I know we are a fashion magazine, but to see polls criticize the United States’ future First Lady, Michelle Obama, for choosing a dress from the Narciso Rodriguez spring 2009 collection and to say it wasn’t up to snuff is a bit much.
   Mrs Obama wore the dress at her husband’s victory speech on Tuesday night.
   While the First Lady is traditionally an American style icon, Mrs Obama is a talented and successful lawyer whose capabilities extend to far more than what she wears.
   A USA Today poll saw 65 per cent of readers give her a thumbs-down while the Los Angeles Times gave a 45 per cent figure, versus 34 per cent approving of the outfit.
   We of course have scrutinized first ladies on what they wore, such as former model Carla Bruni on her husband’s UK state visit. There, the First Lady wished to draw attention to her wardrobe choice of Dior.
   Mrs Obama is a smart dresser, but we will probably see the question of what she wears as secondary to what she can contribute to her country. Surely it will be more interesting to observe how the definition of the American First Lady will evolve in the next four years, and how it contributes to feminism?
   To date, the American press has been complimentary toward ‘Michelle O.’, as she has been dubbed in comparison to Jacqueline Kennedy, giving her marks for affordable style.
   And we’re quite happy to support the minority opinion in saying that Mrs Obama looked appropriately tasteful and elegant on Tuesday night.

Related posts

• Hachette promises lavish new book on Michelle Obama’s style
• Celebrating Michelle Obama’s first 100 days
• It’s NYFW’s last time at Bryant Park
• Brooklyn Decker is the 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover girl
• A great finalé for the Palin book tour