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The Fashion Icon That is Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama was a First Lady like no other. There’s a down-to-earth charm to her that was not seen in other First Ladies, all of which is reflected in her unique sense of style. Michelle Obama has become known for donning beautiful outfits that maintain her classiness but make her approachable too.

Recently, ABC caught up with Michelle Obama’s go-to designers to gain insights on what it was like dressing the First Lady and here’s what they had to say.

Cuban designer, Isabel Toledo was the brain behind Michelle Obama’s exclusive handmade Inaugural Parade dress back in 2008. Getting emotional thinking about the moment, Toledo stated that the dress communicated optimism in a time of much despair; it represented the change that was to follow. Michelle Obama paired the one-of-a-kind dress with J. Crew gloves, making a statement that she wasn’t much different to any other American citizen.

Being a relatively unknown designer despite being in the industry for about a decade, Toledo cannot thank the First Lady enough for giving her the opportunity to design her on such a monumental day in American history.

Michelle Obama brought a revolution to the First Lady attire. She kept it traditional when it was required but brought in her own panache when she could. She donned bold prints, experimented with textures and dared to go sleeveless. She went where no First Lady had gone and sported strapless and off-shoulder looks as well.

According to Nina Garcia, the Creative Director of Marie Claire, Mrs. Obama’s fashion choices made her accessible. She made it to the front covers of renowned fashion magazines in her signature sleeveless look and “every woman wanted those very ripped arms”, claims Garcia. On occasions when she’s interacting with the American public, the First Lady is seen sporting consumer brands such as J. Crew and Ann Taylor. During exclusive events, she flawlessly flaunted designer wear. Garcia continues saying “she was a First Lady that mixed high and low fashion, she was relatable.”

Michelle Obama is considered the “career-launcher” of many young designers, including Jason Wu and  Prabal Gurung. Taiwan-born, Wu was awarded the title of Fashion Group International’s Rising Star back in 2008. Wu was recommended to Mrs. Obama by Vogue Magazine editor-at-large, Andre Leon Talley. She purchased 4 dresses from him immediately and even wore one for a segment of Barbara Walter’s special. But it was Wu’s one-shoulder white applique gown that the First Lady donned at one of the Inaugural balls in 2008 that fast-tracked his career.

Nepalese designer Prabal Gurung shares a similar story. He was just 31 years old at the time when the First Lady chose to wear his stunning smoky red gown to the White House Correspondent’s Dinner. Gurung is externally thankful for the First Lady’s fashion choices, saying “I wouldn’t be here had it not been for her and her gestures…”

It appears that Michelle Obama purposefully selected designers that were just entering the scene. She’s played a pivotal role in their careers. Toledo, Wu, and Gurung all happen to be immigrants as well. Michelle Obama’s decision to open doors for young immigrant designers to push their careers symbolizes the American Dream that so many immigrants long for.

However, the upcoming administration doesn’t share the Obamas’ enthusiasm for immigration and diversity. Designer Sophie Theallet, who is also one of the First Lady’s go-to designer, has publicly refused to design the next First Lady, Melania Trump because of “rhetoric of racism, sexism, and xenophobia unleashed by her husband’s presidential campaign,” reported the Huffington Post. Designer labels, Marc Jacobs, Derak Lam and Tom Ford have also refused to design the upcoming First Family.

Michelle Obama’s endearing personality has brought a welcomed change to the White House. She’s broken many traditions as a First Lady, including making the White House more accessible to its citizens and taking up initiatives that have a direct impact on people living in and out of America. Her taste in fashion was no different; she will always be remembered for her trailblazing style as one of America’s most iconic First Ladies. 

Judy Robinson

Judy Robinson is an enthusiastic blogger who spends her entire day writing quality blogs. She is a passionate reader and loves to share quality content prevalent on the web with her friends and followers. Her forte is Fashion, Fitness and lifestyle, keeping a keen eye on latest trends in those industries. For more updates follow her on Twitter @judyrobinson ...(Read More)

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