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December 2, 2008 7:35:49 PM CST

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For Political Wives, It's All in the Dress

Posted Sep 6, 08 3:14 PM CDT in Politics,  Arts & Living 

(Newser) – First lady fashions are more than trivial concerns: Their choices reflect on presidential campaigns and hold the power to spark new trends, writes Robin Givhan in the Washington Post. Cindy McCain "has endorsed the status quo" by turning to White House veteran Oscar de la Renta, while Michelle Obama "has shown her willingness to embrace a new generation of designers."

First lady fashion "is a troublesome combination of hostess, national Madonna and champion of some wholly uncontroversial cause," writes Givhan—but rather than play it safe, candidates' wives should shake up the industry. "With such a strong generation of new designers swaggering forth in New York over the coming week, it's disheartening to see such a lack of imagination."

Source Washington Post

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Cindy McCain waves during her speech at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Sept. 4, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Michelle Obama speaks during the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Aug. 25, 2008.   (AP Photo, file)
Oscar de la Renta backstage before a New York show, Sept. 10, 2007. De la Renta designed inaugural gowns for both Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.   (AP Photo, file)
Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential candidate Sen., John McCain, R-AZ., walks onto the stage at the start of a campaign rally Friday afternoon, Sept. 5, 2008 in Sterling Heights, MI.   (AP Photo)
Cindy McCain, wife of Republican presidential candidate John McCain, speaks at the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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As a country, we remain predisposed to assessing the attire of women with an eye toward meaning and revelation. Some might say it is sexist to do so. They are wrong. - Robin Givhan, The Washington Post

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fashion • Michelle Obama • Cindy McCain • first lady • fashion designer • Oscar de la Renta • Robin Givhan


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