Michelle Obama’s Most Fabulous Fashion Moments
By Ani Bundel
Michelle O was introduced to most of America in the summer of 2008, when she stepped up to the podium to give what is now the tradition Spouse’s speech at the Democratic National Convention. She gave it wearing a teal Maria Pinto dress, that played it safe in all aspects (no arms bared here), but it was a great first impression. (Also, Sasha and Malia are SOOOOO young in this photo.)
But on the campaign trail, meeting one on one with voters, Michelle was able to be a bit more herself. Note the hairstyle is not nearly as conventional, and the arms are ready to go. One can imagine that this is how Michelle the Lawyer probably dressed on a regular basis.
Most people hadn’t heard of Maria Pinto in 2008, but if they were into fashion, they had heard of the designer for the other dress Michelle wore: the red and blue Thakoon sheath the night her husband accepted the Democratic nomination for president.
In the final days of the campaign, as McCain’s campaign flailed wildly and Obama consolidated the electoral map, Michelle started risking outfits that were the most casual of the campaign. The ability to take clothes all of us have in our closet and make them look expensive is no easy feat—and also made her relatable to women at home.
But Michelle’s most memorable dress was the one she wore that fateful night in Chicago when Obama won the election. Designed by Narciso Rodriguez, who would become one of her go-to designers for the next eight years, everyone had an opinion on it–most of them good.