Michelle Obama: Fashion's Next First Lady

 

Did you think I was finished talking about Michelle Obama? Mwahahahaha!!!

Well, the Narciso dress got mixed reviews (mostly boos) but I have already moved past that because A.) I don't think the dress was that bad.  The colors were beautiful. I loved the red/black color scheme for the family and B.) It is time to obsess about Michelle Obama's inauguration gown!

Of course, several top designers are already on it.  Women's Wear Daily reports that designers like Donna Karan and Thakoon Panichgul, the designer behind the much maligned floral print dresses she wore the night of her husband's DNC acceptance speech and the first debate, have expressed interest in designing a gown for her.  She may decide to go with Maria Pinto, the Chicago designer behind the famous Purple Dress.  She was there in Grant Park on the big night and she told the Wall Street Journal that she is ready to pack her bags and head to D.C. “Barack gave me this huge hug and said, ‘You’re coming to D.C. with us!”

Based on the campaign season (and her pre-stardom relationship with the Obamas), I have a feeling that our next FLOTUS will select a custom design by Ms. Pinto for the monumental evening of January 20, 2009. 

In other Michelle Obama fashion news, it looks like we may be able to see a Vogue cover featuring Mrs. Obama in the immediate future.  I have to say, this is a big duh! As this WWD article mentions, Vogue has been gunning for a Michelle Obama cover since last year when she was featured in the September 2007 issue and photographed by Annie Leibowitz: 

The Obama's close friend and advisor Valerie Jarrett was featured in Vogue last month and our next Second Lady, Dr. Jill Biden is featured in this month's issue with the women of the Biden family.

Even though I think Maria Pinto will design the inaugural gown, there are some other designers I would love to see Michelle Obama work with down the line.

Carmen Marc Valvo describes his design philosophy as "eveningwear that is modern and sensitive to comfort."  Sounds like Michelle Obama to me!  I think Carmen described his design philosophy perfectly and I am a long time fan because I can see myself in just about anything he designs.  The son of a doctor who wanted him to follow in his footsteps, Carmen knew that medicine was not for him and launched his first collection in 1989.  He is known for dressing celebrities like Vanessa Williams and Queen Latifah, but he is also a colon cancer survivor.

 

Carmen Marc Valvo Couture Beaded Two-Tone Gown

Carmen Marc Valvo with his friend Vanessa Williams in a public service campaign about colon cancer. 

Queen Latifah in Carmen Marc Valvo

Pauletta Washington in Carmen Marc Valvo.

Kevan Hall has dressed Vanessa Williams, Tina Fey, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Felicity Huffman and many other smart, interesting talented women just like them like California First Lady Maria Shriver.  Another fun fact?  His brother is the actor-director Vondie Curtis Hall.

Maria Shriver in Kevan Hall

 

Tina Fey in Kevan Hall

Kimberly Elise in Kevan Hall

Felicity Huffman in Kevan Hall

Vivica A. Fox in Kevan Hall

Now, keep in mind, I am not suggesting any of the dresses for Mrs. Obama (duh... I have to say that for some folks believe it or not).  I just wanted to give you a taste of each designer's sensibility.

Which designers would you like to see Michelle Obama work with as First Lady?

Comments

[Ladybrille]

Kevan Hall will nail it. He is just awesome at what he does. His Spring 2009 collection was just amazing beyond his long history of dressing fabulous women in his brilliant designs. Carmen is also strong. I love Oscar De La Renta also. I am sorry he so knows how to make great clothes! The price points might cause the eyebrows to raise for many. But guess what, she is a first lady now. She should be expected to dress in quality that reflects her position. Also, Nichelle is it just me or does Michelle wear flats for the most part?

[ana]

I would just die to see her in a Monique Lhullier or Carolina Herrera...Maybe show some love for more female designers!

Love your blog!

[CreoleInDC]

I don't care who it is as long as it's not Oscar. PLEASE don't let it be Oscar!

[Nichelle]

@Ladybrille: Agreed about Kevan and Carmen of course. As for Oscar De La Renta, I believe he has dressed every First Lady since Nancy Reagan, so the price points should not give anyone pause - especially for a First Lady!

And yes, I think she does wear flats or kitten heels quite often.

@ana Thanks for the kind words on the blog. As for female designers - Michelle Obama has worked with Maria Pinto of course, as well as Isabel Toledo. I think she's going to keep it quite even (male/female) and just go for American designers like all first ladies.

[sdg1844]

Carolina Herrera and Valentino.

[shellshell]

I saw Michelle in the recent issue of Glamour Magazine and she is wearing the most amazing earrings. They look like Mikimoto, does anybody know for sure?

[NAIJAGAL]

personally it is between maria pinto and kai milla

just my 2 cents