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First Lady's Fashion Reveals Bold Spirit

Fashionistas applaud Michelle Obama's choice of inaugural outfits

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 21, 2009 6:35 AM CST

(Newser) – Michelle Obama's striking fashion choices make her the most glamorous first lady America has seen in a while, Cathy Horyn writes in the New York Times. Her vivid, Isabel Toledo-designed inaugural outfit stood out against the sea of red and black coats on the Capitol steps, Horyn writes, outshone only by Aretha Franklin's spectacular crystal-studded hat.

Michelle's many-layered, one-shouldered gown for the inaugural balls, from another up-and-coming designer, may not have been as sophisticated as the inaugural outfit but it still made a bold statement, writes Horyn. "(Jason) Wu's dress bares Obama's arms and shoulders and brings the first lady into the modern era, in which glamour is defined by Hollywood and the red carpet rather than protocol and tradition," writes Robin Givhan in the Washington Post. The adventurous choice of outfits shows the first lady is "not afraid to express herself with fashion," Horyn adds, "and it is the kind of confidence that many women will recognize in themselves."

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance at the Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball at the National Building Museum in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama dance at the Commander in Chief Inaugural Ball at the National Building Museum in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Barack Obama walks down Pennsylvania Avenue with his wife Michelle Obama on their way to the White House in Washington Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
President Barack Obama walks down Pennsylvania Avenue with his wife Michelle Obama on their way to the White House in Washington Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle walk on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, during his inaugural parade..
President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle walk on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, during his inaugural parade..   (AP Photo/Jae Hong)
First lady Michelle Obama, accompanied by daughter Sasha and Malia, gestures during the inaugural parade in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
First lady Michelle Obama, accompanied by daughter Sasha and Malia, gestures during the inaugural parade in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Michelle Obama, left, and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, arrive for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.
Michelle Obama, left, and Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, arrive for the inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009.   (AP Photo/Jeff Christensen)
President Barack Obama, right, and first lady Michelle Obama wave as they arrive at the Western Ball in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009.
President Barack Obama, right, and first lady Michelle Obama wave as they arrive at the Western Ball in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009.   (AP Photo/Pablo Monsavais)
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Her clothes tell us that she has an adventurous spirit, as well as a sense of humor, and if some of these garments have almost an old-fashioned womanly quality, then they tell us that she is indeed not your average fashionista. - Cathy Horyn

Her coat and dress made her look exceptional—and vaguely regal. Her daughters, Malia in a grape-colored coat and black tights and Sasha in pale pink and tangerine, were like her little ladies-in-waiting. - Robin Givhan

I wanted to pick a very optimistic color, that had sunshine. I wanted her to feel charmed, and in that way would charm everybody else. - Isabel Toledo, designer of Michelle Obama's inaugural outfit

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
Shannonals
Jan 26, 2009 3:29 AM CST
Most likely because Mrs. Obama bought her clothing and Gov Palin had her clothing bought by the RNC which never went to a charity after the election and sat around in plastic bags.
Guest
Jan 22, 2009 12:41 AM CST
Because the media is biased! Sarah Palin dresses better than her any day, and is way better looking.
Guest
Jan 21, 2009 8:41 PM CST
Get over yourself. I haven't lost anything.....

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