Michelle Obama Dress Election Night (Narciso Rodriguez Designer)
Eh…
What did you think of Michelle Obama’s election night dress?
Apparently, lots of folks around the blogosphere aren’t feeling the little red and black Narciso Rodriguez Spring 2009 number our next First Lady chose to wear during her husband’s Election Night Victory Rally in Chicago on Tuesday evening.
Every fabulous fashionista is entitled to an off day.
Written by Castina on November 5th, 2008 | Tagged as: Fashion,Michelle Obama
On November 5th 2008, Bobbi Miller-Moro wrote:
CONGRATULATIONS United States of America on electing our 1st Black President. A historic and amazing time in history.
She usually makes decent choices, and I know that as she improves her image, and as the years go on, she will sharpen her image even more.
As far as her dress last night. Here’s the problem, I felt it was too distracting, and upstaged her family. Although she looked stunning, and her family was absolutely glowing, her choice in dress was off. I do not know who approved this dress, but it was waaay too much. At the end of the day-the dress does not make a woman, a woman makes a dress.
On November 5th 2008, myra Velasquez wrote:
I loved the dress! It intrigued me the minute she stepped on stage. And, of course, Michelle O looks great in red & the black satin added just the right touch of formality.
On November 5th 2008, C Johansen wrote:
I thought it looked like a Halloween costume! It was absolutely horrible and about as far from "Jackie Kennedy elegance" as one can get. Please somebody help this woman with her wardrobe before she becomes First Lady! She COULD be so elegantly beautiful, if only she got the right advisors. What were they thinking???
On November 5th 2008, Eden Munroe wrote:
You've got to be kidding? It was tacky and kind'a looked like a lava lamp.
On November 5th 2008, Lana Tolman wrote:
Would of made a better Halloween costume. Scary
On November 5th 2008, Angie wrote:
I think she looks nice
On November 5th 2008, Carrie Boss wrote:
I want to take exception with the comment made by C johansen. Please don't try to compare Michelle Obama's look to that of Jackie O.I doubt very much that she is, nor should she, try(ing) to emulate Jackie's style. Everyone is unique and she has to establish her own sense of style. I too think that the dress was a poor choice. I even agree with another comment whihc said that it looked like a lava lamp. I have examined lots of pics and more often than not, she displays a great sense of style. Everyone is entitled to a mis-step sometimes, but she will learn as she goes along. I don't like her dress, but I sure like her.
On November 5th 2008, valerie wrote:
With all due respect to the designer, Michelle Obama looked like a black widow spider, This was a very poor choice to make on the night her husband is elected President! Yikes!!
On November 5th 2008, LEX wrote:
Uhhhh
I thought it made her look pregnant when she first stepped out. I think it looks good from only certain angles.
BUT YAY OBAMA!!! I"m SOO happy that he was elected!!!
On November 5th 2008, Linda Swaggerty wrote:
WOW! Michelle's husband just became President of the United States and she wears the ugliest dress ever. Someone please help this lady. Linda
On November 5th 2008, sarah wrote:
What a horrible choice for such a beautiful and brilliant woman on such a momentous night! The red really popped off the screen reminding me of an exploding womb- yuck!
On November 5th 2008, Janet Earnhart wrote:
For such a dignified, attractive and trend setting woman, this was unfortunately, a very poor night to be asleep at the fashion wheel. She definitely, did not put her best foot forward. Way too 'out there' for the mass public, which is going to closely, scrutinize her every choice.
She'll recover, however, she's got lots of opportunities coming up to really shine for us.
I think we are all just excited to see someone as a first lady, which some dazzle. We all love Laura Bush, because how could you not? But, it's high time for some glamour. In times of economic and national difficulties, the public loves to enjoy a distraction, that's why we have movies stars! That's why the English complain about their royals, but they will never get rid of them…not ever.
Michelle, we look forward to seeing you next time.
On November 5th 2008, C wrote:
I thought she looked like she was wearing a apron over her dress. Reminded me of mom when she greets the out of town family on Christmas day.
On November 5th 2008, Beachgirl wrote:
Oh my — I hope know that she will have a White House staff she will be forced to dress like a First Lady – with some class. She is no longer representing her family — she is representing her country. Looks like someone took a paint roller and rolled it down the front of her prior to walking on stage. Ranks right up there with the Lycra dresses with the thick zippers all the way down the back of her dress.
On November 5th 2008, Tamara wrote:
I think the dress was a horribly unfortunate disaster which marred an otherwise perfect evening. She's not an 18 year old waif model on the runway. She's the first lady elect.
As a black woman, I hope that she will make better choices in the future to represent Americans AND African American women in a tasteful manner. You can be modern, hip and even edgy and LOOK GOOD too.
On November 5th 2008, shea wrote:
HIDEOUS…enough said.
On November 5th 2008, tina wrote:
OMG—can you say UGLY?
On November 5th 2008, Christine K. wrote:
Well, sorry to say, I thought the dress was dreadful. As others have commented, my first impression was black widow. Mrs. Obama does need some good advice; for a while, it seemed she was going through a 50's look with floral housedresses, not the best. Someone commented earlier about Jackie Kennedy, another commented that Michele should not try to copy Jackie's style. I agree with both. I think Michele might do well with Jackie's simplicity, but with a more vibrant color range, and, of course, contemporary style. And, as a previous writer stated, it is refreshing that Michele has other things on her mind than her wardrobe.
On November 5th 2008, Cynthia wrote:
Call Stacy and Clinton, quick! Very unflattering style for her pear-shaped figure. Worse–it made me wonder if the happy couple really DID make a deal with the Devil to win. The nuts out there already think he's the Anti-Christ. Very wrong message, there!
But I love them both, and know she'll get it right if she could just get away from the sleeveless sheaths. Princess styles work for everyone, and those weak shoulders REALLY need a little sleeve.
On November 5th 2008, Pat wrote:
I Ilike Michelle's dress. It blend in with Obama tie and her girls dresses also. Her hair was nice and full of body. and I loved the earrings. She was jazz and surley when you have maid it up to her status you don't have to please others. Cause you have what it takes to make it. She's already made it. So, surely a little dress thing can take all that talent and accomplishments from her. At this point the dress doesn't matter. WE made history!!! For get the dress… But I liked it… case closed. Go
michelle. When you make it to first lady you can do what you please….
On November 5th 2008, Caribbean woman wrote:
Michelle's outfit was fine…It accentuated her fine black woman's figure…not that of a pencil but that of curves. True representation of what a natural black woman looks like.
On November 5th 2008, Monica wrote:
I loved the dress. YEAH OBAMA! My Mormon neighbors here in Vegas called the cops because we played James Brown's Black & Proud. WHOOPEE A BLACK PRESIDENT.
On November 6th 2008, Mary OK wrote:
Pretty terrible dress. Michelle is a big gal and she wears quite a few things that emphasize her hips. This one was worse than most in that regard.
On November 6th 2008, A wrote:
That dress is the ugliest dress I have seen. She shoudl stick with off-the-rack dresses that she wore during the campaign instead of going designer! She needs a stylist desperately. Imagine the world sees our 1st Lady elect in that dress – ugh!!!
The kids looked very cute and happy
On November 6th 2008, Eunice wrote:
…ugly dress. I'm sure she'll "find her way". My problem was the fact that she wasn't wearing pantyhose.
On November 6th 2008, Tiffany Zoebelein wrote:
I agree Michelle Obama's dress was pretty bad. The girls dresses were terrible as well. You never put a little girl in black!! Red shoud only be acceptable on Christmas.
On November 6th 2008, Brian wrote:
Now all we need to wait for is see what she wears when he gets sworn in somebody help this women otherwise she will be nicknamed Lava Lady instead of First Lady
On November 6th 2008, j.smart wrote:
Whatever person advised her to wear that dress should be fired! What a strange and eerie subliminal message, to look like a black widow spider! Obviously Michele didn't have a clue about the esoteric message. I just hope that President elect Obama is safe in office. I didn't vote for him, but I will be praying for him!
On November 6th 2008, Hated the dress! wrote:
It was the ugliest thing I have ever seen. She looked horrible.
How could any woman pick something like that to wear on the night her husband is elected president. The whole world was watching her and she picked the ugliest dress ever made. In addition, that little black sweater made the look even worse. She should have picked a classy suit.
She will never be a Jackie Kennedy no matter how hard she tries, especially with dresses like that on the most important, historic day of her life.
I guess she will make history as the first lady to wear the ugliest dress on election night!
On November 6th 2008, Michael wrote:
My first impression was wow! So that's what I'm going to stick with. After I intellectualized it a bit I thought it was too much or wrong but I think that she, in the end, made a good choice. I look forward to a cutting edge first lady in terms of fashion. That she chose a hispanic American designer is clever. Talk about shoring up the vote. Don't leave any stone unturned.
On November 7th 2008, Carolyn King wrote:
I thourght the dress was fabulous, we have to remember that she is not the conventional 1st lady. Also on CNN this moring they spoke about ther dress mentioning, different magazines readers never once mentioning a black magazinne & thier readers, lets all join in & Support 1st lady. Different taste young & freshhhh, no pantsuits, no stuffy suits, its to much, she is younger, I never thought any of the 1st ladies attire was fun, she's a trend setter, this is CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!
On November 7th 2008, Man That's Ugly wrote:
That has got to be the ugliest dress I have ever seen! The woman has no taste whatsoever. Every time I see her outfits it's like living a nightmare over & over again. YIKES!
On November 7th 2008, It's the Fabric wrote:
In concept I like the dress: the black slims, the red stands out and accentuates an hourglass figure. My problem is with the ombre fabric: it looks like chenile, velvet or some weird combo and doesn't quite go with the satin. If the black panels were in the same fabric as the center panel it would look better
On November 7th 2008, Tex'gal wrote:
Michelle's dress was horrible. She looked like a black widow spider in it!!!! Awful.
On November 7th 2008, Pat R wrote:
It looks as though she was trying to out shine the President to be. She looks terrible in the dress, the heels are just as bad.The dress looks like pieces of different fabrics just thrown together.Not a good first impression at all.She does not even carry herself with confidence, A slouch in her walk..You's think she would have done somthing classy with her hair.I see that she will not make any fashion statement like First ladies of the past. Obama and the little ones looked perfect for the occassion.. I hope she makes better choices in the future…The whole world is watching.This dress is going to be in the HISTORY books for God sakes.
On November 8th 2008, Tamar wrote:
A pivoting moment that should have belonged to the President,then the family as whole was completely upstaged by that beaming neon red and black monstrosity. It was upstaging and insulting for her to have made herself to stand out when the victory belonged to her husband. Being the wife of a President is to be the strong silent in the background stance. I found her attire to reflect not only the lack of respect for the moment and it's importance, but also a blatent disregard for our country and the dignity our country has been treated with until now. Why did no one stop this attrocity, why? This was not a fashion statement. I never even looked at the President not once, I was watching stood up and my chin dropped and I sat back down saying aloud " OH NO WHAT DID I VOTE FOR WHAT DID I DO?". Everyone across America feels the same, what in the world, this was not a fashion statement but rather a foreshadowing, a telling of what is to come, a gigantic slap in the face of all that is good and respected. Perhaps someone should remind her that the very office her husband is holding a President a long time ago changed her world today and lost his life doing so…anyone heard of Lincoln…yes..treat this office with the respect it deserves…
On November 8th 2008, marian wrote:
I have to say this. I like her dress! I saw it without the jacket on the desiginer's website. It's actually very striking if it was worn the way the designer intended.
However, it does make her look like she's disguising a pregnancy. Wouldn't that be cool… a First Baby!
On November 9th 2008, John Brady wrote:
And, of course, none of the 'mainstream media' have even commented. Image if Sarah Palin had worn this UGLY and expensive dress …
On November 11th 2008, gina berman wrote:
she better get Mrs Bush or Hillarys dress designers.. She is supposed to represent USA and she is the furthest person away from Jackie Kennedy. She makes me feel like I am getting made fun of as an American. She is suppose to be elegant and she is anything but! I pray she doesnt do the FIST BUMP when and if they both meet the Queen of England. Time to show some Official respect and realize your in the White House and not in Chicago.
On January 2nd 2009, Roxy wrote:
This dress was definitely not conventional. Tribal and sexy but not conventional. ~~ So all you 'gaspin' gawkers, fetchin' the salt for your vapors' …take a breath. It's a new day!
And believe me Gina Berman..it's not because of Michelle that you feel like you're being made fun of as an American. Hmmm, let's think about that for awhile…But like I said…New Day!!!! Yay!!!!
On January 11th 2009, Ana wrote:
I LOVED ITTTT!!! she looks great.
On January 20th 2009, tania wrote:
her ingaguracion dress was auwful its too bad
she needs to listen to people
On January 20th 2009, KATHY wrote:
MISS OBAMA IS A VERY LARGE PERSON. SHE MIGHT HAVE PROBLEMS with finding clothes that look good on her. She has an enormous hips and legs. It is a problem. So be understanding of her figure problems. She is not Nancy Reagan. She is a good person and fashion is not for everyone!!!
On January 20th 2009, Brit wrote:
Here is a woman of horrible fashion sense, and decorum. I watched her body language, as well as her lack of honest warmth. She seemed to be smug and arrogant and almost dismissive to her husband keeping much 'air' between them whenever possible. The dance was 'staged' and she looks like she would be more comfortable in some mu mu than the endless unflattering ensembles'. Since Oprah is such a supporter, one would think, she would have guided her to a Classically elegant designer and a HAIR DRESSER!
On January 22nd 2009, Christine Murawski wrote:
I'd like to know why the news media is saying that Michelle Obama's dress was beautiful. It made her appear twice her size. I guess the Obama's can't do anything wrong. Jackie O must be turning over in her grave.
On January 28th 2009, vendrika wrote:
Michelle and Barack Obama have moved on to wear something simpler on their Inauguaration Day. But it is interesting to observe that people still remember by Jan 22nd what she wore on election day Nov 4th. It goes to show the effectiveness of her dress choice. She and Barack had obviously agreed on the choice of colours – black for Barack and Sasha, red for Malia, and a combo of red and black for Michelle. Remember that Barack complimented her with a Red Tie. As a designer, I was extremely moved , I mean hilarious, when I watched the family emerge on stage. I wsa extremely moved by the force of colors – it was Michelles' dress that sent me into the clouds.
For those that may never have understood her choice, that design had earlier been used on the runway by my one of Narciso Rodriguez's models as a sleeveless single piece. Michelle adapted it into two pieces (a mini jajcket to cover the shoulders and then the main gown) She also had the fabrics modified from a lace to a solid satin and chiffon. What she retained were the sharp colours of red and black that synergised what the rest of the family wore. Now, this is where a lot of folks missed the significance of Michelle's choice. She needed something bold and expressive. Something to elevate her feminity and blackness. the Red segments in the abdominal lower part and the upper bust side were meant to accentuate her feminity and her readiness to serve the role of America's First Lady and Mother. The total Red worn by the youngest member of the family illustrated the connection to children, young people and the next generation. For me as an African designer, it was a spectacular choice, very very bold and expressive. We need to allow Michelle speak through her dresses some more. Don't forget, as a lawyer, Michelle fully understands the meaning of body language. As a matter of fact, I have since translated Michelles apparel into a longer gown and it was simply fantastic on the runway worn by a slimmer figure.
On January 28th 2009, Michelle Amieux wrote:
I was raised in the country-side where we feared snakes, fires, and black widows. You could recognize the spider by its distinctive red hour glass shape on a black background. on a black background. What Republican under-cover stylist costumed our first lady as a Black Widow? I know the city folk don't know about the Red Hour Glass warning, but our First Lady should have no association, of any kind, with a"A Black Widow". She is pure love and devotion to her husband, her children ,her God, and her country.
and Michelle Obama couldn't be farther from that