Michelle Obama's new book 'The Look' explores her iconic fashion.

4 hours ago7 min read1 comments

During her eight transformative years as First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama navigated a relentless schedule that could pivot from delivering a major policy speech to an intimate meeting with a foreign dignitary, then directly to digging in the White House vegetable garden with a group of schoolchildren. In her new book, 'The Look,' co-authored with her longtime stylist Meredith Koop, Obama reveals that her iconic fashion choices were never about mere aesthetics but were fundamentally driven by a philosophy of practicality and approachability.She famously had no time to obsess over her wardrobe, with her primary concerns being, 'Can I hug somebody in it? Will it get dirty?' This mindset was a radical departure from the often stiff and ceremonial expectations of the role, as she embraced being an unpredictable First Lady whose clothes needed to keep up with her dynamic life, which included raising her daughters, Sasha and Malia, under the global spotlight. Her style became a powerful, non-verbal language, a tool she wielded with intention to either welcome people in or, as she noted, inadvertently keep them at bay with outfits that were too 'precious' or 'crisp.' This is why she famously avoided white for rope-line events, ensuring that a spontaneous, heartfelt hug from a constituent would never be discouraged by a fear of stains. Her fashion was an extension of her mission, a sentiment perfectly captured in her choice of the breathtaking, one-shoulder white chiffon gown by then-26-year-old unknown designer Jason Wu for her husband's first inaugural ball.That single, deliberate choice was designed to send a message and, indeed, it catapulted Wu's career overnight, a pattern she would continue by championing other emerging designers. The Versace rose gold chain-mail gown she wore for the administration's final state dinner was a different kind of statement—a 'I don't care' dress, as she described it, that was unapologetically 'sexy' and celebratory of the journey's end.Perhaps the most poignant sartorial narrative came with the maroon Sergio Hudson pantsuit and flowing coat she wore to President Joe Biden's inauguration. In the shadow of the January 6th Capitol riot, her practical mode took precedence; she chose a low-heeled boot and an outfit that would allow her to move—or even run—if necessary, a sobering consideration that made the outfit's subsequent viral 'breaking the internet' status all the more ironic.Beyond the clothes, Obama reflected on the heart of her operations, the White House's East Wing, which she remembers as a joyful space filled with apples, children, and laughter—a stark contrast to the weighty 'horrible things' handled in the West Wing. It was there she championed initiatives from fighting childhood obesity to supporting military families.Her perspective on the People's House was always that of a caretaker, a role she contrasts with the recent news of its renovation, noting pointedly, 'every president has the right to do what they want in that house, so that’s why we’ve got to be clear on who we let in. ' Through 'The Look,' Michelle Obama solidifies her legacy not just as a fashion icon, but as a strategist who used her public image to communicate warmth, intention, and an unwavering connection to the people she served.

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#First Lady

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