Pritzker Prize Polish
Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 11:27 PM 
Photos by Saul Loeb / Getty Images; Carolyn Kaster / AP Images; Lawrence Jackson / White House
The President and First Lady attended the Pritzker Architecture Prize ceremony at Andrew Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC this evening. This year's winner is Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura.
For the event, Mrs. O wore a long blue halter gown, which appears to be Reed Krakoff Spring 2011, seen here. Confirmation to follow, and thanks to reader Bayo for the excellent spot. (Update: Indeed, the gown is Reed Krakoff.) One can't help but wonder if perhaps the First Lady was drawn to the gown for its distinctive architectural lines, perfectly fitting for the occasion.
"President Obama to speak at tonight's Pritzker Prize ceremony in Washington" [LA Times]
Reed Krakoff
Reader Comments (47)
Very pretty color; love the fluidity, and the back view is superb. And she is wearing heel heels (Yey!)
Mrs O's a model. She looks gorgeous and happy - not too thin. Love all the different styles and colours. Great reading your column. Now avid follower's.
Mrs. O looks truly lovely in this gown, great color, and it's design is perfectly fitting for an architectural focused event like the Pritzker. I would also like to comment positively on the President's tux, a much more contemporary design then what one usually sees worn by a political figure...it looks almost identical to my own, which is by Canali, which I purchased a few years back. Have never been a big fan of bow ties, so this is a nice change in formal wear, and compliments Mrs. O's look very well...kudos to them both!
Can’t you just see the pride on The President’s (handsome) face!
Congratulations to Eduardo Souto de Moura
Peace.
Love the simplicity of this look. Not a lot of jewelry, yet elegant.
Why hello, perfection!
i love this look, very classic.
I agree with you Jenny NZ; Our Michelle's definitely a model, one worth emulating!!!
I love this look, and I'm curious about the shoes. Also, President Obama looks very sharp here.
This gown is VERY architectural in style. A nice touch which I'm sure those in the field recognized and appreciated. She is such a role model for women of all ages. I purchased and wore a one-shoulder top because of her influence and am seriously considering a halter style as well. I love this website ... it's a highlight of my day!
I don't see any pictures, just the credits for the pictures. I've tried firefox and IE. The picture of Mrs. O at the Dept standing partially behind a podium shows up fine. But I don't see any photos here.
Waaaah... I waited all of yesterday to see it first on Mrs. O. Waaaaahh......
wow. FOUND the pics when a chose "cached" on the google search. That's kinda odd, huh? Like they were here, obviously, because you all were commenting on photos. I thought there was something wrong with the computer.
Anyway, she looks fabulous as always. Architects are designers at heart, it's just that design really big things. But I think that they appreciate beautiful, well constructed clothes in the same way that they like beautiful, well constructed buildings.
Not to take away from the dress, but did anyone noticed the jewelry, especially the bangles? Very ecclectic; the earrings are really pretty too.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/03/michelle-obama-pritzker_n_870749.html#s286779
Mrs. T, is there any way to find out who they are from? Thanks
First Lady looks lovely as usual but I have to say the president is keeping up too, nice suit and tie!
The blue palette that Mrs. O has worn of late is just stunning. It's a
Wonderful choice for her, and imparts an elegant demeanor.
My President is as handsome as ever. That's a sharp tuxedo he has on. They would both look good in a t-shirt and jeans, but I think they look especially nice together, walking hand-in-hand.
Love Mrs. O in real heels, too!! She looks so much better in this beautiful cerulean blue gown than the bone-skinny model!! In fact, I'm not so sure that I would have even considered a dress like this, if I had not seen Mrs. O actually wearing it as a tall, yet curvy, real woman.
Is there anyone who does not look good in a halter style dress? MO, of course, looks better than most. And she's still rocking those Lantern heels I love.
The HuffPost pictures Nora sent along are great. The bangles look like clear acrylic - perhaps Bittar or even Tom Binns, who does do some sculptural acrylic pieces along with his more elaborate things. Mrs. T: any info???
I think blue might be the color she enjoys wearing the most. The dress is fluid and easy on the eye.
I haven't seen the back and wonder if it is truly a halter dress.
Lovely dress, lovely couple....lovely weekend everyone !
FC or Fashion Critic at the blog Red Carpet Fashion Awards (who consistently cites mrs-o.org and Mrs. T in covering the FLOTUS) commented on this dress that we can never be bored with Mrs. O and she is constantly excited at ther rotation of designers. I responded by saying: "I think this is that rarest woman in the spotlight who actually dresses herself. She has no allegiance to a style, brand, magazine editor, contract, overpowering stylist, trend, or critics. I know she has help, people behind the scenes that say look at this, this would look great on you, what about this designer? But she wears what she wants to wear (sometimes I am not in approval – the belts?) but I find it so refreshing to see true personal style. I agree FC, we can never say she is boring us, this 45 year old lawyer and mother of two is slowly but surely solidifying herself has a fashion icon as much as any other icon can lay claim to that title. I think less because how good she looks in clothes or her patronising big fashion houses, but a woman who uses fashion as a tool so intelligently and with such grace and ease. The architecture of this dress for the occasion – ONLY American and British designers for the UK trip with such beautiful clothes. True sartorial brilliance. 6 more years PLEASE!!!"
Are you kidding me? THEY LOOK PHENOMENAL!!! I keep thinking it can't get any better and then they come out just looking smashing again and again. This I particularly love. Lovely to see her in this color and in a long gown. The President looks gorgeous as well.
She looks gorgeous in this beautiful dress! I only have one tiny bone to pick -- in the first photo, it appears that there's a waist tie that got tied into a bow that is hanging down beneath her skinny belt. Perhaps a slightly wider belt might have been a better choice to completely hide the waist tie?
But really, that's just such a tiny detail. I only mention it because once I saw it I couldn't unsee it again, unfortunately! I also love her hair and makeup and heels. But most of all, I love the fact that we have such a beautiful, stylish, brilliant and talented FLOTUS!!
She looks absolutely amazing! It's such a pleasure to see what she wears day in day out. The way she dresses really shows that she defines herself for herself, not caring about so-called ideals of what a first lady should or shouldn't wear. She really exemplifies the fact that you don't have to look boring to be taken seriously. She is FABULOUS!!!
wow!! FABULOSITY at its highest level. both FLOTUS and POTUS are rocking their outfits. im so loving this Dynamic couple.looking forward to six more years of fashion...............
This gown has classic lines and flows beautifully on her, projecting a look that is feminine without being edgy. I love the color and the sheen of the ribbons. I hope it goes into the Smithsonian eventually along with other First Ladies' gowns.
@river rush, there is a view from the back on the White House website, under Photo of the Day, and it is a halter.
Mrs. O looks fabulous, but a little subdued or maybe just tired. She doesn't quite have the full smile on.
Soft and gentle and feminine - a sight to behold. Thanks, Michelle!
FLOTUS and the girls are going to Africa from June 21-26. I am so happy they are finally going to other continents besides Europe. Ghana was a great trip, so I know South Africa, and Bostwana will be great too. Also, I love this dress, and I am not to keen on her hair.
Statuesque, elegant, gorgeous! I love that Mrs. O can still amaze me, us.
On a side note, this picture has been posted on Flickr from the Spelman Commencement http://tinyurl.com/44vt4x6
Anagrom
AWWWW, JUST LOOK AT OUR MICHELLE!
They are indeed a force to be reckoned with! Our President could not be any more handsome in his tux. I think I rather like it being worn with a tie, instead of a bow.
LOOKING GOOD MR. PRESIDENT!
@ Anagrom - FINALLY!!! The mystery dress revealed. Too cute.
Mrs T, I don't know what the problem is today with pictures. I am looking all over for pictures from the Let's Move Spring Harvest and can only find about 5 or 6 pictures, usually there are tons (remember last years Let's Move Chef's to school). Anyway, Mrs O also had time today for a commencement at Quantico Middle/High School. I found them under the school name on daylife. I love her outfit and she looks fitter than ever (darn her). http://tinyurl.com/3roqzqz And by the way, when are we going to get Let's Move in Hospitals, have you been a patient and eaten in one lately, just try to get a vegetable.
They both look great! I'm also excited that they value great architecture so highly and go to this event. A great nation should have great buildings.
Color me embarrassed. The graduation took place this evening and the photos are on daylife. Mea culpa.
Oh Rory...I so agree!
It is so impressive how perfect this gown is for this occasion! now I'm off to discover everything I can about Reed Krakoff!
YAY! I'm soo happy! When I saw it i thought she looked absolutley stunning. The movement of the silk crepe, with the leather details plus the color, looks absolutley stunning on her. An POTUS looks handsome as well.
Here's the cobalt evening gown as shown at the source. I have never done a tiny url before - hope it works.
http://tinyurl.com/3jeuvdx
It appears that the original gown may have undergone a few adaptive changes?
@Laura - if you go back up the thread to about 10:22 a.m., you will find Nora's post that gives you the link to Huffington Post. There is a shot of the back of the dress. It's a true halter, and the belt is more elaborate than it appears from the front. I'm actually wondering if the belt and trim at the top are perhaps leather. In any event, the way the belt looks in the front had nothing to do with a decision by MO. It's the way the dress is made.
This dress makes me speechless and I LOVE the Spelman commencement dress thanks for posting the link Anagrom.
That's good news@ Anagrom
Hey guys, there's a really good shot of the side of FLOTUS' dress that shows the details of the back. Go onto: http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/115068787
The dress crisscrosses in the back. The leather details is spot on!
Architecture is the first art. I suppose fashion is the second? Modern and Bold. It is a brilliant dress for her audience.
Gee, Rory, pass GO and collect $200! Your comment rings with clarity, keen eyesight (and insight), and BALANCE--something not found so readily here, or not deftly written, anyway. Very well said.
*fist bump*
Further, Mrs. O. fashion "philosophy?" helps me--and others, I hope--to remember that fashion, despite its "traditions" and "rules" really is a PERSONAL expression of the individual. If fashion "dictates" clash with your fashion point-of-view for an event (i.e., a picnic or a memorial ceremony) or categorically (e.g., no below-the-knee shorts), or just personal whim, like wearing a sweater "backward," then don't adhere to it--wagging tongues be dam*ed.
Of course an argument could be made about the "degree" to which one can/should break the "rules." But I'm not here to counter my own argument. I'll leave that to others.
Oh! I like the dress. And though I agree with Laura about a slightly wider belt, I think the designer may have been aiming for "symmetry" by designing the the belt and the dress's halter straps of identical width. Can't argue with that.
No less, Mrs. O. still wears it well.
Rory, I'm sure you've mentioned before that you are not a writer, but you ought to be. I always love your posts and you speak so eloquently.
I just found out that the Obama's and the girls will be going to South Africa and Botswana on 21-26 June. I can hardly wait to read your commentary. What a welcome they will receive. I've always wanted to go to South Africa since apartheid was abolished. I hear it is an AMAZING country and the food and wine is to die for. I'm sure the Obama's will have a succesful trip.
I love this dress! Mrs. O looks like a princess!
Fluid perfection!
Am in agreement with everyone's comments. What a gorgeous dress that Mrs. O wears so eloquently. Mr. and Mrs. O always shine and complement each other outstandingly. @ Rory -- thank you! We definitely must have the Obamas continue to represent this country with their hard work, dedication, caring, grace and style. ITA Marcus Perry!
As I said in a previous post on this blog: Mrs. O continues to express so beautifully what Mrs. T and Kate Betts have observed about her in their respective books. Our FLOTUS has a unique, creative sense of personal style along with unmatched substance. I think Mrs. O has influenced everyone the world over from designers to first ladies in other countries, to women and girls of all backgrounds. This is because she shines through ... she carries the clothes and you can feel and sense that even in photographs, even if you've never heard her speak. But to hear her speak in concert with how she looks, that is the real "Wow!" Michelle Obama has incredible beauty, incredible heart -- she's a woman for the 21st-century. She's such an amazing role model. I can only hope to strive to achieve a portion of what I've learned from watching, listening and reading about Mrs. Obama and her life. For everyone, here are some additional must reads:
"Michelle Obama in Her Own Words," and "Go Tell Michelle: African American Women Write to the First Lady." Thanks so much to Mrs. T for this wonderful, insightful blog!
And for all those interested in fashion and in sewing, I came across these two very interesting links; one to a website about sewing, and the other referenced on that site is a presentation given at USC by Johanna Blakley, entitled: "Lessons From Fashion's Free Culture."
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2011/01/sewing-and-intellectual-property.html
http://www.ted.com/talks/johanna_blakley_lessons_from_fashion_s_free_culture.html