Tuesday
May052009
Feith Redux
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 6:50 PM 
Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Mrs. O is in New York today, where she spoke at the United Nations.
U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice introduced the First Lady by saying, "You insist on reminding people that your extraordinary life is rooted in the ordinary women that surrounded you. We love your style, your warmth, your brilliance."
For the event, Mrs. O wore a Tracy Feith dress, with fitted bodice and full skirt; the dress was last worn for the National Prayer Service following the Inauguration. The printed fabric, depicting cranes nestled among Asian flowers, is produced by Kona Bay, a Hawaii based fabric company. 
Image via Kona Bay Fabrics
tagged Tracy Feith in Outfits
Tracy Feith in Outfits
Reader Comments (95)
here is the pool report and the press release of her speech.
Simply amazing woman.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/05/michelle-obamas-sesame-st_n_197191.htm
I am a huge fan of Michelle Obama. As an african american you woman, I look up to her as a huge role model and inspiration. Unfortunatley I do not think this dress does her well. Its too busy and not appropirate to wear to a function where you are speaking. I usually love her fashion choices, but this one I just cant get into.
I'm SO glad she wore a dress she's worn before. When Susan Rice made the comment about Michelle's insistence that her extraordinary life is rooted in the ordinary women who have surrounded her, it would have had far less punch if our attention had been completely arrested by a new, fabulous outfit. She looked like a beautiful woman in her 40s, who has her priorities straight and knows there's more to her extraordinary life than the clothes on her back. That said, it's a beautiful dress, and I was glad to see it again. It was also a lovely tribute to her husband's home state.
I love the idea behind the dress to many people are missing the point of "How Mrs. Obama keeps re wearing her dresses". She is letting people know that she is very mush aware we are in hard times. Though she may wear sometimes very high end pricey clothing aka shoes Mrs. Obama shows frugal side often by reusing these pieces of clothing for major events.
I'm shocked some people who claim to be a fan of clothing does not see the message behind her reuse of certain clothing pieces.
In addition to speaking at the the U.N. Mission, Mrs. O made an appearance on Sesame Street with Elmo and Big Bird. The date that the show will be aired is to be announced. As usual, Mrs. O was dressed for multiple events.
The sentiment in blogs that I've visited is that folks appreciate her wearing things more than once as a recognition of the economic times. I personally like the dress very much and think that it was appropriate both for Sesame Street and the U.N. Mission - now that's a wardrobe feat and Mrs. O pulled it off (in my opinion)!
American-n-Rome,
Your right Mrs.O I think we will see as often before in past events reuse certain clothing pieces. She is very much aware of the unwelcome spot light the news media has placed on First Lady clothing choices. And I love how she sort of slaps down her critics by refusing to change who she is on the national stage.
Somehow, this dress really speaks to me today--much more than it did the last time Mrs. Obama wore it. I'm very touched to know that the fabric has a Hawaiian designer. That connects to her husband---as well as to the beauty of our Earth. Today, I think it's absolutely lovely. I love this photo.
You know I never really noticed at first the detail in the dress tell now. Susan your right it does have a beautiful detail and wonderful symbolism.
The fact that Michelle wears an outfit twice (or more) elevates her in my eyes, and she carries off everything she does with such grace. I'm proud to have her represent American women.
I HATED this dress for the National Prayer Service, but LOVE it here.
Go figure! :-)
I have so much admiration for her when she wears clothing more than once. That sets the BEST example of all.
I love the print...as a piece of artwork, not as a dress. One of her worst outfits! I couldn't stand this dress when she wore it to the National Prayer event, and I still dislike the dress. It's way too busy, and doesn't flatter her figure at all.
Meanwhile, there are black designers who could outfit her well who she continues to overlook (two black designers is HARDLY enough) in favor of designers that make her look amiss. His obvious self-interest aside, designer Arnold Scaasi was mostly right about Mrs. Obama's fashion choices.
I like that Mrs. Obama "recycles" her wardrobe, but she mostly recycles the outfits that do not flatter her.
Mara,
Its her life!...If she chooses to wear a dress that does not fit to well or look to great on camera then so be it. I would never wear this dress but I get the "Symbolism" behind this particular dress. Michelle became a clothing horse to the big fashions house certain people who be grateful. But her high approval ratings by the public is due to her being a sweet, nice & free thinking woman. Her poll numbers don't seem to be hurting for not by from certain designers. So, why should she worry about them!!!
As for the Black designers they still have Beyonce, Nomai, Oprah, Halle Berry and a long list of Black stars to dress. They are not losing sleep over Michelle. Everyone will be alright.
Michelle is the first lady of the UNITED States of America...she represents ALL of us, not a certain segment of the population. It shouldn't matter if the designers she wears are black, white, green or purple!!! Let's get away from looking at everything according to race. The lady likes what she likes. Thank goodness she doesn't seem to feel she has to use a quota system for her clothes. Keep it up Mrs. O...you're doing a very stylish job.
To IVA:
I got my J. Crew sweater today too -- I really like it! It's soft and comfy. I'm glad I decided to go for the medium; normally I wear small tops, but it's cut pretty closely to the body.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the cut of this dress. I am not feeling the print at all (but hey who asked me...LOL). I like that Mrs. Obama wears her clothes more than once just like many people do.
I don't think that a designer's ethnicity makes them anymore qualified to dress someone. I am actually offended by the idea that Mrs. Obama (or anyone for that matter) OWES anyone anything just because they are Black. I think entitlement is just plain wrong.
Hey Mara,
If we want to talk about an underlying message of African American representation in fashion I say look no further than the Sophie Thalleat dress she wore for the Sojourner Truth ceremony. I was happy when Mrs. O wore Tracy Reese, but as a black woman I was THRILLED when she wore a dress by a designer who had a full black cast of models for her fashion show. To me, that was powerful! Arnold Scassi doesn't have anything on that -
As for this dress, I like it very much - both for the U.N. Mission and her event earlier today at Sesame Street with Elmo and Big Bird. Mrs. O has said that not everyone will like her clothes, its true. I just appreciate her versatility. She's clearly having fun with fashion.
Congrats to you as well, Christina, on your new sweater! I love any shade of olive, citron, moss. And grey is the new black!
I love the fabric of this dress. It has a tapestry effect that gives the dress an other-worldly quality.
This photo of Michelle is special - she looks humbled that so many wonderful things are being said about her - all deserving! Susan Rice is a class act.
OperaFanatic, i doubt the folks in the audience are chronicling her every outfit to the point of being distracted by her wearing something new. this has never been one of my favorite outfits, but she looks perfectly lovely in it; and i like that it uses a hawaiian print. i just love that she wears so many dresses and not just suits, that's my favorite thing about her wardrobe; i'm not as much of a dress person in my own life, but it certainly makes it more fun to watch her outfits because there's so much more that can be different with a dress than a suit. her hair looks amazing as always.
Alva,
Well said.
She looks lovely in this dress. I think she is dressing appropriately for the role she is playing at this time in her life. She is not the Commander in Chief, Secretary of State or Cabinet Head. At this time in her life she is the First Lady of the United States, Wife and Mother.
That in its self is a fulltime job and just so happens to be a feminine role when the President is a male...no need for business suits!
LADIES AND GENTS - MRS. O HAS TAKEN THE STAGE AT THE TIME EVENT. TWITTER FOLKS SAY SHE LOOKS GORGEOUS WITH A NEW HAIRSTYLE. WHERE ARE PICS?
I just knew she was gonna rock tonight! Yay!
I disagree that this dress is not flattering to Mrs. Obama. I think it really is flattering--and is a charming dress. It is sometimes hard to gauge whether an oufit/dress is too casual or not. I think this particular dress is transitional--and suits a range of events. I'm really coming to like it--much more than I did the first time she wore it.
I am confident that Mrs. Obama will wear outfits from a broad spectrum of designers during her husband's tenure. Some will be black, some Asian, some caucasian. I don't think she should be expected to favor one group/race over another. She is the First Lady for all of us after all.
It's okay. I'm not a huge J-ville fan either. I'm sorry, Jacksonville lovers! I'm sure it's really a lovely place.
Moja31 - thanks for brining up the whole suit thing. I've watched First Ladies back to Jackie Kennedy (my first style icon), and my memory is of daytime appearances in a gazillion suits with pearls and sensible heels. Not a lot of imagination or risk to be found. No one gets it right every time, but I give Michelle a lot of credit for breaking out of the mold and mixing it up a little. She's a breath of fresh air. (I would love to know what she uses on her uses on her hair. It always looks great and never goes weird, no matter what the weather.)
Please ignore comments from "gilly" - just our resident troll! I've deleted the comments and blocked the IP address.
Oh! Well, feel free to erase my response comments too, because otherwise I look like a nut!
Please erase my outbust as well. I just lost it with that gilly poster. Say you dont like the dress fine but being disrespectful over wearing a dress...just got me upset.
I said so in the previous thread, there is something demoralizing about the snide remarks about Michelle Obama on here that goes beyond someone not simply liking an outfit that she wears. I begs the question why bother to come on this site just so you can cut the First Lady down?
In case the critics haven't noticed, the First Lady attended an earlier event on the set of Sesame Street before addressing the staff of the US mission to the United Nations. The first event obviously targets children while the second event was an extension of her listening/appreciation tours of government agencies. Both events require her to fulfill a nurturing role. As I said in the other thread, Michelle dresses for FUNCTION with a key sensitivity to invoking harmony in the gathering she finds herself in. Plus I like this fabric. it is very serene and Spring-y
Just keep in mind that if President Obama serves two terms then that means Michelle Obama will be dressing at least once a day for 2920 days. We will see all of her outfits at least two, three or more times. The Obamas have been at the White House for only a little over 100 days. There is still plenty of time for Michelle to wear all types of designers and all types of clothes even some of her tailored suits that she probably has in the back of her closet.
2920 days!
I can see what you mean regarding Function, she often attends different types of events within a day. She has to find outfits that serve different purposes yet work in both settings.
Regarding the shoe incident..being a HUGE fan of Princess Diana..I remember her visiting India and giving out soup dressed in all her finery. I remember her hugging AIDS patients dressed to the nines. If I had a person of importance visit me I would want them dressed to the nines...not dressed in Payless.
Leah D, you are right, this is only the beginning. Perhaps designers should begin a charm offense instead of being defensive and insulting the first ladies sensibilities. The talk about her as if she was a child. Designers would ever dare do that to Nancy Reagan or even Hillary Clinton. Michelle deserves that same respect. Its like they believe they can bully her around because of who she is.
I love the fabric but not the dress. I am kind of imagining this fabric made into summer frock, sun dress sort of thing.
That said, Mrs. Obama can wear loads of things that other women can't because they don't have her model figure. I am more of Hillary Clinton body type myself so I know!
As far as her less conventional choices go, I predict that she is starting a trend and we will see many more influential women switching from the usual "uniform" to more interesting choices. I bet they wanted to do so for years, someone just have to be the First!
Julie here is a picture of Princess Letizia wearing a wrap dress http://myroyal.wordpress.com/, usually she wears "the royal uniform" this is quite casual for her.
Please. She's wearing this sad confection to play down the ignorance of her sensitivity to those who are struggling in the country. This mess of an outfit is the half attempt to sway opinion of the public of her wearing those ugly Lanvin shoes. At the very least she should stand up straight. About the only consistent element of Michelle's is the forward leaning gait of hers. More of a wilting tulip than a lady.
ASIAN CREATION WITH A MODERN TWIST! I love the fact that Mrs. O keeps it cultural yet trendy with this dress. And once again, this dress is symbolic of her reaching across different social strata in a non compromising and non confrontational manner. I mean she is wearing it while addressing the UN employees! Now how brilliant is that!
I'm almost sure she has all sorts of ethnic prints in her wardrobe just waiting to be shown. Bring them on I say!
I disagree "That Other Mimi." As someone who has followed European royals in the press for years, I can tell you that the royals, particularly the new ones are quite relaxed in their dress codes and do wear stylish and versatile dresses. So I am by no means surprised to see that Princess Letizia in that dress.
I googled Tracy Feith and found a dress in what looks like the same style (pleats at the neckline, cummerbund, bold print). It's $670. But - and this is the best part - Tracy Feith for Target is a collection that will debut later this month and be in the stores for a short time (these "famous designer" collections sell out in a flash usually, so shop early if you're interested). Target price points are under $50 for dresses. I don't particularly love the line (Michelle is slowly winning me over to prints), but I do love that this designer is reaching out to a wider audience.
I guess I'm different from most... I like this dress. Liked it in January, like it now! The dress yesterday, was just so so. I like her style more when she steps outside the box. It's always interesting to me to see/hear people say that her dress is too casual. A majority of the time she outshines everyone else in their more appropriate (matronly looking) clothing. Take for instance, the picture above, I'd much rather prefer her look to Susan Rice ( no offense to her) but as a mid 20's professional Mrs. O's look is just what me and most of my girlfriends ( who are jazzy) would wear.
I do agree the younger European royals are alot more fun than in America, they wear alot of different colors and probably don't run into the how much does that cost mafia that Mrs Obama puts up with. I also love the heels that they wear. Overall they are alot of fun to watch and if Michelle where to wear those colors and hats she would never live it down. Older royals wear the "uniform" matching suits, blazers etc.
Shana, great comment! I love this dress as well, and have since the first time Mrs. O wore it in January. It has so much character and personality.
I do not like that dress on her. I did not like it in January either. The cut somewhat emphasizes her tendency to stoop, which is why it would be nice for her to wear heels every now and then, especially when she is not with the Prez; they would do wonders for her posture. I find it especially odd that she would wear heels on a semi-casual date night with the prez abd not at some official functions.
Exactly, Shanna, mid20's professionals, not 40something first lady.
I think her look transcends age. Age is nothing but a number, besides like most AA women Michelle does'nt look her age.
I can look at her dress and apply it to my 30 something utilitarian uniform dress suit.
MO doesn't care what anybody think about her clothing, she is paying for her own clothes and is free to wear what she likes. Agree or disagree with her, who cares!!
Michelle's speech at the TIME event:
www(DOT)politico(DOT)com/politico44/wbarchive/whiteboard05052009(DOT)html
I like her in this dress. Its nice to see relaxed dressing instead of the old first lady thing of matchy suits all the time. Ive noticed I seldom wear a suit to work anymore and look for just pretty dresses. We can wear what we like now instead of following some code.
American-n-Rome,
Did the twitter folks say what she is wearing???
Leah D, the link doesn't work. I can't find it
@Mimi: it's http://www.politico.com/politico44/wbarchive/whiteboard05052009.html