Simply Stunning
Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 10:18 PM 
Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Time Inc.
We are beside ourselves, our First Lady is so beautiful. Really, there are no words.
Mrs. O is in New York City this evening, to address Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People" gala.
Update: Red Carpet Fashion Awards reports that Mrs. O wore a simple black sleeveless Azzedine Alaia gown, with a Peter Soronen corset, accessorized with multiple strands of necklaces by Loree Rodkin, and simple diamond stud earrings.
Correction: Mrs. O wears a Michael Kors square neck gown in stretch, double face wool crepe. 
Photo by The White House
A fantastic slideshow from Talking Points Memo follows here.
REMARKS OF FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA TIME MAGAZINE'S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE AWARDS New York, NY; May 5, 2009
Thank you Rick for that kind introduction and thank you for including me in tonight's festivities. It is a pleasure to join you all. There are few times in history when the saying 'we are all in this together' would be more applicable than now. Events like this one show how truly connected our world is; how one person's invention can create an entirely new economy; how one person can change how we see the world. The ability of one person to influence the outcome of someone else's life inspires me.
When I made the decision to leave my job to found Public Allies Chicago, an AmeriCorps program that prepares youth for public service, I realized right away that I had made the right decision.There are few things more rewarding than watching young people recognize that they have the power to enrich not only their lives, but the lives of others as well. But careers in public service are not always encouraged. We push our young people to strive for things, an advanced degree, a job title, a big salary. Rarely do we urge them to stop and think about what their passion is, what kind of life they want to live, what kind of neighbors and colleagues and parents they want to be.
In doing so, we, as a society, often miss out on their creativity, their inventiveness, their resourcefulness- and some really good ideas! We also miss out on the opportunity to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs who will direct their energy and talent toward solving their community's - and our nation's - most serious social problems. Careers focused on lifting up our communities - whether helping transform troubled schools or training workers for green jobs or helping low-income families access health care - are not always obvious. But, at a time when our nation is facing unprecedented challenges, encouraging careers in public service and social innovation is more important than ever. Already, we are seeing young people leading the way with their entrepreneurial spirit, energy and commitment to serving their communities.
For example, Charles Best, a former Bronx public school teacher, started an online philanthropic marketplace called Donors Choose to help teachers who were spending up to $500 a year out of their own pockets for basic classroom materials. Through Donors Choose, ordinary citizens can directly fund projects initiated by enterprising public school teachers. Online donations have helped students in San Jose become avid readers through the Dr. Seuss series. An art class in the Bronx had no paint brushes. Now every student has a set.
Rebecca Onie is a social entrepreneur who founded "Project Health" to help break the link between poverty and poor health. I remember meeting Rebecca when I was at the University of Chicago and I was very impressed with her. Rebecca organizes college students to staff Help Desks in urban medical centers, universities and community centers. Students then connect low-income families to other critical community and government resources - such as housing vouchers, supplemental nutrition assistance, and educational support. This year, 600 college volunteers will dedicate 100,000 hours to connect over 15,000 low-income children and adults to the resources they need to be healthy."
And then there is John Alford who grew up in a housing project in Brooklyn, attended college in North Carolina and then Harvard Business School. John recently launched NOLA 180 a 'turn-around' organization for failing public schools in New Orleans. NOLA 180 transforms these public schools into high-functioning charter schools that prepare every student for college. Langston Hughes Academy is the first school to benefit. Students spend 50 percent more time in their classrooms. Parents are given teacher's cell phone numbers so they can call for help with homework. And, in honor of their namesake, Langston Hughes, students receive instruction in persuasive writing, public speaking, debate and poetry. In its first year, Langston Hughes students outperformed the city's public school average in reading, writing and math.
Charles, Rebecca and John. I know they are here somewhere. Congratulations and thanks for all of your hard work. This is exactly the kind of social innovation and entrepreneurship we should be encouraging all across this country.
And that is why tonight, I am pleased to announce that as part of the new Serve America Act, the Administration is creating a Social Innovation Fund to help innovative nonprofit groups and social entrepreneurs, like the ones I just mentioned, expand their successful approaches to tackling our most pressing national challenges. The idea is simple: find the most effective programs out there and then provide the capital needed to replicate their success in communities around the country. By focusing on high-impact, results-oriented non-profits, we will ensure that government dollars are spent in a way that is effective, accountable and worthy of the public trust.
In this room of Leaders and Revolutionaries, Builders and Titans, Artists and Entertainers, Scientists and Thinkers, Heroes and Pioneers, I think we can all agree, we did not get to where we are alone. Our success was made possible with the encouragement of a diligent parent or teacher, a grandparent who told us we had real talent, an older sibling who paved the way and set a good example, a scholarship or grant that created an unexpected opportunity, or a neighbor or community leader who told us to dream big. That's certainly been the case in my own life.
I stand here today because of people who loved me, and pushed me and believed in me. I stand here today because of scholarships and grants and experiences that gave me opportunities I was afraid to dream of. I never imagined that, as a result of all that support, I would be in a position to be a role model for girls around the globe. Girls who look at me and see something more for themselves, more than society expects of them. Girls who now think anything is possible. As global leaders, let's not underestimate the power each of us has to change the world for someone - and let us not be afraid to try.
Loree Rodkin, Michael Kors, Peter Soronen in Outfits
Reader Comments (332)
So the big bow white blouse was Moschino as well:
http://www.moschinoboutique.com/item/YOOX/MOSCHINO/tskay/BD67EC2D/rr/1/cod10/38133401NM/areaid//sts//mm/208
i believe whoopi was joking with her "black tie" comment, they were talking about how someone asked if they'd all coordinated to wear black outfits, and she jokingly said no they'd all just happened to interpret "black tie" literally.
why am i not at all surprised to hear that ms. hasselbeck is going on larry king to talk about flotus? i saw the clip of the view segment today, and it came across as though she was just trying to milk her so called "moment of closure" for attention. she acted all hurt like Mrs. O had somehow been an equal offender, when everyone knows elizabeth got caught bad mouthing mrs. o @ the RNC. the only closure needed was elizabeth apologizing to michelle for her lack of professionalism, yet she made it out to be all about herself and some larger tension. she'd write a freaking book about her trumped up need for "closure," if it would guarantee her a little more relevance.
Mrs. O looks absolutely fabulous in Alaia, he should easily be one of her go to designers.
I just showed this to my husband. He said "Isn't that Halle Berry?"
Cissy
Here is one entry about her makeup on Inauguration Day
http://make-up-products.suite101.com/article.cfm/michelle_obamas_makeup
Beautiful!
http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/04/michelle_obama_slideshow.html#photo=1
I think the way Michelle has made the dress her own is extraordinarily successful. But I can't help wonder how Azzedine Alaia might feel. She has changed the intentions of his design by adding the corset. I wonder if his attitude is open, or if it is more artistically proprietary.
Alsace, i know what you mean, but once someone purchases an article of clothing it's theirs and they can do whatever they want with it; if designers wanted to demand that kind of control over their handiwork they probably ought not to pursue their art as a commercial enterprise.
I guess we're still high on last night's amazing pics about Michelle Obama beautiful Navy Blue/Black dress.
So many positive posts, when Mrs O gets us she GETS us....lol.
Alsace, that is an interesting observation. This gown and the outfit have sparked so much discussion, and I can't remember reading even one negative comment on this site about Michelle in the gown. Michelle has received raves across media outlets.
Do you think that more gowns will sell as a result of her corset "treatment"? She opens up possibilities for buyers to consider. I tried to find the gown online to see it in its "pure" form, but could not find it.
Her choice to corset was daring, I think; would Alaia find that appealing? She accentuates and cinches her figure even more in a dress created by a designer who loves to wrap the female form. It was a clever embellishment to add - maybe Alaia is the kind of artist who applauds women for a taking his great design and making it better.
Maybe Alaia will comment on Michelle wearing the gown since her appearance in it was a smashing, unequivocal success.
I'd also like to give a big shout out to Project Health. I ran one of the programs back in college and I'm so proud of Rebecca Onie. To have Michelle Obama honor you...
I think someone like Oscar the grouch would feel sensitive about the common woman taking his poofy designs and putting their own touch and flair to it. I dont think the designers like mix match designer dressing. Thats less money in their coffers. They can't kit Michelle out from head to foot and say look what I created. Oscar looks down on the common woman, according to him the first lady should throw herself at his mercy. This is a NEW day and a new first lady. Fashion is no longer exalted and unaccessible. Jenny JC Penny can accesorize and think for herself.
Mrs. T,
Regarding Michelle's JEWELERY on the link that dlev posted at NYMAG dot com it says there:
Where:
At the Time 100 Gala in New York City.
What:
Dress by Azzedine Alaia. Corset by Peter Soronen. Jewelry by Loree Rodkin.
----
So the Jewelery is by LOREE RODKIN apparently!
I was thinking about the red corset dress that Michelle wore to the Alfalfa dinner and the corset belt she wore on the cover of the recent Essence magazine with her mother--a new look she's embracing?
I like the corset look on Michelle because it doesn't ride up and fits her figure---on me, no way. I do think it's a style she is beginning to use more. She's forever changing. I did wonder if I were a designer like Alaia, how I would feel about the Soronen corset because I have to say it drastically changed the dress--to me for the better. But then again, this is the First Lady, and she should be allowed to do whatever, especially since she never deals with the designers directly, Ikram does. I'm sure the designers know that their outfits could be altered after they sent them to Ikram. If they don't know...they should know now.
Bevi, the question came to me as I am not familiar with Alaia and don't know how he would respond. I can imagine either attitude and, as an artist myself, would accept his feelings on it.
I did think that, unlike the younger designers she has most often worn, Alaia doesn't need her patronage in the same way. He may not even be that concerned about sales. He is, after all, a North African who has made his way to the top of French couture, so he is probably quite determined and opinionated.
His gesture this week of pulling designs he'd made for 7 models to wear to the Met Gala when he learned that his work would not be in the show itself was that of a self-confident and self-sufficient man. I think that, in the end, most of the 7 models, including Naomi Campbell, did not attend.
I also read that Alaia blamed his lack of inclusion in the Met show on the influence of Anna Wintour, who has barely noticed him in 15 years of editing Vogue. But he is still at the top of French couture.
It will be fascinating to see his response to the liberty Michelle took with his design.
I never watch programs like "Extra", but I saw it tonight, and there was video of Michelle walking last night in that gorgeous gown. Her Silhouette was absolutely stunning. The corset was fabulous on her waist, and the skirt was very thin and long. Absolutely ravishing!
I've checked their site, but I don't see the video about Michelle. Maybe it will appear later. Here is their site: http://extratv.warnerbros(dot)com/videos/
Also, because we haven't seen this Alaia dress in its original form and it has such simple elegant lines, I would not be surprised if she recycles it with something totally different: different belt or sash, different jewelry, hair, etc. and it makes this look like a new gown. I would love to see that. This just isn't a dress you wear once. I mean you could, but I wouldn't....but then again, I'm not the First Lady.
@Janelle - "They should know now" - LOL - Go Mrs. O!
Michelle has worn enough Alaia at this point that I would think he would appreciate her unique ways of making his outfits her own.
I think it's kind of provocative that Michelle layered designer upon designer.
I wonder how Oscar de la Renta would feel about Michelle layering his clothes? LOL
@Alsace, thanks for that background info on Alaia. I too am very interested in how he sees this alteration to the look of his gown, but I would understand if he has an attitude with knowing more of his background. A new designer probably would not complain, but when you've been at it for awhile, I think I would feel sensitive about it.
@Alsace - I love Alaia's work. He really celebrates the female form. And he has several imitators who evoke his ideas about fabric and silhouette in lots of dresses in some of the higher end anchor stores. But his influence is apparent.
There's probably a back story with Anna Wintour. But like you said, he is a top designer without US Vogue's approval. My guess is he sees a kindred spirit in Michelle, who also exudes confidence.
Mrs T. and all dedicated Mrs O. "designer detectives"
Has anyone ever figured out who designed this dress? Or seen a full length picture of it? It's look # 55 in the NY Mag 'Michelle Obama Look Book"
http(colon)//nymag(dot)com/daily/fashion/2009/04/michelle_obama_slideshow(dot)html#photo=55
Mrs T. and all dedicated Mrs O. “designer detectives”
Has anyone ever figured out who designed this dress? Or seen a full length picture of it? It’s look # 55 in the NY Mag ‘Michelle Obama Look Book”
@Bevi, "My guess is he sees a kindred spirit in Michelle, who also exudes confidence."
I certainly hope he will! :-D
I do think those of us who follow the First Lady's style are in for an interesting ride as we learn, and as she learns more about her style. It must be frightening to be at the center of so many eyes, but at the same time, what fun!
I'm wondering why the comment "Your comment is awaiting moderation" appeared at the start of my previous comment. Did it contain something objectionable?
@Janelle, You are most welcome.
Alsace,
If you included a 'web link' or a smiley face in your comment then it will automatically go into moderation.
Isonprize - since I am in insomnia central mode tonight I checked the Feb. 6 thread where the #55 dress is featured.
There was speculation that it was a Rodiguez or PS, but nothing conclusive came up in that day's thread. Maybe Mrs. T got to the bottom of it a few days later, since she always does.
Isonprize,
Here is a link to that dress (which was worn to the Kennedy Center) on this site:
www.mrs-o(DOT)org/?p=3678
As Bevi said I don't see a designer listed either.
Isonprize,
Besides the Kennedy Center
www(DOT)mrs-o(DOT)org/?p=3678
Michelle also wore that same photo #55 dress to a funeral.
www(DOT)huffingtonpost(DOT)com/2008/11/28/obama-attends-funeral-for_n_147038(DOT)html
Those who wanted to view of the dress without the lectern, go to the following link: http://www.myspace.com/whitehouse
It is a nice behind-the-scene pic of her.
AUDREY: "Please ignore Mara..What an absolutely miserable person (s)he is! There’s much to be said for a person who obsessively follows one they clearly do not like…Mrs O clearly does not do it for Mara, yet Mara expends an innordinate amount of time and energy pontificating about the first lady; Not only insane, but a seriously twisted compulsion…"
As I've said several times, I'm a BIG fan of Michelle Obama. I just don't like most of her fashion choices, and her choices deserves to be better to fit who she is as a woman. I also think she is giving black designers short shrift. Apparently it is oh so difficult to separate these two things: One can critique Mrs. Obama's fashion style, but still like her as an individual (and vice versa).
Clearly you ignored that I said she looked nice today! And other times as well.
The last time I checked, anyone can comment on this blog, as long as they follow the rules. I'm going nowhere, so get used to it. I'm not a yes woman. If I like an outfit, I'll say so. If I don't like an outfit, I'll say so.
WOW! Mrs.O looks SO HOT with her hair like that and her cute dress! You go girl!
Mara, I do sympathize with you. Although I have leaned to bite my tonggue a bit on this blog when I don't like something for fear of being labeled or chased away. Tolerance is not this blog's strong suit :)
Oh she looks so amazing. Already well I've been viewing this site for a while now but have never posted. Anyways I just wanted post and say how amazing our First Ladys style and grace is. I am 17 so I am pretty much a lot younger then her and I'm not sure if there are people here as young as me but I can't help up look up to her when it comes to style/fashion. I love the fact that she broke out of what most people think/feel the First Lady should be wearing. She dresses young enough that young people can relate to her but at the sametime she knows how to be a lady. I even find there are things she wears from J.Crew I myself at 17 could/should wear. She has so much grace and class.
Helo, my 17 year-old sister who is interested in style/fashion. After spending over five hours in the emergency today. Your expressions made it all worth while. A part of me envy you as well as overjoyed for you as a young soon to be woman that you have such an awesome role model to look up to as well as a loving family. Thank you for posting. I really needed that. Now, I can go to bed with the same smile that I had last night. Sweet dreams, sweet life and HAIL TO THE CHIEF! AND HIS FAMILY. To Iva: my sentiments exactly, the only accessory that was missing was President Obama. Can you just imagine the smile beaming on his face as she gracefully and eloquently delivered her speech? If I was 17 my goal would to thrive for the whole package like our First Lady exemplifies. Good night
Hello
just to update when I thanked the ladies on this site for making my day with their thoughtful and complimentary comments about Mrs O I did not realise that some of the bloggers were men, but to the gentlemen who contribute as well a huge thank-you to you to.
@ Mara,
I've been reading this fashion site for awhile and I can always count on you 99% of the time hating an outfit, except for this Alaia outfit. You are definitely entitled to your opinion, and yes, I am used to seeing your comments. But if you say you really like Michelle and dislike most of her fashion then why are you blogging on a fashion blog devoted to her? There are plenty of political blogs that follow her work and not her fashion. I've disliked some of her choices, but boy some of your posts over these months make me think you could use a happy pill from time to time.
This is Michelle, my Belle! I think we need that song to play on this site...lol. Its just so fitting. Tonight was a knock-out. I knew she was gonna do it...I just knew it! And the speech was awesome. Glad she got to hang out with Oprah for the night. They're so inspirational and the article that Oprah wrote for Mrs. O in the Time's honoree profile was fabulous.
What a winner! The dress is just perfect for her.
Leah D, Bevi - We did! The designer is Jonathan Saunders of the UK.
Thanks Mrs. T.
And thank you for the multi-perspective piece on the Sunday with the Magazine event. That was great fun.
I;m not sure if it has been mentioned previously, but on the "This Week with Barack Obama" blog there is a list of books that have been published about Michelle's fashion and style. A biography for children is also included in the list.
Mara,
For what it's worth, I'm with you! I love MO and love many of her fashion choices but not nearly all. You can save your energy, however, in trying to get some of the regulars here to understand that it IS possible to love the person but dislike some of the clothes. Believe me, I've tried, and they just don't get it! Oh, they say they get it, but by the next time someone posts an honest opinion, they've already forgotten.
I agree with the person who said that tolerance is not this blog's strong suit. Neither is maturity in many cases. The middle-school tactics of ridicule and name calling are pretty amazing coming from presumably grown-up people.
Blog on, Mara! It gives them something else to talk about when they haven't had a new photo in a couple of days.
Jazz, thank you SO much for that link to Mrs. O's makeup preferences!! As I said before, her skin is so absolutely flawless and gorgeous!!
Tiny piece about Michelle's hairdo:
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25445705-663,00.html
I have read this blog for months- and I can always tell a Mara post without even seeing the name. She can say what she wants- but she is a very negative person. So I believe she is a Michelle fan, but also a very negative bleak person in her life
And this is from Time Online - Michelle's influence on fashion retailing. If this has already been posted, my apologies. I did not check the whole thread.
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1895631,00.html?imw=Y
And name calling is not negative? Attacking someone is not negative? Are there life qualifications for posting comments here?
Dear All, Let's keep in mind this is a site rooted in respect and admiration for the First Lady. As such, let's treat each other with the same. There is a strong urge to protect Mrs. O when others say something negative or critical, which I understand. Let's not get caught up in negativity though. Counter an attack by saying something positive! Just my two cents. xoxo, Mrs. T
Here's a clip of Michelle on Sesame Street...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E1UUHOk31Y
Bevi, the back story with wintour, alaia & the met show, pretty much comes down to the fact that alaia doesn't do splashy ad campaigns for his collections. all the designs featured in the exhibit were from designers who tend to do big collections and the accompanying big ad campaigns, which over the years have been featured in the pages of vogue & bring in lots of ad revenue.
Mara, i don't think most people here mind posters who dislike some of Mrs. O's fashion choices; i think what a lot of people get irked by is the catty and condescending tone with which some posters register their dislike. i don't like everything that michelle wears, but there's no need to treat every outfit choice that i dislike as indicative of how "she just doesn't get it/know any better," or "doesn't think about the fact that she's representing her husband's administration and her country." she's a grown woman who can make whatever choices she wants; i don't have to like them, but it doesn't mean there's something wrong with her or that she ought to be scolded like a child just because her choice of clothing isn't what i would choose. some people are of the opinion that if they don't like her clothes that it means she somehow "needs to learn" about how to dress like a first lady; it never seems to occur to those folks that perhaps she just doesn't share your opinions about fashion. i find that disparaging "oh she'll learn" kind of attitude, to condescending & rude.
i imagine that most people's complaints about "negativity" fall into that category, not one which says you can't disagree at all.
The White House Correspondents Dinner is this Saturday night. Should be great to see Michelle again, but I have to say, I'm looking forward to Wanda Sykes and I hope her jokes are good.
@moja31 -It makes sense that it comes down to advertising $$$. So the exclusion of Alaia at the Met show is in a sense payback for not paying up :-))
Any word on MIchelle's schedule today, or is it a quiet day before the big correspondents' bash?