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First Lady of niche fashion
By Bridget Foley |
April 12, 2009, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
DONNA, Ralph and Calvin have been noted as missing in action on the spousal circuit at the G20 summit in London. In fact, as President Barack Obama and global leaders huddled over the world's economic woes, Michelle Obama reaffirmed with gusto her fashion support of America's new and niche.
Save for a digression to Michael Kors, Obama continues to show zero interest in the big guns of American fashion, those names that resonate around the world, and who employ thousands of people.
Obama's early appearances in the likes of Jason Wu, Thakoon and Isabel Toledo captivated and charmed people while exciting an industry that understands the myriad challenges faced by small fashion houses.
But fashion is in crisis, like the auto and financial industries, and the person best positioned to support its major players is giving them the cold shoulder. No one's asking for a big-gun bailout, Mrs Obama (at least not yet). But how about a shout-out?
Who cares about one woman's wardrobe choices in this time of turmoil? A lot of people. Fawning London officially crossed over from gushing to silly, with The Daily Telegraph proclaiming Obama "the mint-green queen of fashion," while The Guardian said "Mrs O has all but obliterated last year's Carlamania, with an outfit that draws a direct bloodline between her look and the wardrobe with which Jackie Kennedy wowed Europe in 1961."
To a large extent, the fashion ship sails on such hyperbole - and on human product placement. The kind of worldwide attention Obama and her labels are getting can boost an entire corporate psyche from designer to ground floor. It can boost sales as well. Obama's now famous J. Crew beaded cardigan reportedly sold out after her appearance in it.
Within the major houses, there is a growing desire for Obama to broaden her choices to include their wares. "American fashion right now is struggling," said Oscar de la Renta. "I think I understand what (Obama and her advisers) are doing, but I don't think that is the right message at this particular point."
He suggested that, designer or otherwise, Obama would benefit from expanding her range of fashion advisers, particularly on matters of protocol. "You don't," he declared, "go to Buckingham Palace in a sweater."
Kors, the only "major" to have featured in a recent photo op, defends Obama's range. "She's the first First Lady who's ever worn sportswear," he said. Tommy Hilfiger has a more temperate view: "I'm happy she's wearing young designers and not only (American) couture. It puts her in touch with real people."
Save for a digression to Michael Kors, Obama continues to show zero interest in the big guns of American fashion, those names that resonate around the world, and who employ thousands of people.
Obama's early appearances in the likes of Jason Wu, Thakoon and Isabel Toledo captivated and charmed people while exciting an industry that understands the myriad challenges faced by small fashion houses.
But fashion is in crisis, like the auto and financial industries, and the person best positioned to support its major players is giving them the cold shoulder. No one's asking for a big-gun bailout, Mrs Obama (at least not yet). But how about a shout-out?
Who cares about one woman's wardrobe choices in this time of turmoil? A lot of people. Fawning London officially crossed over from gushing to silly, with The Daily Telegraph proclaiming Obama "the mint-green queen of fashion," while The Guardian said "Mrs O has all but obliterated last year's Carlamania, with an outfit that draws a direct bloodline between her look and the wardrobe with which Jackie Kennedy wowed Europe in 1961."
To a large extent, the fashion ship sails on such hyperbole - and on human product placement. The kind of worldwide attention Obama and her labels are getting can boost an entire corporate psyche from designer to ground floor. It can boost sales as well. Obama's now famous J. Crew beaded cardigan reportedly sold out after her appearance in it.
Within the major houses, there is a growing desire for Obama to broaden her choices to include their wares. "American fashion right now is struggling," said Oscar de la Renta. "I think I understand what (Obama and her advisers) are doing, but I don't think that is the right message at this particular point."
He suggested that, designer or otherwise, Obama would benefit from expanding her range of fashion advisers, particularly on matters of protocol. "You don't," he declared, "go to Buckingham Palace in a sweater."
Kors, the only "major" to have featured in a recent photo op, defends Obama's range. "She's the first First Lady who's ever worn sportswear," he said. Tommy Hilfiger has a more temperate view: "I'm happy she's wearing young designers and not only (American) couture. It puts her in touch with real people."
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