Jan 20: Malia Ann & Sasha Obama wore J. Crew at the Swearing In Ceremony. (Someday I will order two fully trimmed children from the Crew Cuts catalog.) 
Jan 20: Michelle Obama in Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo’s gold brocade shift with matching overcoat at the swearing-in ceremony (yes her shoes do match her pistachio gloves)
Jan 20: Originally from Taipei, Jason Wu at the fresh age of 26, is rising American Fashion Ingenue.
So what does all this silk chiffon and lamé brocade translate into politically?
First, w
hile each of Michelle’s inauguration designers was American, two were immigrants, and one was a first generation son of immigrants. All of the designers were small, independent shops. Whatever they lacked in common notoriety; they made up for in uncommon vision. Obamamerica is still an opportunistic melting pot, ready to bless internationally grown talent and industry.Second, Lady Obama’s choice of a
26 year old fashion prodigy for her inaugural ball gown, the zenith of political fashion, speaks to the first couple’s faith in American youth. The 18-30 year old demographic not only hosted the hottest of the ten inaugural balls, but had shown up in droves to elect her husband.Third, inaugural fashion is always hopeful, but the modern elegance of Michelle’s sunny yellow brocade prophesied of brighter days to come. The innocent romance of her floor length, ivory gown nodded to the blank slate the Obamas hope to lead American into over the next four years.
Real life starts tomorrow, but for now, see if you can s
croll this post fast enough to see Barack & Michelle waltzing to Beyonce’s “At Last.”Feed me fashionably fresh
REACHEL! (excited yelling with mini hand claps) We. Must. Get. Those. Gloves. They are green!
I couldn’t agree more about ordering kids from Crewcuts. When I bought my niece a super-soft sherpa-lined hoodie from there, it was all I could do not to keep it for myself (and turn it into a muff, I guess). They put such sweet outfits together.
When I first read your post I got confused about the “lame brocade” – having loved the brocade, I was worried my taste was going to get me tossed from your empire! I’m hoping, though, that you meant lamé and that you liked the look as much as me.
Love your blog!
yes lamé not lame, I loved the brocade too, but am not very skilled at adding appropriate accents to terms we’ve borrowed from the French 🙂
It is two thirty in the morning and I needed this post to make feel like I can go to sleep in peace. I loved it all, from the photos and descriptions to your summary at the end. Woman, you are brilliant and as I read I thought “I miss Reachel.”
Your favorite Apple,
Courtney Jane
I love your comparison to Jackie Kennedy. It is so true, she is just as stylish, but not in an out-of-reach way. I LOVE that long white dress, and how she uses up-and-coming designers rather than the standards. Whatever this new presidency may bring, it is hard to not to feel hopeful and be inspired by this young, close family.
great assessment of our first family’s fashion. i loved michele’s first two looks a lot. and i agree with amy: those green gloves are great! (in an alliterative mood, if that’s a word?!) that is my favorite hue of green. now the inaugural ball gown wasn’t my favorite look for her. no doubt it was lovely but did it flatter as well as another gown might have? i’m still deciding.
the daughters are adorable and were adorably appointed. politics aside, it’s fun to see a young family in the House.
Funny, I was not a fan of the green gloves or shoes. I would have preferred a chocolate brown or other neutral color with the outfit. But then, I am not as fashionably talented as most others out there :).