OBAMA XMAS HOLIDAY SNAPS

Golf is often accused of being a ridiculous sport; partly because of the (lack of) sped and its rare occasions of action. Others make fun of it due to the clothes. I think this is a pretty good image though. If anything, more than the sport, it's Obama's length - read long and skinny legs - that makes it comical. I've said it before and will do it again: navy polo shirt and khaki slacks or shorts is a good look. The baseball cap? Well, you can take the man out of America, but you can't take America out of the man...There I said it again...

"Colours are what
keep me alive
colours are what
to hold in my head

colours are where my
my old meets new
colours are where my
my brain finds blue"

Colours, Hot Chip

                         

I could say something about the dress Michelle is wearing; how Hawaiian it is, such an ethnic print, is it a wrap dress from DvF etc. But who cares? I'm more interested in the Secret Service agent holding up the door. what is he wearing? The rule when over sizing an outfit is to just do one piece. Over size the top, leave bottom alone. Over size the trousers but keep the T-shirt 'normal' for optimal effect. This dude has gone for the whole sheebang, and it reminds me of an off-duty Josh Lyman, the Dep Chief of Staff in West Wing. Love josh, not so much his clothes...

                     

But this time around I'll focus on an Obama, rather than the person next to the Obama object (even though I have never been a fan of multi coloured sleeveless hoodies). What is the man wearing? Forget what I said about beige slacks before. Don't like these. I think it's mainly because of the pocket detail. The T-shirt is too big, in the wrong places. See how the shoulder is drooping? Nah thanks, Mr President

Like the look of that ice cream, though....

Obama in Norway - one gold dress and lots of blue colours! And oh yeah; one Nobel Peace Prize as well...

 
Barack and Michelle Obama arriving in Oslo to accept the Nobel Prize for his... (insert reason here, because I don't know one...). If anything this picture shows how difficult it is to look good in front of Air  
Force One...Love that light blue shade...

But I don't love Michelle's dress that much... 

Speaking of blue. Obama went all black and sombre, but the Norwegians kept on parading beautifully electric blue outfits... kämpe bra (which I thinks means 'very good' in Norwegian...)

Interview with Mary Tomer, author of Mrs. O, from Style.com

http://www.style.com/stylefile/2009/10/blasblog-the-story-of-mrs-o/?mbid=sn

Is there a power to Mrs. Obama’s wardrobe that might not have been recognized in a First Lady of years past?
Dress is a means of visual communication, and I think it’s a language that Mrs. Obama speaks well. When the First Lady of the United States wears a dress from Target or cardigan from J.Crew, real women from around the country relate to her. When she wears ensembles from Rodarte or Thakoon on an international stage, she elevates the perception of American culture and sophistication. Certain looks can even convey different moods. When Mrs. Obama chose the lemongrass Isabel Toledo dress and coat worn for the inauguration, she projected a definite sense of optimism to the American people. Certainly, style has become a powerful, positive part of Michelle Obama’s image. I think it’s an asset that shouldn’t be overlooked or undervalued.

Mrs. Obama has often been likened to Jacqueline Kennedy. Do you agree with the comparison?
The media latched on to this comparison and ran with it. Along the way, it became much too literal. Jacqueline Kennedy predominantly wore clothes from Oleg Cassini during her White House years, committing to a more singular, iconic silhouette. On the other hand, Michelle Obama has embraced a wide range of designers, styles, and price points. She’s shown that her style is eclectic and multifaceted. Where the comparison is more valid, I believe, is in the sense of excitement and intrigue that surrounds both women. There was a moment, watching the DNC in 2008, when I realized my generation had found its Jackie O. I think there’s a certain way we feel about Michelle Obama that perhaps hasn’t been felt about a First Lady since Jacqueline Kennedy.

How was your experience working on this book?
The chance to meet designers I greatly admire was beyond exciting. I’m one of those girls that still delights in the arrival of the new J.Crew catalog. To be reading “Jenna’s Picks” one day, and then to be sitting in her office the next, it was honestly a dream. Those kinds of experiences played out throughout the project and will be cherished.

Was it difficult to get people involved in the book? I’m sure her stable of designers—Toledo, Wu, Kors, Thakoon, etc.—are approached for these projects so often to talk about Mrs. Obama. Are they still happy to be talking about their designs for her?

Most of the interviews were conducted in April 2009, so I think the excitement of the inauguration was still pretty fresh. Across the board, there was a tremendous respect for the First Lady, and out of that, a certain mindfulness about taking interviews. My aim was to explore the designer’s background, design ethos, and inspiration behind pieces worn by Michelle Obama. And generally, I found they were happy to discuss those topics. That being said, it did take weeks of persistence to secure the interviews!

What sets this book apart from the many other Mrs. Obama books currently at the bookstore?
It’s the first to include interviews with all the key designers. There are 13 full Q&A interviews, including interviews with Isabel Toledo, Jason Wu, Michael Kors, Maria Pinto, and others. The book features original photography of archival samples of the First Lady’s key looks, offering rich new perspective on the detail and craftsmanship of the clothes, shoes, and accessories. And the final chapter of the book includes quotes contributed from Mrs-O.org regulars, interspersed with original artwork inspired by Michelle Obama. The Carter Kustera portrait of Mrs. O is a must-see!

Have you ever heard from Mrs. Obama, or her office?
When I was started work on the book, I wrote a letter to Mrs. Obama to tell her about the project and to request an interview—a long shot, but I had to try. I received a letter back from Tyler Lechtenberg, the Associate Director of Correspondence for the Office of the First Lady, thanking me for my letter on behalf of the First Lady but declining the request. I’ve saved it, of course; it’s on very lovely engraved stationery.

What would you do if you met her?
I’m sure I would be nervous. I don’t think I would ask about her style. Somehow it feels like it might be impolite. I would love to know more about her decision to leave corporate law and enter public service in her late 20s. Also, I’m dying to know how she finds the energy to do it all. Some days I feel exhausted keeping up with her schedule, and I’m just blogging!

Text by Derek Blasberg

Japan's new Premier and his (loony) wife...

Japan has got a new prime minister - Yukio Hatoyama - from the centre-of-left Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), which bodes well for the rest of us; he's already well under way to deal with Japan's environmental problems and world wide responsibilities. But just as much press is given to his wife, Miyuki Hatoyama. She has some pretty wild ideas and claims, among other things, to have been abducted by aliens. This is an extract from her biography: "While my body slept, I think my spirit flew on a triangularshaped UFO to Venus. it was extremely beautiful". She also knew Tom Cruise in his earlier life, since he was Japanese back then...

That aside, FiP thinks she looks quite a stylish lady. She would look good in a bit of Comme, if you read this Rei Kawakubo...


Accroding to the Guardian's Tim Dowling, this is how the spouses comapare...


Joachim Sauer

Married to Angela Merkel

Wacky rating 0.1 out of 5

Quiet and reserved, Sauer rarely appears in public and didn't even attend his wife's 2005 inauguration. Holds certain views about the nature of the universe that most ordinary people would find incomprehensible, in keeping with his job as a quantum chemist. No pictures of him with Tom Cruise.

Sarah Brown

Married to Gordon Brown

Wacky rating 1 out of 5

The very picture of common sense, British reserve and tireless discretion. May have married the only person in the world in contrast to whom she could be described as devil-may-care. And she picks out his ties for him.

Michelle Obama

Married to Barack Obama

Wacky rating 1.5 out of 5

Consistently down-to-earth, even when interviewed by Oprah. No known new age proclivities. Like Miyuki Hatoyama, claims to have met Tom Cruise - but photographic evidence would appear to support this. Did not say if she thought he was weird.

Carla Bruni

Married to Nicolas Sarkozy

Wacky rating 3 out of 5

Formerly given to pronouncements about being "bored by monogamy", and claimed her husband had "five or six brains which are remarkably irrigated", though she may not have meant it literally. The only G20 spouse (so far) to have nude photos and sex tapes stolen. Author of some decidedly flaky song lyrics ("I'm that time slipping by is a bastard making coats of our sorrow . . .")

Cherie Blair

Married to Tony Blair

Wacky rating 4 out of 5

The only G20 spouse, past or present, capable of giving Mrs Hatoyama a run for her mystical money. The crystal-pendant wearing, con-man consulting, magic-circle casting QC was said to have sought the help of the late Jack Templeton, a "homeopathic dowser healer" whose clients also numbered Jerry Hall and Princess Diana.

Miyuki Hatoyama

Married to Yukio Hatoyama

Wacky rating Off the scale

This professional "life composer" claims she once flew on a triangle-shaped UFO to Venus, and says she met Tom Cruise in a past life when he was Japanese. Makes her own clothes from hemp sacks and starts every morning by pretending to eat bits of the sun. "I get energy from it," she says, adding helpfully, "my husband also does this."

The Obama's Wineyard Holiday....

It's holiday season for everyone and that includes the Obamas. This is the golden couple coming off Air Force One, looking casual yet glamorous. The light-blue plane is nicely reflected in Barack's shirt, and Michelle's shirt jacket is just the right amount of Chanel.

Obama and Medvedev talks Fashion

The Obama family arrives in Russia for talks with President Dmitry Medvedev. It appears trench coats will be big for kids next season and peach dress/coats combos for the adult, at least the female ones...

But why is it that Russia always insist on over sizing their military hats? They have always gone for volume when it comes to formal uniform caps...

Medvedev's wife Svetlana went for an innocently white outfit, matching her pale skin. Michelle looks radiant, though, but I think the see-through belt in plastic was a bold move, which won't win her any new friends. 

BO: So, what tailor do you use?

DM: This is Bernhard Willhelm. I like his diffusion line.

BO: I didn't know he had one...is it new?

DM: No, it's been around for ages. I thought you knew your fashion? But I heard your tailor went bust...tough luck mate!

BO: Yeah I know! My wife makes me buy from JCrew now, it sucks!

DM: You should try Kris van Assche - he rocks!

BO: Do you mean his own line or Dior Homme?

DM: Always do Dior, Barack. Always!

BO: Thanks, I'll give it a go. I like your tie by the way - nice colour!

Michelle Oboden

News has reached these shores that the First Lady is about to order clothes from British catalogue brand Boden. Michelle is already an avid fan of cheap American High Street label J Crew, so it was only a question of time before she decided to dabble in British fashion.

But she is no stranger to English  designers. This is her wearing a Basso & Brooke dress, which has been cut into a top. Lately Michelle has also been seen in Richard Nicoll accessories and Jonathan Saunders clothing...

Michelle Obama Hearts Lanvin

Michelle Obama has a bit of a reputatiaion these days as a High Street Shopper. She, and her children, has at many occansions been seen sporting J.Crew, a cheap American brand. This is of course a clever move in regards to the current financial climate and as an antidote to how the electorate views high-earning politicains and their families.

But Michelle also has another side to her wardrobe. A slightly more expensive and sophisticted version of clothes has begun to transpire. These Lanvin trainers, for example, was shown off the other day. They retail for £365 and, like similar brands, only seem to be more and more expensive for every season that pass. No sign of recession here! But we don't have a problem with MO wearing Lanvin trainers or clothes. They might be expensive, but they are nevertheless classy. I can't really picture Laura Bush wearing them...

DOES OBAMA UNDERSTAND WOMEN AND THEIR SHOES? NO. DOES ANYONE?

The New York Times recently questioned the fashon sense of President Barack Obama. Really it was Michelle who said it, but the NYT had the nerve to publish it...

Michelle said in the interview: “He’s always asking: ‘Is that new? I haven’t seen that before.’ It’s like, Why don’t you mind your own business? Solve world hunger. Get out of my closet.”

Imitating the President, she said: “You didn’t need any more shoes. The shoes you had on yesterday were fine. Why can’t you just wear that for the rest of the presidency?”

Read the article here.

G20 PICS OF THE OBAMAS (AND THE BROWNS)

This is the presidential couple boarding Air Force One - Michelle in a nice white dress (or possibly coat - let's leave something to the imagination...). Look at the perfect colour co-ordination; light blue AF1, white dress/coat and the white boarding equipment....

And here we are coming off, about seven hours later. Michelle has changed into a yellow dress, which perfectly matches the POTUS emblem on their left. Coincidence? I think not. The new White House is not only web savvy but also knowledgeable about fashion...

So they have landed, slept at the US ambassador's house in Regents Park and this is them coming to No. 10. There was the usual nervous and cringe-worthy handshakes, welcome wishes and kisses. All of them survived with their dignity, but Michelle, in her pretty off-white cardigan, stands out the most. Sarah Brown has apparently read our previous blog about how the Cameron's went all black on us. Ah well, better luck next time, Sarah...

Read more here...

Obama's Inauguration Outfit

In honour of USA's 44th President, Barack Obama, who was sworn in today, we take a look at a few pictures from his big day. You've already seen the - but hey - they're worth a second look...

P.O.T.U.S

He's in a nice and warm cashmere coat, black suit, white shirt and a red tie with white dots. Classically beautiful - everything we expected.  Michelle looks good as well, but wasn't that cold?

The kids wore warm and colourful coats. Great electric blue on Malia and a cute pink on Sasha. But interesting choice with an orange scarf...

Purple Rain...Again

It looks like Sarah Brown, the PM's wife, is equally inspired by Obama as her husband. Only in Sarah's case it's with Michelle, not Barack. As reported on this blog before, purple is truly the colour of the season. Not only Michelle but also Carla Bruni has been seen in purple shades. It really is a nice colour but I have to say that I think Michelle does it best...

Colour of the Season?

They're both beautiful, both married to powerful men and both wearing purple - an excellent autumn/winter colour. No doubt purple coats and dresses will do extra well this season, and these pictures show it's a good colour of choice. Nice pearls as well, Michelle!

Carla Bruni, wife of Nicholas Sarkozy


Michelle Obama, wife of Barack Obama