Spring Break
Michelle Obama: the new Jackie O? Not so fast...
Taylor Trudon
Issue date: 2/6/09 Section: Commentary
When you wear your favorite $10 sunglasses that you found in the clearance bin while waiting in the check-out line at H&M, the wife of the 35th president of the United States typically does not come to mind. Yes, the word "bargain" or "steal" might as you quickly inspect the shades for any scratches or defects before gleefully placing them on the counter as you bask in your good fortune, but before the Mary-Kate Olsens and Nicole Ritchies of the world exploded the trend, there was Jackie O.
When I think of Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, or just "Jackie O," I picture one of the most beautiful, elegant and iconic women in American history, as she is undeniably an influential figure in fashion. I think almost any American, whether alive during the Kennedy administration or not, could tell you the color of Jackie's Chanel skirt-suit the day her husband was assassinated (it was pink). When I think of Jackie, I envision her fabulous peacoats with large buttons, pillbox hats, wide legged pants and of course, those infamously dark, oversized, round sunglasses, which were the epitome of chic. Jackie is classic.
Though we probably know her more for her impeccable A-line dresses than for her stance on foreign policy, is it fair that we view First Lady Michelle Obama through the same lenses? I asked myself this question in the days leading up to President Barack Obama's inauguration as the media, from Perez Hilton to CNN, speculated about which designer the incoming first lady would choose to create her gown for the highly anticipated inaugural balls. I expected the hype from celebrity-driven Web sites and magazines such as People or US Weekly, but given the extremity of the publicity from other sources, I had to wonder if in addition to raising a family, maintaining a household and working, the self-proclaimed "Mom-in-Chief" was expected to become the Carrie Bradshaw of Washington, D.C. as well.
It started with Sarah Palin. During her campaign with Republican Presidential candidate John McCain, the hockey mom became notorious for her Saks Fifth Avenue ensembles, sparking articles such as Newsweek's "'Caribou Barbie' Goes Couture." Slammed for everything from her Kate Spade red patent leather crocodile printed pumps to the $2,500 gray Valentino blazer she sported at the Republican National Convention, Palin was more than criticized for her superfluous spending. But with Palin out, and Michelle Obama officially in, it was only a matter of time before the press took a microscope to her wardrobe as well. Is Michelle the new Jackie O? What kind of dress will the budding fashionista wear next? The way the press has been looking at Michelle Obama's choice of high heels is akin to archaeologists examining dinosaur fossils. Reporters and journalists are digging in the dirt for a story that's not there, that, quite frankly, really isn't very important.
When I think of Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, or just "Jackie O," I picture one of the most beautiful, elegant and iconic women in American history, as she is undeniably an influential figure in fashion. I think almost any American, whether alive during the Kennedy administration or not, could tell you the color of Jackie's Chanel skirt-suit the day her husband was assassinated (it was pink). When I think of Jackie, I envision her fabulous peacoats with large buttons, pillbox hats, wide legged pants and of course, those infamously dark, oversized, round sunglasses, which were the epitome of chic. Jackie is classic.
Though we probably know her more for her impeccable A-line dresses than for her stance on foreign policy, is it fair that we view First Lady Michelle Obama through the same lenses? I asked myself this question in the days leading up to President Barack Obama's inauguration as the media, from Perez Hilton to CNN, speculated about which designer the incoming first lady would choose to create her gown for the highly anticipated inaugural balls. I expected the hype from celebrity-driven Web sites and magazines such as People or US Weekly, but given the extremity of the publicity from other sources, I had to wonder if in addition to raising a family, maintaining a household and working, the self-proclaimed "Mom-in-Chief" was expected to become the Carrie Bradshaw of Washington, D.C. as well.
It started with Sarah Palin. During her campaign with Republican Presidential candidate John McCain, the hockey mom became notorious for her Saks Fifth Avenue ensembles, sparking articles such as Newsweek's "'Caribou Barbie' Goes Couture." Slammed for everything from her Kate Spade red patent leather crocodile printed pumps to the $2,500 gray Valentino blazer she sported at the Republican National Convention, Palin was more than criticized for her superfluous spending. But with Palin out, and Michelle Obama officially in, it was only a matter of time before the press took a microscope to her wardrobe as well. Is Michelle the new Jackie O? What kind of dress will the budding fashionista wear next? The way the press has been looking at Michelle Obama's choice of high heels is akin to archaeologists examining dinosaur fossils. Reporters and journalists are digging in the dirt for a story that's not there, that, quite frankly, really isn't very important.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
jamwespbaby
posted 2/06/09 @ 10:53 AM EST
Michelle has her way of dressing, so everyone one else can leave that woman alone. Your taste might not be hers, so boo hoo find something else to talk about. (Continued…)
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