Tuesday
Sep212010
First Ladylike
Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 10:04 PM 
Image by Larry Downing / Reuters Pictures
Earlier this evening, Mrs. O joined the president in presenting the Medal of Honor posthumously to the sons of U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger for bravery in March of 1968 in Laos. To read more about the honoree, click here.
For the White House event, Mrs. O wore a blue and green first ladylike dress by designer Barbara Tfank, accessorized with a double strand of pearls. To see the dress in the designer's Fall 2010 collection, click here.
tagged Barbara Tfank
Barbara Tfank
Reader Comments (77)
It is really refreshing to hear new, rational voices that allow us to focus on the fashion of Michelle Obama. Ms. Obama is Mrs. Robinson's child and Mahlia and Sasha's mother. She has feelings, has empathy for others, and understands by her own deed and others' examples what constitutes heroism. In no way do I believe she would disrespect any human being's accomplishments, living or passed, with her fashion choices. Conventional thinking has not served us well lately.
All the closeup photos of this gorgeous dress suggest a classic cut with a little edge, thick and lovely fabric, and a wonderful color palette.
LOL!!! They are out in full force, as someone wrote - in their many incarnations. Hello Nonpasserat, Yuriko, Graciela et al. LOL!!!
Mrs Obama rocks!! She is amazing!!!
This dress is definitely an homage to an earlier decade. The fabric is beautiful, dense with color. The choice of pink pumps is signature Mrs. O and tres chic!
Soccernana, your point about Mrs. Bush was quite relevant and serves as a counterpoint to the constant bashing of Mrs. O. According to the standards of the "appropiate committee, " Mrs. Bush failed miserably by wearing a bright boucle skirt suit and a strong red lip for such a solemn occassion.
Mr Mr,
There is a lot of speculation on whether Michelle Obama is or is not a member of AKA. She accepted an invitation, with the caveat that she be able to accept membership or affiliation with any other fraternity or sorority. There has been no official induction ceremony, nor has there been any other indication that she is actually a member of the organization.
For instance, Halle Berry was offered membership into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. However, she was never actually inducted into the organization. Does this make her a member?
Before you state that Mrs. Obama is a member of AKA, you should know your facts.
I used to love coming here and reading all the posts - it was such a refreshing change from all the vitriol on other blogs.
I still come here everyday, but only to look at what Mrs O is wearing and then I rarely post anymore ... if I do, its without reading any comments.
Mrs T, you're awesome, keep doing what you do to celebrate Mrs. O.
I love the dress ... and adore the shoes.
http://www.aka1908.com/ Did everyone miss Mr Mr's comment??
WOW, and it looks like even pearls are on the logo! Incredible insight!
I agree, let's go back to fashion, it is exactiy why I love visiting this blog. And I precise that, of course,my goal was not to hurt anyone.
I really love this dress, it is timeless, il makes me think of dresses my mother and her friends used to wear, so chic, so "mad men" ! they go great with curves and look at their best worn by self-confident grown-ups, just like your FLOTUS.
I wonder if Barbara Tfank's dresses are sold in France. Does anyone know ?
Regarding the AKA symbolism, the print looks more like morning glories than ivy in the close-ups on the Huffington Post.
@Eleroy, very nice!!!! I opened thie page and was like, "Wow!" The pattern and coloring of the fabric look African(Ankara) and I even own something similar! Then reading through the comments, my demeanor changed, how can people say this First Lady is self- centred and disrespectful of those who have served?? Especially in light of her appearance and speech at the 911 memorial? And don't we all know that she has taken on the millitary families as one of her primary causes? Wow, just wow!
I think what's going on is that people from different cultures ,backgrounds and COUNTRIES even are trying to project onto theFLOTUS. Too bad, that ship has already sailed,as some people posted earlier, she will continue to be true to herself WHILE remaining respectful of others!!
@Yoda - no such luck! You can't buy Barbara Tfank in France. Even in the U.S. it's hard to come by her clothes. As far as I know she sells them exclusively through Barneys New York and they are pretty expensive, starting around 2000$.
The day was meant to remember and CELEBRATE what a wonderful man Mr. Etchberger was. CONGRATULATE his family. REJOICE with those whose lives he saved. I think Mrs. Obama knows the difference between mourning and celebrating. Blue and green are a good choice - green is a reminder of life and blue is calming. Her shoes are Mrs. O's own fashion style. She wears yellow shoes with a blue dress, blue with red, and now pink with green, quirky but that's her.
I seriously doubt that the people, who insinuate that she was drawing undue attention to herself, actually saw the event. She was announced as accompanying the President and " Hail to the Chief" was played which is rarely done these days. She stopped at her chair and he went up to conduct the ceremony. Only mention was included in the welcome to the White House. Afterwards they mingled with attendees and then they were gone. She was beautiful and appeared pretty appropriate in every way to me. As pointed out previously here, this site is exclusively about her so she takes center stage here always.
We got a couple of glimpses of her at the UN speech this morning. It seems to me that we've seen that dress before.
I agree whoever said NO heartattacks occured when LAURA BUSH did not wear black, or some depressing attire to the 9/11 event. I swear people like Graciela are the same people. I think it's funny that Michelle has to follow rules on how to dress, while her white counterparts did not have to follow rules. I also think it's laughable that "women" on here think they are in the position to tell a grown woman how to dress, and I think it's funny that "women" on here think Michelle is stupid, talking about does she know the event she is going too!!!!!!! This blog has really went down the drain!!
"the protocol of medal of honor ceremonies demand solid colors" for the sake of broadening this conversation of inappropriate past the year long, it is, no it isn't, could someone please direct the ignorant masses to references of academic theoretical proof that demand, dictate and or define appropriate dress for a first lady at a posthumous medal of honor ceremony. Otherwise this wide range of opinion on appropriate versus inappropriate is going to continue to resemble a lengthy volley at a tennis match.
Mrs. T,
I'll try to adhere to your call for civility as I comment on some of the posting on the First Lady's attire at the recent WH ceremony honoriing the Medal of Honor recipient (posthumously). I find it amazing how some posters consistently come on this site and attempt to bash the First Lady for what they claim is "appropriate" dress when they fail to point out members of the audience who either wear similar styles or colors as the First Lady to the event, yet it's the First Lady whom they take great pleasure in castigating for having the gall to dress in a manner that's not pleasing to them. Mrs. T, I ask you, where do these people come from? Is it their intent to merely criticize rather than to offer "constructive" insights or critiques to a style they may not wear themselves, but which may work for others? Or is it their lack of knowledge, experience or sophistication that is clouding their ability to think outside the box that confines them? As for the notion that a posthumous award ceremony for vallour must be presented as a funeral is just ludicrous. First of all, it's a celebratory event occuring at the WH. What is being honored and yes, celebrated, is the valour of this individual who paid the ultimate price that others may LIVE! it wasn't a high mass at a Catholic cathedral, neither was it a burial at Arllington National Cemetary with full military honors. If you follow the misguided logic of some, a few audience members were as eggregious as the First Lady in their manner of dress. Come on people, get a grip on your emotions, you are way off base here. As most have said, the First Lady was "appropriately" dressed for the occasion. But on the other hand, if you disagree, please note, you're in the minoriy here, and furthermore, who cares? The bottom line is, the only one whose opinion matters is the wearer, and as far as we know, she didn't ask for yours, otherwise you would have loudly broadcasted it to all and sundry., So move on folks, find somewhere else to vent your displeasure and/or dislike of this First Lady. We are all supporters here, and if occasionally, some disagree with her selections, most find constructive and insightlful ways to disagree. So live and learn!
@ Bibi : thank you for the information, regarding the price I am afraid the dress will remain a dream for me ;-( I am going to put the picture over my desk and look at it from time to time,just like I did with some posters in my bedroom when I was a child :-)
Such a gorgeous dress love the A-line
One day I accidentally wandered onto another website about Michelle Obama. It was a very anti-MO website and I decided to post my opinion (a very positive one) about a dress. I got threats, nasty posts back (people called me a "troll" and a "monster" ) and I thought that only a right-wing blog could be so uptight and intolerant. Just because people don't like a particular dress that Mrs. O wears, it doesn't mean they don't like her! Does she have to be absolutely above criticism all the time? She's a human being and she makes mistakes. I think she herself would be the first one to admit that.As long as people are criticizing the clothes and not the woman, why can't we listen and learn? Some people on this blog were really nasty to one poor woman who simply said she didn't understand why everyone liked a particular dress. She was trying to understand! As for the dress in this photo, there is a Chief of Protocol for the White House and protocol demands that government events adhere to the strictest standards for a particular event, not the loosest standards. The lovely Mrs. O represents the entire country, not one segment of it, and the idea is to include and not offend, as many people as possible at these formal events. The dress is inappropriate for this solemn occasion. No, it's not a funeral, but neither is it a celebration. It's a very serious and great honor and it is given "In Memoriam" - to someone who sacrificed his or her life for country. Pink is just wrong. There have been several breeches of protocol with the Obamas, but they are learning. They're young, vibrant and smart and naturally they want to stand out, but occasion should not have put the focus on her.
@ Joanne Stelling,
Mrs. Obama was dressed appropriately. The focus of the ceremony was not about nor on Mrs. Obama, but this site is.
Boy, this dress has caused all sorts of comments. So, I guess that I will add my two cents. Firstly, one might argue that this dress is a bit evening-wear, particularly with its' fabrication and cut, but the old thought pattern that you only wear dark colors to somber occasions is so old and dated. If she were in the South, my relative might have asked, "where is her hat?"
Secondly, those are not ivies on the dress, but star-shells, set in a bluish-green circle.
Thirdly,Greek fraternities and sororities oftentimes offer honorary memberships to outstanding citizens. I am confident that the Obamas have been approached with these types of memberships by all the African-American Greek organizations. Fourthly, I love the pink pumps with the dress -they add an unexpected pop of color. Of course, you know me, the heels should have been at least 3 inches, maybe even 4 inches.
Finally, many of us need to think outside the box, and realize that Mrs. O is unlike any other First Lady. She has broken the mold, and given us fashion and style unlike any other in our lifetimes. Many might compare her to Jackie O, but in my opinion there is no real comparision. Mrs. O mixes, teases, tempts, uses fashion to show diversity and inclusion - think African, African-American, Asian-American, women, gay designers. She cannot be compared to others who only wore Oscar, Oleg, Bill, Galanos, Adolfo, or JC Penney.
Mrs. O rocks fashion from a standpoint that many of you will never, ever understand. You can't or won't understand it because you only think in the past. Michelle Obama is about the future and change, and I love it.
@mszonian524. Thank You! Even though, many of these comments are absolutely ludicrous and reflect the mindset of the individuals...I have an even more profound thought about the commentors who take the viewing of Mrs. Obama's apparel out of context...they're allowed to walk the streets!
P.S. I come on this website to CELEBRATE our First Lady, not to demean...which is like spitting out of a moving car window into the wind!
@ Joanne Stelling,
Would you please elaborate, or better yet list all the so called "breeches in protocol" The Obamas have been guilty of (in your mind, at lieast) since taking office. I'm all for educating and enlightening an audience, so since you've taken to this site to inform us of these shortcomings, maybe now is the time for you to put on your "Chief-of-Protoco & Etiquettel" hat on and instruct the rest of us on your expertise to make such comments It's time to back your words up with documented evidence of these breeches, after all we're living in an era where public opinion carries so much weight in a lot of people's mind.s So feel free to make your case so we can all in turn comment and critique your so-called evidence of these infractions. I've said it before and it bears repeating again, time and time again people come here, using the anonimity of the internet, to castigate this First Lady (and her husband) for some perceived slight that to the majority of people doesn't amount to a hill of beans. Yet when they are challenged, they cowardly cower behind the notion that they're expressing "their opinions". How laughable! So Joanne, indulge us, let's hear it, it's your turn. You now have the floor and our attention.
It's a lovely outfit, but I agree with those who feel that our beloved Mrs. O is dressed inappropriately for the occasion.
This is a stunning dress. It looks so vintage and fabulous.
I read a few of the comments on todays outfit and got bored. At last years ceremony, the mother of the soldier given the posthumous award wore a bright red jacket if I recall correctly. With gold buttons. And there were no snide comments about that. So, it's fine if the family wear something bright, or sleeveless or beautiful, but NOT ok for the First Lady? Yeah right. Step on up haters, we see you LOUD and clear.
The medal ceremony as I see it in the photographs that we can access online is a respectful occasion that remembers the honorees life and celebrates their achievements. It is not a funeral. I know that some of you can't see in small print so I'll put it in capital letters: IT IS NOT A FUNERAL IT IT NOT A FUNERAL IT IS NOT A FUNERAL. 'k? It is a dignified occasion, yes. Everyone seems to be wearing plenty of colour. Mrs O looks dignified. She's not wearing short, she's not wearing plunging, she hasn't got a cigarette hanging out her mouth, she isn't drunk, she isn't giggling in a corner. You can't see her underwear hanging out. Now, I know it's hard for you people to get this but try. I will use short words of less than three syllables: If you do not like Mrs O, go to a place where other people like you like to hang out. Be nasty about her with them. Stop doing it here. You are boring.
Now then, on to the important issue of the day.
This is a stunning dress. Such a classic and formal shape! A lovely rich coloured print without being too bright, and the pearls give it a nice formal touch. It must be lovely for the families who come to the White House to have their FIrst Lady look so beautiful for an occasion when their loved ones are honoured. As only a mature and innately stylish woman can do, Mrs O gives the day a touch of style and class that comes from respect and years of public service and knowing how to pitch her attire perfectly for the occasion.
Such vile rude demeaning remarks especially by Posh Tater.
I like Mrs. Obama, I'm a long time Democrat, I loved her dress.
I simply stated that I thought it was inappropriate for the occasion, that's all.
and I did not rant and rage against those whose opinion differred.
This is why long ago I stopped commenting on this site, people get so darn nasty.
Nothing has changed. I will not comment further.
love ur style.u re so into dresses and fashion and it makes us all proud to say ur name.
love all u do for america and as your husband say "ad together ,w can make a change"