ASSOCIATED PRESS
I loved it today that first lady-elect Michelle Obama attended a parent-teacher conference in Chicago sans makeup with a baseball cap and a ponytail. On Election Night, she wore a striking red-and-black dress from designer Narciso Rodriguez, which debuted during Fashion Week last month in New York.
You can check out how the runway version matched up to Michelle's interpretation in the pics above. Obviously, Michelle added a sweater because it was an outdoor celebration of her husband's presidential victory.
There's a bit of six degrees of fashion separation where Michelle fits in nicely, but almost in a tragic way. Designer Rodriguez was virtually unknown 12 years ago, but it was his pearl-colored silk design for Cerruti 1881 that was worn by Carolyn Bessette when she married John F. Kennedy Jr. in September 1996.
Fast forward to this election year, er years, and Michelle wears a design by the same designer.
Of course, there have been many comparisons already made in fashion circles that Michelle Obama will inspire a fashion rejuvenation and style made famous by the Kennedys, in particular first lady Jackie Kennedy.
She's already made the sheath dress - even an economically friendly version from White House/Black Market - look effortlessly stylish when she appeared on "The View." And, it's almost unheard-of to see a woman in Washington, D.C., going sleeveless!
Anyway, the 44-year-old Michelle will certainly bring her own thoughts about entertaining, especially with children in the "house." And, if nothing else, she shops online at J.Crew. For that alone, she gets this fashionista's vote.
Next up? Which designer or designers will win the coveted job of creating her inaugural ensemble (for the swearing in and the balls). We'll keep you posted.
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