Mrs. O Goes Formal

You guys know I love Michelle Obama's style. I've posted about her on GJU several times before-- usually photos of her in head-to-toe looks from brand favorites like J. Crew or Talbots.

Today's post is a guest post from Terisa A., a writer at Bride Heaven (www.brideheaven.com), on how Michelle Obama translates her impeccable First Lady everyday style into evening looks when she goes to formal events. No one knows formalwear better than bridal wear experts! Enjoy!
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Michelle Obama has proven that she isn’t afraid to bend the rules of so-called First Lady fashion. We’ve rounded up a few of her best formalwear looks to prove that Michelle looks naturally fantastic in the most cutting-edge designers. Let’s take a look at how Michelle mixes edgy and intelligent choices for big occasions:

2011 China state dinner - Alexander McQueen resort collection

This red silk dress is by British house Alexander McQueen, whose founding designer passed away in 2010. Michelle’s critics were swift to point out that Michelle hadn’t chosen an American designer for this state dinner honoring China in 2011. However, since the color red is considered lucky in Chinese culture we think this was a good diplomatic move on Michelle’s part. The digital orchid print is very cool and contemporary and is a sure sign from Michelle that she doesn’t play by the ‘politician’s wife’ wardrobe rulebook. 

2009 India state dinner – custom Naeem Khan

For her first foreign state dinner honouring India in 2009, Michelle opted for Indian-born, American-educated designer Naeem Khan. Khan was given a blank slate to design whatever he wished for the then newly-installed First Lady. The dress Michelle and her stylist eventually chose was a cream-colored column dress with a corseted bodice. The silver poppy designs on the corset were real silver-plated sequins, hand sewn in the Khan family workshop in India. It’s a very delicate and feminine choice with another subtle tribute to the guest dignitaries. 

2010 Mexico State Dinner – custom Peter Soronen

Michelle specifically requested a one-shouldered gown from designer Peter Soronen, who had previously made four dresses especially for her. The First Lady loves to show off her arms and shoulders and this dress does just that. We love the striking, nearly-electric blue colour of the dress and the belt which perfectly cinches in her waist. The effect is incredibly youthful and alluring and the color complements Michelle perfectly.

Tom Ford, custom made 2011

Michelle wore this Tom Ford dress to a Buckingham Palace state dinner in 2011. She instantly drew comparisons to Jackie Kennedy, who a white gown with a similar colour and cut in 1961. The look is widely agreed to be Michelle’s best state dinner dress so far. We think Michelle glows in this dress and that it was the perfect choice for the occasion. Whilst Tom Ford is an American-born designer, his design studios are based in Victoria, London. Whether this connection was international or not, we think Michelle looked fabulous. 

Jason Wu, custom made 2009-2010

Perhaps it’s inevitable that our favorite gown worn by Michelle is also the most significant. On inauguration night in 2010, Michelle wore a one-shouldered Jason Wu gown with intricate chiffon flowers and beading that swept the floor in a small pleated train. The dress was airy and optimistic, and seemed to perfectly express what many felt about her husband’s election win. In selecting Jason Wu, Michelle propelled his career upwards and the young designer has since been unstoppable.

Fast forward to 2012, Pinterest recently saw a flurry of surrounding Michelle Obama’s wedding dress. Michelle ‘pinned’ a photo from her wedding day in 1992. The Harvard-educated former lawyer still shows the same style flair today, whether she’s raising awareness for healthy eating in schools or accompanying Barack to a formal state dinner.