When Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton arrived at the White House, they brought styles that suited their hometowns in Texas and Arkansas but that wouldn’t have held up in any fashion capital.
Tastemakers have higher hopes for Michelle Obama, who is expected to fill her closet at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. with sophisticated styles that match her modern image but maintain the sensibility inherent to Chicago.
The image of Obama walking the inaugural parade route in something like the domed, wide-brimmed hat that has haunted Clinton since 1993 seems unlikely. And she likely won’t show up to the inaugural ball in mother-of-the-bride-style gowns with dyed-to-match pumps like Bush has worn —- twice.
Over time, both Clinton and Bush did grow more accustomed to their new surroundings, and their wardrobe reflected that.
For example, Bush wore a Sunday-best peacock blue coat with sensible shoes to the chilly inaugural ceremony in 2001, but chose a chic winter-white coat ensemble with camel-colored high heels —- a top pick of fashion insiders —- in 2005.
Clinton also chose a modern, luxe gold lace gown by Oscar de la Renta for her second tour of inaugural balls unlike the fussy purple princess number the first go-around. (Remember the sparkly belt buckle?)
Still, Bush and Clinton fit into the expectations of what earlier generations thought a president’s wife should look like. Obama has the opportunity to break the mold.
“Most previous first ladies have appeared to believe that displaying an interest in fashion and style undermines the importance of their role. They’ve subscribed to the old-fashioned view that a woman should de-sexualize herself or dress like a man if she wants to be regarded as intelligent and of good conscience,” says Mandi Norwood, the former editor in chief of Shop Etc. who is now writing a style guide directed to Obama for publisher Avon A.
“Mrs. Obama, however, has a much more modern view,” Norwood said. “She’s demonstrated that it’s smart to be stylish, that strong and positive statements can be made through the right choice of outfit.”
The right outfit can’t be too cutting-edge, though, says Andrea Reynders, chair of the fashion department at the Art Institute of Chicago. This is where Obama’s roots will come in handy.
http://www.ajc.com/living/content/printedition/2008/12/14/fashion.html
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