Michelle Obama in Black and White x 3

The first time we beheld Michelle Obama and her husband as a vision in black and white was on January 20, 2009, the evening of all the Inaugural Balls.

They looked charmed, as if like they could dance all night at each affair. But what was truly smashing was the subliminal message contained in their clothes: a happy harmony of black and white.

Michelle Obama's one-shouldered chiffon gown showed off her beautiful bone structure and beaming face. The creamy white creation by designer Jason Wu made a striking contrast to the president's flawless black tux with white bowtie.

Sparkling white on bespoke black: you can't beat that classic elegance wherever you sail or fly around the world. The Obamas, with their shrewd political horse sense, didn't do that just by chance. They were saying, America, wake up from the nightmare! Black and white are finally fused and we two are one in Washington tonight. So are we all.

A dramatic sartorial statement, yet black on white got lost in translation on one of the most joyful evenings in American history. I let the Obamas' deft symbolism go down without a write.

Next thing I knew, the First Lady's official White House portrait, taken in the Blue Room, was published. Another gorgeous sleeveless dress that showed off her bold countenance and strong shoulders, this time in black. But then again, the double strand of white pearls, made the portrait another Obama fusion in black and white.

This simple, powerful coffee with cream blend showed up again today in London. Black and white proved for the third time in three months that it's not just a fashion choice. What better way to present oneself to the Queen of England if you are new, First Lady Michelle Obama? To Queen Elizabeth II and world leaders gathered there this week, the look makes crystal clear that we, the American people, are not the usual cup of tea anymore.

Much has been said about a supposed effort to echo Jacqueline Kennedy of the early 1960s, but I think Michelle Obama knows exactly who she is and how she is playing on a vast stage. Her approval ratings are up to 76% and she seems easy and secure in her own skin, with a strong Midwestern no-nonsense streak running through her. She is 45, about a dozen years older than Mrs. Kennedy was during her White House years.

Michelle Obama grasped going in that she reflects the state of the nation in a more personal way than her husband, President Obama. Just as Mamie Eisenhower represented the dowdy domesticity of the dark-sided 1950s, Michelle Obama has a historic opportunity to mirror us in the moment as a society that is both black and white. For the first time, really, we overcame our tragic racial past voluntarily -- without a fight, a march, or a court order.

And look at how good they go together.

Comments

[Crissy Patters]

Thank you, thank you, not only do your words make for reflective thinking it is nice to read an article that reflects the positive change the Obamas have made for America and the world. We see the strength of black and white together when they work together.

[Jamie Stiehm - Huffpost Blogger]

You're welcome, Crissy! It's my pleasure to point out something real already changing how we all see each other. A light essay but I am also dead serious. We're finally making peace with our racial past of bloodshed and tears. Just old enough to remember the day Dr. King died (6 in April 1968) and I wept myself to sleep, not knowing if that golden, stilled voice on the radio was - black or white. Thanks for writing, Jamie

[Weirdwriter]

A choice of black and white also shows consideration for others -- it about guarantees your outfit won't clash with anyone else's, and you won't look like you're trying to show up your hostess.

A small thing in another setting, but not this one. Jackie would have approved.

[montecarlo408]

I think that people should keep in mind how much older Michelle Obama is than Jackie O was when she was First Lady. There is an air of confidence and maturity in Mrs. Obama than Jackie O had when she was in the White House. Plus, Michelle Obama seems geniune. Jackie O always looked slightly pretentious and cold to me.

[robXdion]

Jackie O as 1st Lady always looked nervous and unsure of herself. JFKs known philandering didn't help. It wasn't coldness, it was demure withdrawal to keep herself balanced.

[anghiari]

I disagree. I think Jackie Kennedy was a perfect reflection of the 1960's and her upbringing. She did have an undergraduage degree, wrote for a newspaper and spoke 6 languages ...French, perfectly. I am not sure why the media has chosen to try and compare these two women. Wearing a sleeveles dress with a crew neckline does not a Jackie make...I remember those are the same type dresses with short jackets that I wore in the 60's, not copying Jackie, but because that was what we were all wearing in those days.

Michelle has two Ivy degrees, has worked as a lawyer and a hospital administrator. She is a tall woman and has to probably work a bit harder to find fashions that complement her height. Taller women are often a bit larger, not overweight by any means, so focus on great clothes that fit are a must for a professional woman.

We are living in a totally different time that Mrs. Kennedy, so any comparisons are really in the minds of the media who need to find something to write about whether it makes sense or not.

[Just Bee]

awesome and insightful! great article! Send it over to your peer Bonnie Fuller.. I think she could benefit from your perspective.

[Jamie Stiehm - Huffpost Blogger]

Just Bee, many thanks for the warm words. Knowing I reached readers like you means much to me. As for Bonnie Fuller, perhaps she'll pause to read my post...did you note Anna Post, great-granddaughter of Emily, praised the etiquette of Michelle's Queenly encounter? So we're in good company. Cheers!

[MPeter]

For most of the pontifications written on Michelles attire and manner in Europe the last couple days, finally here comes a simple but extremely thoughtful analysis. It is a pleasure to read and it explains reality the way most of us see and can relate to.

[Jamie Stiehm - Huffpost Blogger]

I really appreciate this comment because sometimes things are as simple as they seem! You and other Style reader seem to know what I mean. Usually post in Politics but you may be seeing more of me dressed in "black and white" here.