WWMW? What Will Michelle Wear?
EmailABC News’ Kristi Berner reports: The biggest party night of 2009 is less than a week away and speculation is rampant: what will Michelle Obama wear to her coming out ball as First Lady? We are definitely looking forward to seeing what Mrs. Obama will choose, for two reasons. First, what lucky designer will get to dress the Queen of America (and can I afford/beg/borrow/steal a dress by said designer)? And more importantly for the nation, what kind of message will the newly-minted FLOTUS send to her worshiping subjects? With the nation’s economy on skids, historians and fashion designers alike say to expect a more subdued version this time around. We spoke to designer Reem Acra, one of a couple dozen internationally-known designers who created hypothetical inaugural gown sketches at the request of Women’s Wear Daily. Acra, known for her evening wear and bridal designs, says she had three images in mind when designing an ensemble for the Obama family. She sees the Obama’s as 1) Understated, 2) Proper, and 3) Very American. Acra said she sketched outfits for Malia and Sasha, as well as the President-elect, because she thinks of the Obama’s as a well-coordinated family, whether it be in fashion or their personal life. "Inauguration night is very important for the First Lady," Acra said. "The whole world is watching to see what she will wear. There is a lot of pressure." One of the gowns Acra sketched for Michelle Obama was red, with simple lines and a few subtle details, including Acra’s signature embroidery. "Red might be considered too loud by some people, but it’s a very inaugural color. A red dress would look great on Michelle."
Mrs. Obama’s choice of inaugural gown could be the first clue as to how she will handle her new role. Will she be sensitive to the economic crisis? Will she outshine her husband? Will she still seem accessible to regular Americans? We Americans want our First Lady to be both a queen and a commoner – and that’s not an easy balancing act. Queen of Camelot Jacqueline Kennedy became the White House’s first fashion icon, and it all started with her self-designed ivory gown and cape which caused a sensation the night of JFK’s 1961 inauguration. One thing is definite in our 24/7 celebrity-obsessed culture, whatever choice Mrs. Obama makes it will be scrutinized by the morning talk shows the next day — just like the Narciso Rodriquez black and red dress she wore on election night. Click here for a slideshow of Michelle Obama’s fashion choices during the Presidential campaign.
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Hopefully something under $500.
Posted by: Huh | January 14, 2009, 12:22 pm 12:22 pm
Michelle Obama would look better in a defined red dress in the second sketch; besides, it’s bold like she is. The first sketch of with the flowing dresses looks-well, a bit too much like a Disney fairy tale.
Posted by: kat | January 14, 2009, 12:25 pm 12:25 pm
I would like to see all of them in white or off white for the Inauguration Ceremony.
For the Balls, I would like to see Barack and Michelle in white again. The girls complimenting with red and blue. A truly patriotic vision!
Posted by: Bettye Anderson | January 14, 2009, 12:56 pm 12:56 pm
Who care? It’s ridiculous. She is not a queen, she is not the President elected, he is. So. I don’t think she has class.
He is the president elected and everything about him like his wife and his daughters is like acting. He is going to be the President of the United States and every day on TV this is about Obama, his wife and daughters. Which school are they going to be. how much will cost the school, who care. The tax payers are going to pay anyway, so of course they can go in this kind school. Who care which school they are going, who care which dress Michelle Obama is going to wear in the inauguration. There are thousand people living on the streets, with no family, no shelter, no food, nothing and you are talking about thousand dollar spending for the Obama’s girls school and hundred dollar spend for Michelle Obama’s dress. Which wrong with you people? It makes me sick. It’s disgusting.
Posted by: Lucinda | January 14, 2009, 1:06 pm 1:06 pm
Whatever it is, I hope it changes her attitude along with her looks!
Posted by: Jenny | January 14, 2009, 1:37 pm 1:37 pm
Come on now. It’s just entertainment.
It’s something light to talk about.
Posted by: what will they wear? | January 14, 2009, 1:42 pm 1:42 pm
Whatever it is, I hope it changes her attitude along with her looks! (Jenny)
Jenny, you change your attitude and your looks. Michelle is just fine with whatever she wears. And she looks just fine too. Really, it just doesn’t matter, because she’s married to the most handsome and smartest man in the world. And that is all that matters. What we think is only our opinion and I’m sure Michelle could care less about what you think. Why don’t we all come together and pray for each other and for the world to be a better place instead of criticizing one another?
Posted by: Jacqueline | January 14, 2009, 1:43 pm 1:43 pm
Unlike Lucinda,
I enjoy reading about our President elect, his wife, stuff about the girls and even the dog…
I am excited about his historical Presidency and I am convinced that a President Obama will move this country progressively forward and ultimately out of the Recession that is our current situation. I am happy for him and his family.
And, I think Michelle would select the red evening gown as “she is the rock and the love of his life”.
Posted by: braith morgan | January 14, 2009, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
Lucinda: people like you who do not have the facts right should not shoot their mouths off. The Obama girls are attending a private school paid for by the Obama family, NOT tax dollars.
Posted by: William J. LePetomane | January 14, 2009, 1:52 pm 1:52 pm
Jenny – you must have missed the memo about the change to the Republican playbook. The section on how to make insulting comments about Michelle Obama was removed since these tactics were peceived as petty and failed miserably during the election.
Posted by: center One | January 14, 2009, 1:58 pm 1:58 pm
After next Tuesday, the party will be over.
I wish him well.
Center one? Did you get the democratic memo about not being hateful?
Posted by: Tuesday Morning | January 14, 2009, 2:57 pm 2:57 pm
Looks like both parties missed that memo.
Posted by: Tuesday Morning | January 14, 2009, 2:58 pm 2:58 pm
Tuesday Morning posted: “did you get the democratic memo about not being hateful?” You bet I did. And so has President-elect Obama who had dinner last night with several influential conservative columnists, including Fox News reporter William Kristol who has apologized for incorrect reporting about Trinity Church. We just emerged from an era of extreme political divisiveness and have landed in a recession. It makes common sense to work together regardless of our political ideologies.
Posted by: center One | January 14, 2009, 3:37 pm 3:37 pm
Radical red is best -from K mart – it will suit her style. I cannot remember any First Lady who is disliked more than her…
Posted by: jimbo | January 14, 2009, 5:42 pm 5:42 pm
Does it matter what kind of dress she’ll wear.
You can put lipstick on a pig but it’s still a pig. That’s a direct quote from barrack.
Posted by: Reality2009 | January 14, 2009, 5:47 pm 5:47 pm
The entire family is perfect. Intelligent, always there to lend a helping hand, trying their best to make our nation a better one with positive actions both in their personal life and their professional. No matter what any of them wear, it’s going to be perfect! An attitude like like the altitude. In order to get a better perspective, sometimes you have to change your own mind and move onward and upward. Be nice.
Posted by: janice | January 14, 2009, 6:13 pm 6:13 pm
Jimbo posted “I cannot remember any First Lady who is disliked more than her”. Michelle Obama seems like an exemplary wife and mother. She is a hard working and accomplished American who clearly loves her husband. I honestly can’t see anything wrong with Michelle Obama as our First Lady. I can understand why Hillary Clinton’s ambition rubbed some people the wrong way. And I think I understand why some people didn’t like Teresa Kerry – she was eccentric and rich. None of these reasons are legitimate, but I get them. With Michelle Obama, I simply don’t understand sniping about her being ugly, unless it’s all about race.
Posted by: center One | January 14, 2009, 6:27 pm 6:27 pm
Whatever she does it won’t come near Mrs. Palin’s $240k misguided fashion expenditures.
Posted by: fashonista | January 14, 2009, 6:32 pm 6:32 pm
She can wear coveralls for all I care. I won’t see it anyway. I’m sure there will be a good “Everybody Loves Raymond” episode or something on that night.
Posted by: Don | January 14, 2009, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm
(Don) Maybe I’ll come watch Raymond with you. Better yet, maybe I will win the Powerball this week and can go take a 4 year cruise.
Posted by: Yawn | January 14, 2009, 7:15 pm 7:15 pm
Lucinda – I cannot agree more. If he really wanted to represent change, he would walk the walk for all to see.
Posted by: Marsha | January 14, 2009, 7:18 pm 7:18 pm
traditional kenyan dress with the hat.
Posted by: joe var | January 14, 2009, 7:22 pm 7:22 pm
Don,
Agreed!
Posted by: catleya | January 14, 2009, 7:33 pm 7:33 pm
They’ve been telling us that they are rooting for mid class people.
So,,,,something nice from ” Gap” should be appropiate.
Posted by: catleya | January 14, 2009, 7:37 pm 7:37 pm
Hmm…How much do all of these clothes cost? Did the party pay for all of these outfits pictured AND they are still in her closet? I’m amazed that the press hasn’t tallied the total bill and spot-lighted it in light of these tough economic times.
Posted by: TT | January 14, 2009, 7:46 pm 7:46 pm
Hmmm,, for sure those Hollywood celebs will come with extravaganza gowns and suits.
This will be their Academy award night in January!
Ugh…
Posted by: catleya | January 14, 2009, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
How much for MICHELLE’s dress and WHO pays for it, the taxpayers?
How much for the coronation, oops, I meant inauguration? Record amounts?
I thought the economy was hurting Chosen Golden Messiah One?
Posted by: usa lover | January 14, 2009, 8:53 pm 8:53 pm
Hope and Change.
Hope people will fall for my junk.
Change my address to the White House.
Simple.
Done.
Posted by: usa lover | January 14, 2009, 8:55 pm 8:55 pm
Another example of the bias liberal media.
If it was Sarah Palin, the reporting will be something liked…..how can she justified spending money on that dress while the country suffers…….or out of touch Sarah Palin enjoyed herself at the country expense……..or who does she think she is…….
It’s too funny that they calls themselves journalist.
Posted by: Reality2009 | January 14, 2009, 9:13 pm 9:13 pm
How sad – all the money being spent for the glory of Obama, think how many poor people could be helped. The coronation will cost at least $200 mil, when you figure all costs and then 668 mil to buy the whitehouse – so many could have been helped if Obama were not so arrogant. Personally I think the black widow spider dress is Michelle’s correct look – it suits her personality perfectly.
Posted by: pbatrs | January 14, 2009, 9:36 pm 9:36 pm
My preference her clothes and outfits worn by the first family be designed by an American.
Posted by: Deborah | January 15, 2009, 12:24 am 12:24 am
“QUEEN” of America???????????? Please! Why?
Posted by: jill | January 15, 2009, 10:24 am 10:24 am
Have her call Sarah and they can go shopping together. While they are out, they can do mannies/peddies and then lunch. In other words: Ask me if I care. This whole thing is way out of hand.
Posted by: irishrose | January 15, 2009, 10:32 am 10:32 am
Why are you people being so angry, hatred and negatif….?
Posted by: maguena | January 15, 2009, 10:49 am 10:49 am
Lucinda – I agree – so many problems with this country and we are supposed to be concerned about what the QUEEN will wear?????? It is disgusting!
Posted by: jill | January 15, 2009, 10:52 am 10:52 am
Irish Rose – you hit it – this whole administration is out of hand.
Posted by: jill | January 15, 2009, 10:53 am 10:53 am
Fashista: All Sarah’s clothes went to charity. Obama wore $1,500 suits during the campaign. Stop being a hypocrit.
(Don) I’ll watch Raymond with you too!
Posted by: Jackie | January 15, 2009, 11:45 am 11:45 am
Jackie, jill, Don, and Yawn – Hey guys, enjoy 4 years of sitcoms! How appropriate. Use the TeeVee remote every once in awhile to check the news: Michelle Obama will represent our country as First Lady with grace and integrity.
Posted by: CaliRules | January 15, 2009, 1:25 pm 1:25 pm
oh, I didn’t realize Palin bought those outrageously expensive clothes to give to charity. How conservatively compassionate of her. Trickle Down economics does work!
Posted by: fashonista | January 15, 2009, 2:08 pm 2:08 pm
to all the negative comments made on this article, stop the insecurities. if you think you can do better, why did you not run for the post? embrace the history and enjoy. some people are just full of negativities, are not happy people.
Posted by: Janet Taylor | January 15, 2009, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
I think simple lines would be best for them.. With the Obama’s being tall and slender, the designers can’t wait to dress them.
Posted by: AnnD52 | January 15, 2009, 3:26 pm 3:26 pm
Anything but that black and red disaster!
Michelle is a big gal and no fashion icon! You really can’t dress her up. She is bold but never classy! :)
I’m sure the girls and PEBO will look great in whatever!
Posted by: aware2u | January 15, 2009, 10:11 pm 10:11 pm
Judging by their elitist liberal tastes to date ($9mln home on Hawaii, private schools for the girls, hollywood decorator for the white house), something very expensive and tasteless. What was that comment about “putting lipstick on a pig?” You can put Chanel on Michelle, and she’s still a dog.
Posted by: Rob | January 16, 2009, 2:41 am 2:41 am
(Rob) Good Post! She looks terrible without her makeup on.
She looked like a Black Widow Spider in the black and red disaster!
Posted by: Jackie | January 16, 2009, 8:46 am 8:46 am
My guess is she will wear either her traditional scowl, or her signature fake smile.
Perhaps on the inaguration of her husband as president she will finally find a reason to be proud of America.
Posted by: Jill | January 16, 2009, 11:59 am 11:59 am
When it comes to people no matter white
or black. I rather be a positive Pearl
than a negative Nellie.
Posted by: Mary | January 16, 2009, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
Why are you all so hateful ? This is America’s President and first Family, like it or not. The lady;s clothes were purchased from their hard earned money, not taxpayers’ nor campaign funds. Stop hatin’. God don’t like Ugly.
Posted by: Hillary | January 16, 2009, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm
Hillary
God don’t like ghetto either
Posted by: liberalsaresocialisits | January 16, 2009, 1:00 pm 1:00 pm
She has plenty of cash to spend on clothes. Back when her hubbie was first elected to the IL Senate, a short time later she got a $200K raise. Of course, that didn’t have a thing to do with new, favorable legislation for the hospital where she worked. There can’t be a connection [husband in Senate, her giant raise] because things like that just don’t happen in IL/Chicago.
Meanwhile, honestly, do we really care what she wears? Are we this desperate for a fashion icon that she must be given that crown?
Posted by: Interested08 | January 16, 2009, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm
I hope it looks better than that thing she wore on election night. and for goodness sakes ,dress those little girls in a pretty color. They are young and not going to a funeral.
Posted by: disgusted in Ohio | January 16, 2009, 11:10 pm 11:10 pm
Yeah, where are the crowns?
Posted by: Gotter | January 17, 2009, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm
Remember when the media tsk tsk at Bush for having an inaugural ball when there was a war going on?
Is the war over, or has the media forgotten?
Posted by: Interested08 | January 18, 2009, 12:27 am 12:27 am
Obama, man of the people, who are they kidding with staying at a 3 million dollar vacation home in Hawaii, and an inauguration that cost 150 million dollars! Can you imagine if the Republicans have spent that much? I don’t care WHAT or WHO they wear – they still won’t look good!
Posted by: sally | January 20, 2009, 6:16 pm 6:16 pm
Obama, man of the people, who are they kidding with staying at a 3 million dollar vacation home in Hawaii, and an inauguration that cost 150 million dollars! Can you imagine if the Republicans have spent that much? I don’t care WHAT or WHO they wear – they still won’t look good!
Posted by: sally | January 20, 2009, 6:16 pm 6:16 pm
Ok… let me ask this: For those of you who are so critical, why are you even on this site, writing in? If you REALLY weren’t interested, you wouldn’t be on some site talking about Mrs. Obama’s dress nor taking the time to write in! Give me a break. Just admit that you DO care and ARE interested.
Posted by: ok..so | January 20, 2009, 6:21 pm 6:21 pm