Monday
Jan312011
Ikram Goldman to Be Honored
Monday, January 31, 2011 at 10:34 AM WWD reports that Ikram Goldman, one of Mrs. O's key style advisors (though perhaps no longer, see here) and renowned Chicago retailer, will receive the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's Legend of Fashion Award, presented by Sally Singer, editor of T: The New York Times Style magazine on May 5. Past recipients include Anna Sui, Nicole Miller and Maria Pinto.
Honoring Ikram [WWD]
Presidential Honor [Vogue UK]
tagged Ikram
Ikram
Reader Comments (9)
More from Kate Betts, including a mention of Ikram: http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/31/michelle-obama-first-lady-of-fashion/?hpw
Seems like they could have acknowledged your book and this site, Mrs. T!
@ a MI mom, that's kind of you. I'm just glad that readers here continue to appreciate and enjoy the blog. I really can't ask for more than that.
I'm remembering a question you asked last week that I didn't directly answer re: Robin Givhan's tweet. My understanding is that early on, Mrs. Obama bought most of her ensembles through Ikram's boutique in Chicago. Now it's said to be somewhat commonplace for designers to send clothing directly to the White House, I'm assuming at no cost to Mrs. Obama. That's rumor, however even this week, Kara Ross spoke of sending pieces from her collection (separate from the commissioned project) in the WWD story. From what I've read about Nancy Reagan, it's all perfectly legal, as long as taxes are paid on gifts over a certain value. And logical, as designers of course want the honor and benefit from the exposure. (And then again, the Obamas made over $5M in income in 2009, so who knows if that original tweet even has merit.)
Congrats to Ikram Goldman and her associates!
I second that Strong Foru. It's a well-deserved honor. I will miss seeing Ikram's magic in the first lady's wardrobe, if rumors are to be believed ...
OT - I love this capture of Kate Betts as she discusses her new book about Mrs. O style:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN4M2m6SoKA&feature=player_embedded
Intelligent and perceptive snip.
Mrs. Obama made a very big splash upon her arrival on the political stage. Some of it was due to her astonishing husband but a lot of it was due to her own beautiful style and compelling personal narrative. I think Ikram played a major role along the way and for that I salute her. How I'd love to spend an afternoon in her shop, any day of the week.
Oh, so would I. I'd love to be wealthy enough to buy some of those clothes, and to work with someone to help fashion a "style." Right now my style is "A little Banana Republic, a little Ann Taylor Loft, a little Target." :-)
Mrs. T, what you say about designers sending clothes directly to the White House is very interesting. I know I'm making a mistake by bringing up Oscar yet again, but if that is true, then maybe he has sent clothes to the White House and has not seen them worn. It almost makes his comments a little bit understandable. Imagine if you show someone your pretty babies and they say "eh, I prefer THESE pretty babies over here. Your babies aren't my style." That would hurt!
Now, he's a grownup and he should be more circumspect, but for the past 20 years he's seen his outfits worn by First Ladies. Like all designers, I'm sure he has an ego and thinks he is the very best. I'm not excusing him, I'm just saying I think I understand it, even though ultimately I think it is unfair. He has a fan base that has helped him do quite well. It's not like he's a bad designer, it's just that MO has different tastes.
Oh I bet that he hasn't sent a thing. Don't forget that Mr "of the Rent" thinks he is a couturier. Therefore he would require Mrs O to come to HIM. Which she hasn't done. Well, she's been far too busy shoring up the American fashion industry almost single-handedly, by wearing piece after piece after piece from a varied and diverse selection of as many American designers as possible. A one woman fashion advocate, if you will. I don't recall Oscar hosting any pan-American Young Designer sales forums to help the next generation in his industry...... anyone???? Mmm, no, thought not.
Never mind Oscar, eh? When you get a thoughtful generous supportive soul, perhaps you'll get some business from Mrs, yes?
Not holding my breathe over here.....
Well said Posh!