get famous herself.

I don't care what they are wearing, Michelle Obama is the role model I would want for my own daughter any day.

And this over-attention to what these women are wearing at every minute of the day is just sexist chauvinist crap. Women as Barbie dolls in 2009! We've come so far....not.

[brandalucia]

Where are you getting this background info? Most everything you have commented on is false. In regard to the "poor black background", her excelling at Princeton and her subsequent career. Her family was middle class; her father worked for the gov't. She admits that her HS grades were below par to get into Princeton, but somehow she did...Affirmative Action certainly, and her career never amounted to much work until the University Hospital manufactured a position for her: Office of Diversity Hiring...after B Obama made some concessions- gov't grants to that hospital while in the Illinois Legislature.

[JodyMcg]

Better check on your Affirmative Action comment. You are assuming that because an African American woman gets accepted to Princeton that it must be because of Affirmative Action and not on her own merits. Before you post lies check with Princeton's admission department and do your research. Otherwise your post smacks of racism.

[mssreader]

I wouldn't call living in a one bedroom apt with two children middle class and her father was a blue collar worker for the city. Get YOUR information right not that it matters. Lincoln came from an impoverished background and became our most loved president and the list goes on. Just live and stop with all this bickering and who did what. I'm white, I'm a democrat who proudly voted for Obama and am proud of the achievement of this country and I admire Michelle but I don't like many of her clothes but women are always going to be this way. It's a gal thing and I bet Michelle does the same thing. So loosen up and do something good for yourself. Please.

[naschkatze]

Her father worked for the city of Chicago (Water Department or some other utility) and not in a management position. They did not own their own home but lived in a small apartment on the Southside of Chicago. She was a top flight high school student and didn't need any favors getting into Princeton.

[Alicia Edwards]

Ouch...that is a bit harsh but I do understand where you are coming from. The two women are worlds apart in upbringing but face it they are both on the national stage. Michelle does it her way and Carla the French way.

http://fashionasmusings.blogspot.com/2009/04/fashionas-big-move.html

[mssreader]

I get so tired of poor uneducated women like you going on about Michelle's achievements like she's the only black woman who ever achieved anything or went to an ivy league college. Grow up and reach out and go to Harvard if you want to. Women do get to do these things you know.

[naschkatze]

Michelle would be my model too, but Carla Bruni seems like a sweet person to me. She's just a free spirit.

[1088]

They are depicting the First Lady against Carla Bruni and now they are depicting the First Lady against her husband the President. You know, I have to laugh about all this, because they now are barking up the wrong tree. No one can break up the Obamas! Look, they are partners and love each other. They are very supportive of each other and they bass in each other glory. Michelle is the Closer, the Rock of the family and the love of the President's life. So good luck to those fools!!

[mad as heck]

It pains me to say it, but Carla Bruni is more appropriately dressed here. Michelle Obama needs to learn the difference between day and after-five wear, in material as well as cut. IMO she should wear more dresses along the lines of the red one she wore for the first visit to the White House. It was elegant and dignified. Coatdresses such as the ones favored by Princess Diana for daytime appearances would also flatter her. I think, also, that Michelle would benefit from some help on how to move and sit for the camera. These may sound like trivial matters, but any public figure - and especially one whose photographs are going to be so widely publicized - is smart to learn how to send the image they want to project. I mean no criticism, as this isn't something most of us are born with. Carla has years of modeling where she probably learned how to carry herself. Before any slams me, I'm a big supporter of the Obamas and wish them nothing but the best.

[NevaforLeadership]

Me too. A big Obama suppurter. And I agree. Michelle Obama is a public figure now -- a beautiful public figure, but some fashion advice and a stylist would do wonders for her. She would be more comfortable as well.

[brandalucia]

Something is not right here. Last year we saw Mrs. Obama in beautiful bold-colored sheaths and lovely jewelry...she looked great. Now on the world stage she looks like a Macy's catalog shopper. Is she trying to fool everyone that she is "just like regular folk"? I don't buy the switch. It's like she allowed her two daughters to choose these faddish, awful "designs". Throw them all out of Air Force I over the Atlantic..­.please!!!

[mssreader]

mad as heck I agree with you 110%. One just can't compare these two women. I admire Michelle while there is nothing to admire Carla Bruni for but she does know how to dress and Michelle does too some of the time. She just needs a little help. And I mean no criticism either it's just the truth.

[americancolonyinhell]

Obviously, it's not fair to compare the 2 two first ladies, but as sport it's fun. Having said that, I think Ms. Bruni-Sarkozy wins hands down. Even her legs are prettier. Are there any plans to put her profile on a French coin?

[naschkatze]

I can't vote. They both look terrific, and they're two different types. Michelle is the alpha apple and Carla is the alpha orange.

[madisonhack]

My guess is that Michelle is fluent in French and several other languages. Our last First lady only spoke George.

[brandalucia]

you guessed wrong. Most all of Europe speaks English as it is taught in grade schools. If you have ever travelled to Europe you would know that a 7 yr. old can help you with any question as they can speak English.

[madisonhack]

I guessed wrong as in what...where? The part about our new First Lady being educated and refined? Or the part about our last First Lady being an apologist for a war criminal?

[naschkatze]

I never read that, but I've read that President Obama speaks Spanish.

[glorialovelace]

He certainly didn't speak any Spanish -- spontaneously -- during the campaign -- when it would have helped a lot for him to be able to.

[glorialovelace]

How could Michelle be "fluent" in French or any other language?

In order to be "fluent" -- as opposed to creaking along in high school French -- a person needs to have some place where she can speak the language regularly.

[impatient]

Well no. But you need to have spent some time with the language.

Living in various countries leaves the language with you.

Carla Bruni speaks French, Italain, and English fluently and she speaks a little German.

[brandalucia]

According to M Obama's press office; she does not speak any foreign languages...her children are trying to learn Spanish.

[randman2009]

Why do you assume she speaks several other languages? Because you love her so much and you are blindly projecting whatever positive characteristics you can think of on her?

Fact is she speaks English, and thats it. Dont distort the facts to conform to your preconceptions.

[mssreader]

When you are very wealthy as Carla is, and go to boarding schools and born in Italy and living in France it's a healthy guess that she speaks a few languages. So what. I work with a woman who speaks 5 languages and she was born in Texas and another woman who only speaks 4 languages and she was born in Ca. So what! I don't think speaking a few languages is so very rare. I do think Michelle speaks Spanish or at least one other language as it's required in college.

[WilliamL]

She lacks style and a fashon sense. The little outfit she has on above looks more than a little clownish.

She needs to consider getting some new advice in this arena so her clothing does not continue to be such a rediculous distraction.

Her clothers look like hell more often than not.

[brandalucia]

Always nice to have a fellow's opinion as that IS why woman dress as they do. You are correct - she has chosen poorly with this ensemble of cheapo-looking clothes. But don't fret...someone from NY will come to her this week and set her on a style course...just as they did for Hillary.

[NevaforLeadership]

They never did get their job done on Clinton. She went from unkempt radical to stodgy over fifties.

[palmseast]

Unlike some empty-headed bimbos back in Paris (and wherever you are....dear...lol), Mrs. O. does not need any "style course". She's a lady of substance and accomplishment in her own right. You have a 1950s idea of why women do what they do, time to wake up and realize it's 2009 and not the era of Louis XIV's mistresses. lol

[mssreader]

MMMMMMMMMM, I can't figure out who you are talking about? Please be specific.

[citizen of the universe]

Why can't we hear about what they talked about. Will there be future collaborations on topics like, international adoptions, climate change, or anything that will benefit the world. This whole fashion craze is beyond me. I don't see how people dedicate their lives to fabric and material, but, "to each his own." Cicero

[jjgg5]

Do their outfits really matter? This was a diplomatic visit. The women seemed sincerely comfortable meeting and greeting each other. Why does the media (both liberal and conservative) focus on such trivial matters as clothes? Was the media hoping that the two First Ladies would engage in a hair pulling cat fight? That would be "entertainment news" (an oxymoron). The world is in serious trouble. Newspeople should concentrate on newsworthiness. In the present climate, we don't care about fashion designers.

[bentax645]

Hear, Hear!

[brandalucia]

Guess there are a few sensible people in here.

[brandalucia]

These people are celebrities and the public wants to know about them. Why do you think the electorate is so uneducated on government but knows all about Angelina & Brad? The Obamas are the current fad and I think they love the attention. It IS all about them in the end. I frankly think they are the new movie stars since I don't think he knows a thing about how to govern this country.

[palmseast]

Your problem is you have no idea what celebrity is versus politician, nor why people chose as they did last year. If you want to know about a man who didn't know a thing about how to govern this country, why not go back down to Crawford where your hero/heroine returned to? They need yard help there.