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Style Icon: Michelle Barack Obama?

mens vogue totally knew barack obama would one day be president.jpgNo matter which side of the proverbial aisle somebody’s on, if they’re truly into fashion, they seem to be incredibly interested in what the next First Lady wears, some even going so far as to dub her “Lady O,” an obvious reference to our last First Lady style icon, Jacqueline Kennedy. But here’s what’s interesting - her husband might be overshadowing her.

Not only has Puff Daddy (we refuse to call him anything else), proclaimed that Barack Obama’s elegance will be used as a point of reference in marketing his new Estee Lauder fragrance I am King, and not only did a Bosnian suit maker famously name one of his styles “the Obama,” but now Hart Schaffner Marx, the Chicago-based menswear company favored by the President-Elect, is marketing itself as the place to get a suit if you’re trying to dress “Presidential”, and even has an upcoming West Wing collection, according to WWD.

Michelle’s clothes may be racking up hits for J. Crew’s site, but has anyone named a dress after her, or claimed that a collection was inspired by her style?

Also, we can hardly think of any mainstream male style icons (does David Beckham count?), let alone those who were Presidents. Could this be the first time an American President becomes as known for his sartorial choices as for his political ones?

Guess we’ll have to wait and see. But in the meantime, we wonder if anybody’s submitting sketches for his inaugural suit…

Comments

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posted by Lala

Nov 19, 2008 10:23AM

Well David Beckham certianly is a sort of only male celeb that is considered a "Style Icon" from Gaultier sarongs to having an entire D&G collection in his honour to many haircuts.etc only over the years, and to top it off those Armani ads have reached an icnoic point for sure, with comedians and other sport stars posing in the same manner for fun or comparison.And then there is Mrs.Beckham that like her or hate her, always gets people tallking with her style. (the white D&G dress she wore yesterday with those Balenciaga heels?How delicious and fun was that?)

But Barack and Michelle both have different and great style that will be fun to watch, specially hers.

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posted by guest

Nov 19, 2008 12:01PM

i think Obama's recent attempts at casual show he is so NOT a fashion icon, or shouldn't be. he has these dorky cool-circa-2001 sunglasses and nerdy mom jeans and just dresses like a midwestern dad, which is what he is. and his suits and ties are seriously totally average and nothing to write home about, they could be placed on any other senator or washington dude and no one would remark on them. him and GWBush could prob switch outfits and no one would notice.

which is not to say that i'm not thrilled he's in the white house and all that, but he's no fashion icon except for the willfully ignorant.

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posted by guest

Nov 19, 2008 9:33PM

Actually, Mr. Obama does have a different look. His suits are not the normal Washington type suits. He definitely wears a slimmer fit suit, especially in the pants.

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posted by guest

Nov 24, 2008 12:28PM

Seriously, you can't think of a presidential fashion icon?
JFK popularized the 2-button suit and is credited for hats disappearing. The New England prepster look J Crew embraces wouldn't be popular if it wasn't for Kennedy.

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