Michelle O: Fashion Provocateur?

Simon Doonan, the world's number one window designer and Barney's New York creative director, spoke about Michelle Obama's inauguration day fashion decision to wear an ensemble designed by Isabel Toledo. On the day of the sparkly lemon color ensemble debut, Doonan came up with three impromptu window designs for the Madison Avenue store as an "homage" to the designer and to congratulate the First Lady.

"We love that Mrs. Obama loves Isabel Toledo," said Doonan. "Get it?"

"There's no downside for the fashion world to have someone in the White House who has a natural poise and elegance," said Doonan.

with special thanks to Steve Schenk for his editing expertise and sds for her assistance.

Comments

[kushka53]

1. Michelle looked great at the We Are One concert. No problems here at all.
2. But she should have had on black gloves and shoes with her yellow Inaugural coat. Two different greens just didn't cut it on this formal occasion-the biggest of all. My friend from Paris said the French nearly had heart attacks at this style faux pas.
3. Ball gown's hem was TOO LONG for dancing and made her look awkward. It was tiresome watching her constantly pull it away from her back so hubbie wouldn't step on it. Another big error.
4. And, Horrors! WHAT was she wearing at the formal prayer service? Others had on suites and she had on a glorified Spring picnic dress. Pretty, but OUT OF PLACE.

[elle7]

· I LOVE THAT THE FIRST LADY IS GIVING LESSER KNOWN DESIGNERS A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY , MY FIRST QUESTION IS HOW DO I GET SOMETHING TO HER ? I AM A TALENTED DESIGNER ALSO ,CAN ANYONE OUT THERE HELP ME ? i WANT TO PUT IT IN HER HAND NOT TO BE PLACED ON A DESK SOMEWHERE ?
WHO ARE HER STYLIST ?, I THOUGHT SHE DIDNT HAVE ONE? HELP PLEASE !
· LASTLY, I DO THINK SHE IS MAKING A STATEMENT NOT TO BOX HER IN AS SHE HAS HER OWN MIND & TASTE, WHICH I FIND VERY REFRESHING !

[thelipstickfemme]

I think it is great that American designers with various ethnic backgrounds are being promoted. Our economy can use the boost and support within. No more European (Country) Haute Couture or Pret-a Porter designers in the White house for the next 4 yrs!

Representing the American Dream: These designers Toledo (Cuba) and WU (Chinese Taipei) both were able to melt into and benefit from educational opportunities and really are now being rewarded by this endorsement by the First Lady. What an historic part of their your careers.

[conniedogs]

I've been critical a time or two of some of Michelle's clothing choices, but I must say she hit a home run Inauguration Day! She was soooo beautiful....the yellow dress was a perfect match for her complexion, she looked ten yrs younger in her evening wear.

[Dallasite]

She looked fabulous!

[citadelgrrl05]

(i thought she looked fabulouse you guys are just use to seeing drabe polain looking old first ladies come into the 21st century!!

[Applecheeks]

Michelle wants to push fashion buttons. Jill Biden was lovely in her red dress, but its just your average couture dress that any starlet would have worn to the Oscars. Michelle wears quirky clothes. Love it!

[OneLiberalLady]

Agree with everything you said! I love Michelle's adventurous fresh approach. It is ladylike with yet a slight edge at times. Practical, yet flattering.

[OKRevmar]

I supported and voted for Obama. I think he and Michelle are a fantastic and inspiring couple.
That said, I have to say that Michelle's inaugural dress and evening gown were just horrible. What was she thinking? She needs to wear clothes that enhance her beauty, not detract from it.

[LadyX]

I totally agree with your post OKRevmar !!

Mrs. O needs to have a fashion designer that will choose the outfits for her. She doesn't seem to be able to do that on her own.
The camel/black outfit that she wore at the Lincoln Memorial was absolutely stunning, and she looked like the beauty that she really is. That is the ONLY outfit that has ever looked good on her.
Most of the things she wears (sheath dreses, pants, tops are too tight and ill fitting).
She is a beautiful woman, but she has no fashion sense.

[narcoleptik]

uh...ok, you have no fashion sense

[OneLiberalLady]

She sure looked beautiful in the yellow Isabel Toledo outfit. Loved the green accessories, too (gloves, shoes).

[Smaiyna]

....I have to say that Michelle's inaugural dress and evening gown were just horrible. What was she thinking? She needs to wear clothes that enhance her beauty, not detract from it.....

OKRevmar it is obvious to me you're neither a designer or stylist because you have no clue as to what style or fashion sense is about.

[loraxcp]

I don't know... should I go with you or the Creative Director for Barney's New York. Hmmm...this is tough, but I think I'm going to go with the GUY WHO IS A PROFESSIONAL IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY!