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TwitterMichelle Obama's blue dress by Maria Pinto draws fashion raves
In her speech last night at the Democratic convention, most critics agree that Michelle Obama came off as warm, human, poised, non-threatening, talking mostly about her husband Barack Obama's character, their close-knit family and basic moral beliefs.
But how did that blue dress fly?
First off, the dress, thankfully not a skirt suit, was sleek and minimal. The hem length was appropriate, but not dumpy. It had a flattering V-neck with three quarter-length sleeves that made Michelle's broad shoulders and strong arms look less threatening. And the teal blue color coordinated nicely with the blue/violet hues of her daughters' outfits.
I even liked the turquoise and silver star pin (reportedly from her jewelry box) that reminded me of Barack's Rising Sun campaign logo.
Others are also calling the blue dress a home run.
Laura Schwartz, former advisor to Sen. John Kerry's wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, and who also worked in the Clinton White House, gave the dress two thumbs up for style and for message, telling CBS News, "I thought she was very simple, very understated, which might be a good idea because, in this era of attack ads, the McCain people are saying: 'Hey, the Obamas are elitist. They're caught up in celebrity.' If she came out in a real fancy dress, that would just be more fodder for them."
Michelle's blue dress was designed by Maria Pinto, a Chicago-native designer (formerly assistant to Geoffrey Beene) made good. Wisely banking on all the presidential publicity, she's opened a store in Chicago's West Loop this month. Maria has worked with the potential first lady for some time. She also designed that hot purple sleeveless sheath (accessorized with an Azzedine Alaia belt) that Michelle wore when Barack announced his candidacy.
Pinto made a point of telling the New York Times that none of Michelle's fashion decisions are deviously planned. "Michelle is not scheming like her wardrobe should make certain points."
But Maria has some thoughts (what designer doesn't?) about how she'd like to see Michelle look for an inaugural. "I definitely see a light color and something kind of fitted in the torso and fuller in the skirt."
Not every critic liked the blue dress, which was made of wool and did seem to add some bulk to her figure.
What do you think? Did you like Michelle Obama's blue convention dress? Why or why not?
Photos: Getty Images
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The dress color was a bad choice considering the background color for her speech. Even more distracting was her bra strap peeking out on her right shoulder. It could have been a home run in another context with better undergarments.
there seems to be consensus that it's blue. is that because teal is too exotic a term for most people?
Gorgeous!
I'd love to wear that, but I wouldn't look as good as Michelle did,
The dress? WHO CARES? I don't give a fig about those details. What matters is that Mrs. Obama did a fine job talking about her husband and their true family values.
The pettiness and moronic comments of some of these posters makes me shudder to think that they'll be voting this November.
I thought she looked perfect for the occasion.
Michelle looked good and sounded great, but she was not the speaker we needed. Joe Lieberman is going to be the speaker at the Repub convention, and when he is through, Obama will be lucky to hold his Senate seat. When Lieberman speaks, people listen, why, who knows, but they and the media do.
Her fashion line has nothing to do in getting the country on the right track. She had a tall order and should be commended for speaking at the DNC, but her folksy, "ya see" additions to her speech and the rest of the apparent scripted infomercial hurts her husband's chances.
She looked fabulousl. Her teal colored dress was elegant and figure-flattering. I can't wait for inaugural day
The dress is important because it gives us a glimpse of her style as first lady. She is not pursuing name designers. Not many average women could wear that dress as well as Michelle, but many could afford it. I am glad she did not choose a suit.
I think she looked fabulous and that the color was perfectly understated and elegant with the background. She is amazing and to do that in front of 21 million people--she deserves massive kudos.