Michelle Obama: White House Fashion Told ‘Story of America’

Michelle Obama, the former First Lady, is opening up about the powerful message behind her fashion choices during her time in the White House. In her new coffee table book, ‘The Look,’ set to release on November 4th, she reveals how her style was a deliberate effort to tell ‘the story of America’ and celebrate its diverse population.

Fashion as a Narrative

Speaking with Robin Roberts on ‘Good Morning America,’ Obama explained her intentional approach to fashion, particularly highlighting emerging American designers. She recalled choosing a young Jason Wu for her husband’s first inaugural ball gown, recognizing his talent and his story as an immigrant American. “I want to emphasize that in these times, because our fashion industry is very dependent on strong immigrant Americans who come here and do great work,” she stated.

Obama reflected on the nation’s identity, emphasizing the inclusive spirit that led to Barack Obama’s two presidential victories. She noted that during challenging economic times, it’s easy for people to feel lost and susceptible to blaming others. However, she stressed that the true strength of America lies in its diverse population – “Black, brown, Puerto Rican, Mexican, American, Italian, Irish, Haitian – come on. You know, that’s the story of America, right? And it is the most true in fashion.”

Evolving Style and Public Scrutiny

During her eight years as First Lady (2009-2017), Michelle Obama became renowned for her elegant, modern, and accessible style. ‘The Look’ captures many of these iconic moments, from her final state dinner in a Versace gown to a powerful Sergio Hudson suit at President Biden’s inauguration. Her style has evolved since leaving the White House, embracing a bolder, freer expression, exemplified by her viral thigh-high glitter Balenciaga boots during her ‘Becoming’ book tour.

Obama acknowledged the intense scrutiny that public figures, especially women, face regarding their appearance. She noted that while every First Lady experiences scrutiny, she felt a particular need to be thoughtful and deliberate with her choices, especially in the early days of the Obama presidency. “You can’t afford to get anything wrong,” she explained, adding that she wanted to make mothers and grandmothers proud by showing up with “thought and consideration and energy and light.”

Key Themes from ‘The Look’

• Fashion as a tool to tell the diverse ‘story of America’.
• Intentional spotlighting of emerging and immigrant American designers.
• Celebrating the nation’s multicultural identity through style.
• Evolution of personal style post-White House.
• Navigating public scrutiny and its impact on women’s appearance.

‘The Look’ promises to offer a deeper dive into these themes, exploring how fashion can be a powerful form of communication and a reflection of both personal identity and national values. Obama’s insights offer a compelling look at the intersection of style, politics, and cultural representation.