Afternoon:
9°c
LET'S be positive and see Michelle Obama's wardrobe thus far as a metaphor for all the sparkling, bright change the G20 summit will effect. For however weighty the political issues on the agenda, Mrs O should be commended for the lightness of touch she brought to the breakfast table today.
In culinary terms, her mint green shantung silk skirt, sparkly silver mules and cute little sequin-speckled $298 (£207) cardie by US high street chain J. Crew were the equivalent of a granola fresh fruit plate: full of texture, with a dose of healthy colour on top. In contrast, Sarah Brown's ruffle-fronted dress by Britt Lintner, who is American born but London-based, was perfectly smart, but about as exciting as a bowl of corn flakes.
That Michelle Obama would pack a suitcase full of bright colours for her trip to London is no surprise. Rare is the woman who would seek to make citrus hues her trademark, since they make most women look like lemons rather than some divine, exotic fruit.
But since the success of her inauguration day look — a zingy dress and coat in a hue its designer, Isabel Toledo, described as “lemongrass” — Michelle Obama has continued to embrace those tricky shades of yellow, orange and lime that most women would rather jump off a tall building than wear.
On a recent cover of O magazine, she wore a bright orange dress and a short-sleeved yellow cardigan. The mustard yellow satin dress she arrived in last night proves just how adroitly she manipulates the cameras: it looked overwhelmingly upbeat on a gloomy sub-spring London evening.
In contrast with Mrs Obama's soaring colour confidence, Sarah Brown is always going to look rather mousy — but then, so would half the red carpet fodder in London. While we can expect Mrs Obama, during the rest of her trip, to fly the flag for young American designers such as Taiwanese Jason Wu, the Cuban Toledo and Thai-born Thakoon Panichgul, it is a dead cert that protocol will dictate Mrs Brown keeps the wilder reaches of Britain's fashion imagination strictly under wraps — high street wraps, that is.
While Mrs Brown's patronage would provide welcome publicity for talented young London designers, it is unlikely that this week will see her wearing anything more directional than Jaeger, Ben de Lisi or LK Bennett. Shades of Cherie Blair still loom large over Downing Street, with the Labour party undoubtedly keen to avoid any allegations that Mrs Brown is accepting “freebies” in the form of expensive designer clothes. Which rules out Alexander McQueen, then.
In any case, the PM's wife is not a fashion-forward dresser: she seems happiest in simple, knee-length dresses and suits in grey, deep purple or black. They might leave her wide open to allegations of dowdiness when compared with the vivid citrus splendour of Michelle Obama, but there are worse things than knowing what suits you, and more important things to worry about than suits.
Darned if I can think of many, though.
Reader views (13)
Mr. Laws, I was referring to other comments that were posted before mine, not the article.
- Queen Vee, Rosenberg, TX, USA, 04/04/2009 22:25
Report abuse
Why are all of you hatin' on Michelle? The girl is looking good! She is young, she is fit, and she is showing off her own independent sense of style. Most of all, she is not ashamed of shape--which is the average black woman's shape. She does not look like an anorexic model starving herself. Celebrate the differences in style instead of putting her down because she does not dress like or look like you!
- Queen Vee, Rosenberg, TX, USA, 02/04/2009 06:57
Report abuse
As an American reader I am amused by a comment from a Texan regarding the First Ladies fashion sense. A TEXAN! Do you understand how very amusing that is for a TEXAN to make fashion observations? Obviously my fellow citizen seems to think that Nancy or Laura would have done better but then she would since I strongly suspect she is both a Republican and her racist overtones are very clearly read (being a fellow southerner). As to the Obamas fashion sense...it is current, it is American, it is young and it is most of all CHANGE! As for the wonderful reception for these two terrific, well educated and great representatives of which 70% of the American people are very proud...thanks for welcoming them with your usual British grace.
- Larry Laws, Raleigh USA, 02/04/2009 04:34
Report abuse
I don't know why people want to compare Michelle Obama to Jackie Kennedy. They both have their own style. Michelle is wearing colors that suit her colouring and she does look elegant.It is not wrong to wear sequin sweater in the daytime especially if it is off white. Her dress style is cheerful and upbeat. She does not have to wear very expensive clothes to look fashionable.
- Parveen Yusufji, Jonesboro, Georgia, 02/04/2009 03:45
Report abuse
Michelle Obama's style says it all: wife, mother, first lady of America. She's self-assured, without a trace of cockiness. Put that down to her humble roots. She oozes a refreshingly natural confidence. Must come from a well spring of compassion and understanding for the world as it is. Shine on, Michelle.
- Eld, Baltimore, Maryland, 02/04/2009 03:45
Report abuse
Haters really love to hate. The world is so predictable. Mrs. Obama looks lovely and so does Mrs. Brown. Three-fourths of the US thinks very highly of Mrs. Obama so please do not take these negative comments as representative of America. We love our first lady and owr proud of how well she represents us abroad.
- Lola, Texas, USA, 02/04/2009 00:39
Report abuse
People keep hatin cause Michelle Obama is fierce! Style, intelligence and grace that I am so proud of as a young black woman. She is comfortable in her own skin and identity no matter what she wears.
Why the attention? Simple... she's an accomplished black woman who is setting the standard.
What a change from the trash and stiffness we're used to in good ol' Blighty!
- Shaz, Liverpool, 02/04/2009 00:06
Report abuse
ok, good to dress like something other than a ageing granny, then pearls??? lose the pearls
- Leslie Renfrew, auckland new zealand, 01/04/2009 22:27
Report abuse
Seriously? Does she pick out these outfits herself?
- Michelle, USA- El Paso Texas, 01/04/2009 18:31
Report abuse
Ms. Obama has ZERO fashion sense.
Her outfit is totally inappropriate for a state visit. Sparkles are for evening, the zebra shoes are awful with that skirt and top, her spanx are showing, the sweater and skirt are too tight and she has absolutely no idea of how to dress for an occasion. I shudder thinking what she will wear to meet the queen!
Her posture is terrible, she walks like a linebacker and her butt speaks for itself (too much). How anyone in their right mind thinks this woman is anywhere near as elegant as Jackie O was is beyond me.
The answer of course is the media suck ups.
Jackie had real class, real fashion sense and always made us proud. Michelle looks like James Brown in drag. She is an embarrassment
- Donna Beatley, usa, 01/04/2009 17:05
Report abuse
Why does everyone kiss Michelle Obama's arse...That skirt she's wearing makes her look like an all in wrestler.
Sarah Brown looks chic and understatd by comparison.
- Shelly, London, 01/04/2009 16:12
Report abuse
Michelle's wardrobe must be bigger than my mews cottage! I have never seen her in the same outfit twice but being a man I may not even spot it.
- Number Six, London, 01/04/2009 12:39
Report abuse
Jamie Oliver said today: "I'm very, very proud of my country and its food traditions and I know that the guests will be in for a real treat."
No they won't. By pandering to islamic sensibilities they will be denied the taste of divine bacon, delectable sausages, magnificent ham and glorious roast pork.
- Cam, London, 01/04/2009 11:18
Report abuse
