Belle of the Ball
Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 2:12 PM 
Image by Jewel Samad / Getty Images
Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton
Image by Lise Aserud / AP Photos
Image by Chris Jackson / Getty Images
Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
Dear Monsieur Alaia,
Please give us a sign if the beautiful gown and jacket the first lady is wearing are your creation. The craftsmanship is exquisite.
Best,
Mrs. T & Friends
Update #1: Please have a peek at this image from the Alaia Spring 2010 collection via Red Carpet Fashion Awards. Though there wasn't much question, this is almost certainly the work of Azzedine Alaia.
The more we admire this ensemble, the more we feel in awe. From the finely articulated ribbons of beadwork to the trademark Alaia ruching through the skirt, it is an absolute inspiration. It is the kind of craftsmanship that seems of another era.
As has been observed in the comments, the choice of silver blue, a new color for the first lady, does seem thoughtfully chosen for the Nordic locale.
A fabulous analysis from reader Mark:
"I'm speechless. She looks incredibly beautiful here! I feel like this dress and the jacket she was wearing with it are so perfect for Norway. I've never been there, but I've always had this sort of fairytale image in my mind of Norway. An ice-crystal and snow flake wonderland. Princesses living in palaces carved of ice. Clear, crisp nights with the smell of snow and ice in the air .... That dress, and the way she looks in it, is the embodiment of that image. What a fabulous look, and what a wonderful gesture to her Norwegian hosts."
Update #2: Our tremendous thanks to Jessica Michault, Online Style Editor for the International Herald Tribune, for confirming that indeed, Azzedine Alaia is the designer behind Mrs. O's dress and jacket.
Alaia
Reader Comments (165)
I can't keep up my comments on how WONDERFUL Mrs. O has looked over the past days.
She has been stunning, glowing and amazing. She is the WOW factor x 1,000.
LOVE the outfits, LOVE the hair and makeup, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this woman!
Ice blue a nice color. The dress is not flattering. The knit top is too clingy, too lingerie-y, and the flounced skirt hits at the widest part of her hips. I have a lovely dressing gown, the top of which looks very much like the jacket or ? that she wore with this.
Good color, but a miss.
I agree with Mica that the color and frou-frou princess-y design is well coordinated with what the other women are wearing, so even if the cut and fabric are not super-elegant, the overall look lets her blend in (which on this humble occasion is probably a good thing). But yes, w/o the jacket the top part of the dress looks like too many outfits at once (workout leotard-meets-bridesmaid-meets-prom). But her character and stature are so substantial, she still somehow eeks out a victory.
I agree with others that the gown looks best with the beautiful jacket on. I love the fact that Michelle will push the envelope with her fashions. I like some of her other formal wear better, but this one is fun.
At the risk of seeming to pile on, once again her gown is a bit too long. Look at the standing group pnoto where she dropped the skirt - it is puddling on the floor all around her. Her inauguration ball gown had the same problem and she was constantly having to pull it up, deal with it. I am astonished that a gown for such a tall women would end up being too long.
I like it better with the jacket. The straps (IMHO) make her shoulders look too broad. Straight up and down, a single thickish strap or even strapless or spaghetti straps may have worked better.
The picture of her with the jacket on, waving, so much reminds me of Diana, Princess of Wales!
No, no, no, no! Can't like this dress. Too clingy on top, too much emphasis on her hips, too frou-frou, too silly, too jeune fille, too bad bridesmaid-y. The jacket is elegant and would have looked even much better with a simpler dress. (And, BeeGee, I, too, have a bed jacket in just this style!) Just too much going on here and an unpleasant surprise after the stunning lilac gown she worn the other day. She must have switched shoes; otherwise I cannot imagine how a custom-made dress could turn out too long.
Million-dollar, detailed jacket. Crazy I am, about this oufit. I have never
seen anything like this b-fore. Mrs. O, is glowing her MAKE-UP fabulous, I just
love POTUS & FOTUS in the close-up picture. My favourite picture so far this
fal,l with Mrs. O's hair and make up. Dazzling. All great.
ALPHAS WEAR GREY
It takes a strong, strong man to never let a woman like this go. Those apple blossom cheekbones make for a stunning shot.
I am giddy with the the whole amazing wonder of this moment/day, and Mrs.O does indeed look the part of a princess, but one who is confident, calm, and crazy sexy cool.
I am loving this entire ensemble, especially with the jacket - the structure of it is so flirtatious and sophisticated. A true example of class...
Smashing earings, I will look for something like that for the festive season.
To die for, OUTSTANDINGGGGGGGGGGGGG EARINGS. I can't stopping looking at them
I mean it, gotta look for something like that. I know a great little earing shop, and I am
going there tomorrow. Dazzling - earings emphazises her glowing, beautiful smile.
Heaven comes to earth!!! Mrs. O, please, please wear those earings again. Flattering.
Looking at the last pic, I actually like the top of the dress and wish it was just plain at the bottom. But I think the new hairstyle is a real standout for this look and I like it as an alternative to wearing her hair up for the evening. It's very elegant and kind of reminds me of Evita or Grace Kelly.
I wonder if the top of the dress is stretching out too much, making the skirt too long. Unless the knit is lined with something strong, that will be a problem. I'm with the folks who don't particularly like this dress-- but the coat is great and I'm happy for the Obamas, and proud that they represent my country.
Regardless of whether we like the dress or not I think the workmanship on this dress (from what I see from afar) is to be lauded. People wonder why designer or couture clothes are such a big deal. Usually it is because of the "brand". But really it's the attention to detail that sets such dresses apart. I like that the dress looks different depending on the angle and the light. Chosing the right fabric, and the right materials for the embellishements is an artform. My mother was a seamstress and many of my nicest clothes were sewn (that's how it is in many African countries). So I do know the amout of work that goes into making a dress like this. The design part is actually the easiest part lol Doing it presents a whole list of constraints and challeges to deal with.
For those reasons alone I just can't bring myself to hate this dress. The workmanship is beautiful. I do however have concerns about the design aspect of things. I think it's a bit overdesigned. You know how having too much of a good thing becomes a bad thing? yeah. But the weird thing is that I'm conflicted about that as well. For example I'm not sure the middle part was necessary, but in other pictures I totally love it and see what it adds to the look. I like the top part of the dress, the detailing and embellishements but I can't help wonder if I v-neck style would be been better. But again a different picture makes it looks better. This dress is like a chameleon and I'm confused! Perhaps that was the goal. We know that the first lady likes fun and flirty clothes. It's so intriguing right now! I love the color, and I just knew she'd wear a lighter/subtle colour.
Do we know who the designer is?
That jacket...
Is it just me? the dress looks blue in one picture then grey in another. There is so
much detail in this outfit. I would like to know what type of fabric used here?
By the way, in my humble opinion there's absolutely nothing wrong with emphasizing hips and curves. I love that on a woman. I guess different things appeal to different people. Perhaps it's been discussed before but not all people and cultures see beauty the same way. Most women have their own (secret) insecurities but I think for Mrs.O it's not her hips or her backside.
I might be wrong though LOL I shouldn't assume!
Like a hand for gloves....she fits this role perfectly........I often wonder if we would have been so enthralled or enarmoredwith her( as we are with Mrs O,) had the other candidate won. I think not because MIchelle-my- Belle has such fashion sense and a style all her own.
Michelle is truly living a dream........but ssshhhhhh, dont wake her up because i want it to last a long time.
Beegee,can you tell me why the first lady should hide her hips or any woman for that matter? just because u wouldn't do it doesn't mean it is the norm.it is always the same criticisms with her.she shouldn't emphasize her waist, her hips, her shoulders.
i mean the woman works out at least thrice a week.she should flaunt the results.
please Mrs.T.find who made that jacket.my mom is crazy over it.i need to hit the pillow.it almost 1am in germany.i happy that she is able toconnect with so many people around the world.i hope u visit germany again Mrs.O
Very regal . She was truly looking beautiful
@ IrisK - the way Mr. O always seems to be touching up on her back, etc., I think he very much likes her body. And the way Mrs. O dresses, with almost an emphasis on her shape, I agree - she doesn't have insecurities there.
Mrs. T - I love your little note to Alaia!
I think I'll have to give this one an "UFF-DA" (those of you with Norwegian heritage might get that).
It just doesn't flatter her they way most of her other long gowns have in the past. And,I too, am astonished that the dress is too LONG. You'd think that she would have done a final fitting before they left the country, just to make sure it fit properly. That said, she looks UNCOMFORTABLE holding that skirt up all the time, and that certainly detracts from the overall look of the dress.
On the other hand, the coat is absolutely fabulous, as well as her hairstyle.
My apologies if this has been asked - all the ladies appear to be in some variant of silver/pale blue/dove gray. Is that traditional, or surrounded by some sort of protocol?
I like the gown, although I wish the sequined band started just an inch or two higher - it's exactly on the widest point of her hip and it bisects her oddly. Otherwise, I think I like it!!
I'm finally going to say something about 2 issues:
-the color of First Lady Michelle's clothing changes when the media lightens her color. This is very evident with the beautiful blue dress. I would just like to know what's wrong with her natural color, please?
-why the enhanced bust? this is an area no woman should give into "what other people think is best." Being small busted makes clothing fit well and accessories lay well. Thus the case for small busted high fashion models.
Mrs Obama has done well for a while now without embellishment or lightening, thank you very much Stylists and American Media.
Leave her alone!
OMG these comments are starting to go off the rails. Ladies step away from the pictures. No need to dissect them.
Anyway, here's a picture of her hair from the back.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/02kfeGc4GkdAe?q=michelle+obama
Like another poster here, I see nothing wrong with emphasizing hips. They are a distinctive part of a woman' s body. I also agree that the knit fabric of the bodice of this dress may have stretched a bit and made the whole dress "grow" making it a bit too long.
I think evening wear is a place where a woman can have fun--and this dress is fun. I've liked others better--but it is ok. Some of the photos are very flattering--some are not.
Iva,
That was JUST THE POST I was waiting for. I have always liked her hair with some kind of curl to it. I keep holding out hope that she will wear it curly like she did when Stevie Wonder performed at the White House. She had on a green dress which, I believe, was designed by his wife.
http://55secretstreet.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834525f2869e201127910b35e28a4-500wi
As far as I'm concerned, Michelle Obama could walk out in a trash bag and look fabulous. Seriously. I think the whole combination is just divine. The gown does seem a little long, but WHO CARES?!! She looks great. He loves her. She loves him. And I just love, love, LOVE them both.
I would like some honest and helpful feedback on what I am about to post.
So, my aunt was horrified at the way she was holding the gown. However, in the pics, the way it pooled just around her feet was really lovely.
My questions;
Is there ever a "design" issue where certain dresses are designed to pool a certain way or do a certain thing, that perhaps make walking a little difficult without holding up the gown?
Are there design situations where "hemming" a gown will destroy the sensibility of the piece?
Is it just always a major faux pas to hold up one's gown?
If she had hemmed the gown, would it still have looked as lovely around her feet?
These are HONEST questions ladies. I am learning here! So help! Thanks!
I agree with many others. I love the jacket (I don't think it is full length but I could be wrong). I am not sure what I think about the dress. The first photo I saw with Michelle lifting up the skirt didn't impress me. I do like the top of the dress, and her hair is great! I am still not clear about the color of the outfit, and how the dress looks when she isn't holding it. It isn't one of my favorites, though. I did love her dress at the State Dinner so much that it is hard to top it. And, the red corset dress is WOW!
The dress is beautiful but it doesn't flatter her. The vest/bolero is to die for.
no, i dont like it...it is too costumy
I couldn't agree with you more @ mark....
she's absolutely stunning as usual!!!!!!!!!!!
It appears to be similar to the black Alaia cocktail dress she wore in black last summer (and Posh Spice/Victoria Beckham was photographed wearing in beige). A firmer knit sleeveless top, with a V neckline and the waistline not dropped so far, with no wide flat band around the hips, and a cocktail length skirt that was full below the dropped waistline and held out with a crinoline, that black dress was very flattering. I stand by my previous comment about this gown.
Here is an interesting article on Alaia you may not have seen before.
Dress like the First Lady with Alaia
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2297509/fashion_designer_review_azzedine_alaia.html?cat=46
Alaia has been said to be designing lingerie after his tiff with Anna Wintour. Perhaps this is a sort of trial balloon?
First Belts, then Hair now Hips? - wow (smile)
The dress work better with the jacket, but I do love the color. I'd like a better look athe shoes to see if they are kitties orr flats.
Agree with Hattie C; she has the sme kind of waist as princess Diana--doesnt go in much and the dress shows it. She looks beautiful from the neck up.
What a portrait of grace and class. The events of the entire day (and evening) have been just magical to witness. What a historical moment.
As for Mrs. O holding her dress while walking, I'm wondering whether there was a last minute shoe change to account for the longer dress length? Just a guess.
Ms. T, thanks for all the updates and posts!
Super, super stunning, stunning, stunning, stunning, stunning!!
I couldn't be prouder of this beautiful and amazing first lady and her brilliant and dapper husband, President Obama!
Class acts all the way, they do America and the world proud!
Hmmm. I've come to the conclusion that I like the very fashionable coat/jacket she wore with the dress, but I'm not loving the dress itself. The detailing of the sequins and skirt is exquisite but I think the top portion almost looks like a plain tank top with sequins worn with a really long, tiered skirt bottom. She needed a dress to emphasize her waist and hold her in better. In this case something about the thin straps does not balance out with the long, wide and detailed skirt.
The first thing I thought when I saw the dress by itself was "Disney Princess", but not in a good way. That color is also not the greatest on her. I'm surprised this is an Alaia dress because he is so good at emphasizing a woman's figure beautifully. But, some dresses are just not meant for some body types and unfortunately, I think that is the case here.
When I saw this, I thought of Diana also. Very Princess like. I actually like it on Mrs. O.
I love the glamourous look of this dress.
Please tell me the bodice is lined.
Hair, make-up and accessories perfect.
Looking at more pictures, I'm feeling the jacket. I'm actually loving the jacket.
The dress, though, is too long and just not a pretty dress at all. I can appreciate the work that went into the gown, as someone noted earlier. But this is just not a pretty dress. The color looks good on her, but most colors do. I really just to not like this particular designer's taste level. A lot of his stuff seem like early 1980s country music awards outfits. I'm not a fan of this designer nor Jason Wu. I think Michael Kors could have done a very similar dress and it would have been far prettier.
And I hope this is the last time Mrs. O has to hold up her dress to get around. Because walking in a too long dress can cause accidents. I myself have tripped over a too long dress and hers is just pooling around her feet, it's way too long. And in the age of the internet, I do not want to see videos and photos of Mrs. O tumbling to the ground or down a case of stairs simply because her dress was not properly hemmed.
But leave out the dress and the pictures of her in the jacket with her hair all Evita-like, and those pictures are beautiful and some of the best pictures I've seen of her. The jacket is regal. It almost looks like very Elizabethan:
http://www.xenia.k12.oh.us/xhs/MediaC/portals/1491.jpg
Mrs. O!!!!! What happen???? You lost your GROOVE!!! You are no longer the center, at least not in a positive sense of the word. You should have worn that FABULOUS VIOLET GOWN you wore for KENNEDY HONORS AWARDS Concert--now, that was TRULY a WORK OF ART!!! Mrs. O, this GOWN is not YOU!!! Why are you holding it??? Is it too long??? Is it dragging on the ground??? Didn't you get a proper fitting??? Oh, the COLOR!!! The color does not BRIGHTEN your face and give you that special glow that you are known for. Bright colors around any woman's face makes a woman look younger. And, the RUFFLES on the jacket---oh, no. The RUFFLES make you look like somebody's grandmother from 1898. This one, like the black and red number from November 2008, does not FLATTER Mrs. O at all!!!! Please call Tim Gunn!!!!!! Mrs. O, I still have faith!!! You WILL RECLAIM YOUR GROOVE!!!
Hello Ms. T,
Can you tell us a little about FLOTUS dress seen in this pic:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/09/oprah-obamas-talk-christm_n_386626.html
Thank you...
I have no clue why some people dislike this dress...It looks great to me...I like the style and OMG the jacket is lovely...However, the bottom half of the dress does make her waist look wide. But, who cares in this dress she still looks fabulous to me.
I liked the bottom half waist down but not waist up...the color is beautiful and so is the jacket!! her hair gets and A+ this time
Great toast Mr. President!
The President and First lady are so humble. You could tell that they were a bit embarrassed and humbled by the adoring throngs at the window. It's really sweet.
Oh, I love the jacket that goes with this dress. The ice-blue color and the pleats, the structure -- gorgeous! The dress is lovely too, but not flattering to Michelle. It seems to be too long, for one thing. For another, the dropped waist hits her at her widest part -- her hips. The top part is too clinging, flattening her (already small) bust and emphasizing her stomach and love handles. This is just not flattering. Ideally you would have an hourglass figure (big bust, tiny waist, big hips, ala beyonce) or be very thin all over. It's a hard dress to wear if you are a normal woman like Michelle. Her arms and shoulders are beautiful as always, hair and earrings lovely, but the dress is really a miss, unfortunately.
I can see why she wanted to wear it, though -- it's beautiful! Her clothes on this trip have been gorgeous!
Stunning. Loved the hair.
I am half Norwegian. The color choice and dress style (as some say, more "frou-frou" or "princessy") fits the Nordic sensibility perfectly.
Here is a picture on the White house photo-of-the-day gallery of them dancing. The dress is indeed quite long. The president appears to be leaning into her from the top of his body and standing further out at the bottom--perhaps to keep from stepping on her dress as he did often at the Inaugural balls? At any rate they seem to be enjoying each immensely.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/photogallery/december-2009-photo-day
If you flip through those few December group of pictures, you'll find a cute one of Bo in the Diplomatic Room.
She looks RADIANT! Love, love her hair and jewellery.
The only thing I can say about the dress is something technical: the knit material seems to be a little too heavy on the skirt dragging the dress down which may be why MO is holding it up.
But what CONFIDENCE to show all her figure from bust to hips in such a soft dress!!!!