Beautiful in Black
Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 7:46 PM 
Photo via Flickr user Barack Obama // Creative Commons
As the Democrat presidential hopefuls and their partners descended on Iowa for the pivotal Jefferson Jackson Democrat fundraising dinner back in November 2007, it’s fair to say Mrs. O already looked the part.
All in black, she teamed the straight lines of a simple sheath dress with a matching fitted double breasted jacket with a distinctive, outsize collar, asymmetrical buttons and three-quarter length sleeves. As a silhouette, it’s deceptively simple: as is often the case with Mrs. O, the fine details are what give this outfit real flair. We think it could well have been taken from Giorgio Armani’s Fall Winter 2007 collection, although the neckline of this gorgeous jacket from Maria Pinto’s collection from the same season may suggest the suit is her design. What do you think? Please get in touch if you think you have the answer.
She wore the ensemble throughout the day, from leading supporters to a rally alongside her husband, into the evening event when she confidently warmed up the assembled Iowan audience ahead of Barack’s speech. His performance that night, as we now know, marked a powerful moment in his candidacy, early signs that the Democrat tide was turning his way. We think this shot of Mrs. O alongside 5-time Grammy award winner John Legend (who performed at the rally) is particularly stunning. Smiling and at ease, hair pulled up into an elegant, loose chignon, we note the later addition – in what we now know to be a trademark move – of a gorgeous, large brooch to the jacket lapel for the evening.
Date: November 10, 2007
Venue: Jefferson Jackson Fundraising Dinner, Des Moines, Iowa
Outfits
Reader Comments (25)
I am impressed every day when I check in with you ladies how professional, well researched, positive and beautifully done your blog entries are. I can't beleive you're so prolific on this subject, I love it!
I had a request to make (of your webmaster? perhaps) regarding all your embedded links. Is there a way to make them pop up in a new window so that the links do not lead the reader away from Mrs-O.org? This way your readers will stay with you while taking some side trips to check out your embedded links.
Thank you and keep up the amazing blog.
She is sooooo beautiful.
yvette, thank you for bringing this to our attention - there is absolutely a way to have the links open in a new window and we're implementing that from now on. Your feedback is really appreciated and we're delighted to hear you like what we're doing with the site, so thank you again.
Every day as part of my routine I woould check out this blog. I discovered it from a post I was reading from the HUffington Post news website and ever since I've been a follower. I love the way you dedicated your time and talent to find evey detais to what Mrs. O is wearing. I can't wait for her to start her new life in the White HOuse so You can have more pics and more stylish outfits to post here. You doing a fantastic work here and please continue the amazing work !!!
What an absolutely gorgeous picture of Mrs. O...class, grace and charm all rolled into one amazing woman.
I had to laugh at myself this weekend when I bought a beautiful black Ralph Lauren dress, I told the cashier "this is very Michelle Obama-ish" (smile.
That's my girl-just gorgeous. And I agree with everyone who says how well written and beautifully realized your descriptions of Mrs. O's fashions are. I love this site-visit several times a day. BTW, I think Yvette's suggestions of having your links pop up in another browser is an excellent idea. You should also try to get this site linkd up in other sites if you can get permission from the owner-I'm sure it would increase traffic and get you more well deserved attention for your fine work.
I absolutely love her hair like this, and she would look wicked in a softly, feminine tuxedo cut for a lady.
I absolutely LOVE this picture!!
I agree with everyone on this site, this has become MY FAVORITE site, its so bad I check in almost every hour to see if there is a new comment!
I too discovered this site form Huff Post, and I went crazy, because not only am I an Obama Mama all the way, and absolutely adore Mrs O., Im also an aspiring designers schooling at Parsons, so my two love combined!!! LOVE IT!
THANKS MRS T.!!!
I agree with the others: this site is outstanding. You've stayed true to your mission (and I've loved your relevant side stories during Michelle's down time.) Your stories always have an interesting angle, as well as dimension to them, and they're impeccably written. You're obviously consummate professionals. Kudos for taking this on and keeping it going - can't wait to watch the site's future!
I love the clean unadorned neck. Totally modern and elegant.
I agree with everyone! I love this site, love the linked references (I have been doing right click --> open in a new tab so as not to navigate away from the main page) and enjoy following her style. I didn't realize how well dressed and stylish she has been! The brooch thing is definitely growing on me.
I love how she is able to combine designer looks with everyday purchases (J Crew, H&M, etc) but I must ask...
how much of this is her, and how much is her stylist? Do we know if she has one? What about older pictures of her? (It's interesting to see what a dramatic difference there is between campaign Palin and pre-campaign Palin)
@JS
Michelle has been dressing like this for a WHILE, she is an ATTORNEY. There are pictures of her from 2oo4 campainging for Barack for Senate still FABULOUS. No stylist at all.
Simply gorgeous.
Thanks for being so responsive to the comments. I didn't realize it, but I was often choosing NOT to click on links, as I was not wanting to navigate away from Mrs-O. Now I'm click-link-happy.
Dear JS,
I can tell you wholeheartedly, I don't believe Mrs. O has a stylist. The more research I do, the more confident I feel in saying this. Certainly she has confidantes that are of influence (and necessity, given her schedule), but I genuinely believe we see her true and personal style shine through. I would also second BB in saying that digging several years back, you'll still find an incredibly stylish and sophisticated woman. One example that is quite telling - Mrs. O has been working with designer Maria Pinto since 2003.
It's absolutely a fair question to ask though, particularly given what we saw this political season.
Also, thanks for all of the wonderful comments about the site! Please keep coming back and commenting. You all have such interesting, insightful (and often funny) things to say.
And thanks Mrs. E for a lovely post in tribute to a lovely image.
She looks so laid-back and elegant at the same time. Great photo. I'm looking forward to seeing what other photos you post!
I'll be that much more impressed if she doesn't have a stylist!
I read the comments on a few other websites this one had linked to (ex: the yellow J Crew ensemble, etc) and a lot of people had commented that it was just a political ploy by her stylist and Barack's publicist. I hope not! Even if she has one, the stylist is doing an excellent job
I did go back and google some older pictures and she does seem stylist and well put together far before she was in the public eye for this election.
Finally, as a 3rd year law student I've seen my share of stylish and anything-but attorneys ;)
stylish*
WHAT A GREAT PHOTO. (Having John Legend in the back doesn't hurt...)
Kristan
http://jbu.phuzzymath.net/
@JS
Political Ploy? That does not make sense. Jay Leno ASKED her what she was wearing and she replied!! You OVER thinking things. Why would she lie about not having a stylist? Its not that serious, stay in school.
What a lovely photo of Mrs. O. That said, I don't think she should wear too much black. It think it looks harsh on her unless the garment is very delicate. Alas, I think the nature of being First Lady demands a softer look...
J'adoooore ! Tellement belle !
This woman is so elegant !!!
Audrwey :o)
What a gorgeous picture! Also, I agree with all the previous commentors, you guys do a terrific job.
she is really beautyful in black!!! i like the way she is!!