<![CDATA[[FashionRatty] tag: decades]]> http://fashionratty.com/tag/decades Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:29:00 +0000 iRatty Engine http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss <![CDATA[The man who saved Parisian couture]]> http://fashionratty.com/article/28e78b9ac0a9faa0c91a5f8e84a34064 http://fashionratty.com/article/28e78b9ac0a9faa0c91a5f8e84a34064 Lelong evening dresses from 1946. Which unknown designer in his employ might have designed them?

This is my piece from the Telegraph about Lucien Lelong, who stood up to the occupying German forces and saved Paris from being moved to Berlin:

Paris struggled on, but when war was declared on 3 September 1939 the couture houses closed down, some for ever. Mainbocher and Schiaparelli left for America. Vionnet never reopened. Lelong was now president of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture and, after the invasion, it was his job to negotiate with the occupying German regime. The Nazis wanted to move Paris lock, stock and barrel to Berlin by any means, including violence. On 20 July 1940 five Nazi officers arrived at the headquarters of the Chambre Syndicale on an 'inspection'; five days later they broke into the building and requisitioned the archive.

Under the Nazi plan the Paris ateliers would be moved to Germany or Austria, where they would train a new generation of German dressmakers. The designers would also be moved. Within a generation, the Nazis expected, couture would be German, not French. It was a breathtakingly arrogant ambition to believe that they could appropriate a whole industry.

Lelong pointed out that the plan was unworkable. French fashion was dependent on thousands of skilled artisans in tiny ateliers, each specialising in one small detail of finish, such as embroidery. The skills, he explained, were unteachable. You could not transfer them, and it took decades to reach the necessary levels of craftsmanship. The intransigence of the Germans was nothing compared with that of French couture. Lelong asserted the right of each country to produce its own fashion and argued that it was their home environment that allowed the workers to do what they did. The Nazis backed down and returned the archive, and Lelong negotiated to keep a supply of fabric that would maintain production. The only fall-back the occupiers had was to conscript into the army its labour force. They started by demanding 80 per cent; Lelong got it down to five per cent.

Initially, after the liberation, there were murmurs that Lelong had been a collaborator, though it was Chanel who had spent the war living with a German officer. His case came to trial, but he was acquitted. The judge ruled that Lelong had co-operated only minimally with the Nazis to save France's cultural heritage and the jobs of its workers.

]]> Sat, 22 Nov 2008 05:05:00 +0000 couture french french couture lelong german officer german paris paris ateliers german dressmakers The man who saved Parisian couture <![CDATA[Shoe History Corner: Ed Hardy - Past, Present, and Future]]> http://fashionratty.com/article/0899f6288be0988db2fb84d3756c721d http://fashionratty.com/article/0899f6288be0988db2fb84d3756c721d It may seem like Ed Hardy is an overnight success - the tattoo brand has popped up and gained a ton of street creed within a few short years. Ed Hardy merchandise is spreading like wildflower in every department store that I’ve frequented. I see people wearing the line everywhere I go and even Gucci has caught onto the trend in its Tattoo Heart Collection ad featuring Rihanna.

However, Ed Hardy has actually been around for a few decades. The man behind the tattoos, Don Ed Hardy (pictured below), is a tattoo artist whose origins begin in the late 1960s while studying printmaking at the San Francisco Art Institute. While acting as an understudy of Sailor Jerry Collins in Hawaii, Ed Hardy refined his craft to produce graphic, detailed designs melded by his interest in American, Japanese tattoo work, surf, and the look we see on hot rod cars. Today, Ed Hardy is retired. But Christian Audigier of Von Dutch fame licensed the name in 2004 and drew upon Ed’s work to create the pop culture brand we know now.

Now I had doubts about whether the tattoo trend has long legs. Primarily, I couldn’t imagine the look gaining even more popularity than it already has. But I will put my vote in that the trend will last, at a minimum, through Spring 2009. Here are the main reasons why.

Last month I attended the Ed Hardy Spring ‘Street Fame’ 2009 Fashion Show. The overarching theme of the collection was colorful layers, flashy displays of color, and really, really over-accessorizing the Ed Hardy brand. I mean, look at these models - from the hat, purse, belt, skirt, tights, and boots, scarf (which I love and think it’ll make any plain outfit pop) - everything is from the Ed Hardy line. I wouldn’t be surprised if the underwear was also from the brand. At one point, one of the male models even carried out a gigantic Ed Hardy energy drink (not sure if this was a prop or if we’ll see this in stores soon) and there was even an Ed Hardy car freshener sample in the gift bags we received.

But the apple of my eye rested on these runway 4 inch patent platform pumps. The shape is traditional and nothing to write home about. The uniqueness is on the sole. Whereas YSL is copying Louboutin’s trademark red sole with a blue sole, the Ed Hardy soles are uniquely decorated by intricate tattoo designs. From what I could tell, each shoe had different tattoo designs so the casual gawker will be kept guessing what’s in and on the sole.

For the remainder of the show, the looks were pretty much in line with the Ed Hardy that we trust. There was the prerequisite Ed hardy sneakers and boots (who will wear them during spring, I cannot say). And really, one can already purchase them, albeit in slightly different colors, at Zappos right now. The sneakers are $69 and the snowblazer boots are $399.

I even had my chance to be marked by Christian Audigier himself. At the end of the show, Mr. Audigier came out for his curtain call and threw Ed Hardy hats from the runway (see in motion shot below).

One of the trucker hats actually hit me on the forehead.  So now I have a special(look closely at the slight imperfections on the hat) memento of the show.

 

Now, I was equally interested in the shoes off the runway. You can see them on the ‘Shoes on the Street’ thread over in the forums.

Authentic Shops:


Zappos.com

Vivre.com

]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:30:41 +0000 hardy brand hardy brand sneakers hardy sneakers hardy energy drink hardy hats hardy merchandise hardy soles Shoe History Corner: Ed Hardy - Past, Present, and Future <![CDATA[KRINK x Nike Air Force 1 1WORLD]]> http://fashionratty.com/article/526e56f4ffafbe9aa9c1177c32564b43 http://fashionratty.com/article/526e56f4ffafbe9aa9c1177c32564b43

KRINK x Nike Air Force 1 1World Release

After recovering from the Black Friday Air Force 1 release, the Nike Sportswear flagship store will see the release of the KRINK x Nike Air Force 1 shoe, created for 1WORLD in partnership with New York artist Craig “KR” Costello.

“The Air Force 1 has been around for so long that my memories of it are simply as a shoe. Before all the hype and collectors… It has been a staple for decades and is a true iconic classic” said KR. “With that said, I wanted to keep things simple. The KRINK drip pattern is a trademark style of mine so I wanted to include it in this project. I selected reflective, as it’s booming and unique.” continued he later continued. And unique would be a great one word descriptor for this Air Force 1.

The KRINK x Nike Air Force 1 is the fifth shoe created in the US for 1WORLD, and joins Rasheed Wallace, KAWS, ?uest Love, and LaDainian Tomlinson as having had the chance to create their own version of the Air Force 1 as part of the 1WORLD collection. The KRINK x Nike Air Force 1 will release exclusively at Nike Sportswear in NYC as well as other select retailers.

Nike Sportswear
21 Mercer St
New York, NY 10013
212.226.5433
[MAP]

KRINK x Nike Air Force 1 1World Release
KRINK x Nike Air Force 1 1World

KRINK x Nike Air Force 1 1World Release
KRINK x Nike Air Force 1 1World

]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:10:32 +0000 air force nike air force krink 1world krink drip pattern 1world collection release exclusively york artist craig york KRINK x Nike Air Force 1 1WORLD <![CDATA[Friday Furnishings: A Historical Perspective]]> http://fashionratty.com/article/f5ea63ca391e4d305d761ba30fab03df http://fashionratty.com/article/f5ea63ca391e4d305d761ba30fab03df Being a full-time resident of D.C. oftentimes means that one overlooks or forgets about all of the great offerings of the District until something big happens. It's been years since I visited the Washington Monument and months since I've stepped into a museum. I mean, I look down my street and see the Capitol building from my bus stop every morning, for pete's sake! Where's my sense of history?

Just when I'd almost gotten ready to hole up for the winter and repudiate the outside world entirely, the re-opening of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History has helped to remind me of how lucky I am to live in this city. And to remind me that I need to get out and see more of the free offerings of D.C.

The museum re-opened today after months of renovations. For anybody who visited the place before you know that it was great in presenting seminal moments of history in themed tableau and the like. But it was also full of hopelessly outdated displays, weird elevator corridors, and dark empty corners that seemed to have been left out of the whole curatorial process thing.

Now it's gotten a shiny makeover, replete with actual shininess, as in the reflective flag now mounted outside the building, as seen above. And while the reviews coming in aren't exactly genuflecting (see the New York Times for exhibit A), the DCGF is excited to visit some of the newly restored clothing and costume sections. You'll get my first-hand account in December, but for now, I'd like to share some of the historical interiors that make for fascinating viewing.

First up is Julia Child's kitchen, part of which is seen at left. The reflection part comes from the entire room being encased in plexiglass. It's really quite incredible when you think about it: an entire room from Child's Cambridge, MA, home donated lock, stock, and barrel to the museum with every utensil put into its place upon arrival. It's almost as if Child's herself will bound around the corner and start whisking up something in a mixing bowl.

For anyone who's ever aspired to the all-stainless steel kitchen with high-tech gadgets and sub-zero refrigerators, this kitchen is a subtle reminder that it's not the tools that make the cook. Her tools are humble wooden spoons and standard-issue department store appliances. No need for fancy dish towels here!

 If you thought Mrs. Goodbee was a fancy dollhouse, how about The Dolls' House designed by Faith Bradford? With over 1,350 miniatures inside its 23 rooms, this perfectly scaled house is enough to keep any child occupied for the duration of his or her childhood.

The inhabitants of the house include Mr. and Mrs. Peter Doll, their 10 children, two visiting grandparents, five servants (that tells you how old it is!) and 20 pets. The details are amazing, right down to all of the junk they have stored in their attic. Need decorating inspiration on a small scale? Look no further...

At the opposite end of the spectrum is a real, full-size house. Built in Ipswich, MA, in the 1760s, the Georgian-style 2 1/2 story A-frame house was owned by five different families before being disassembled beam by beam and reassembled inside the museum. They've kept part of the siding off, as you can see, to display the interior and show how the house was modified over the decades.

And here's the cool part: artifacts from each of the families have been placed inside and around the house, include 18th-century furniture, 19th-century books, and 20th century electronics. How cool would it be to be able to look back and see remnants of everyone who had lived in your place before? Or at least the good stuff..

I'm excited to go visit the new version of this American classic. I'm going to wait until the crowds die down a bit, though. I'm sure it was really busy this morning and the weekend will probably be the same. The DCGF is heading back to her home state of Indiana next week, but have no fear! The blog will continue unabated. And next week's Good Buys are somethin' special. See you then!


Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on ebay.com funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities. Copyright Goodwill of Greater Washington, DC Goodwill Fashion Blog. All Rights Reserved.
Goodwill’s fashion blog provides detailed knowledge and insight on vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories that are valuable to fashion shoppers. The facts and opinions shared present readers with entertaining, exciting and value based information on vintage and contemporary fashion and shopping trends.
]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:23:00 +0000 house story a-frame house house include goodwill fashion blog blog museum national museum julia child child Friday Furnishings: A Historical Perspective <![CDATA[Designer Discovery: Kate & Kass]]> http://fashionratty.com/article/a2a4323c61d664290ab93701240de485 http://fashionratty.com/article/a2a4323c61d664290ab93701240de485
Find more photos like this on Fashion Indie

Launched in the Spring of 2006, Kate & Kass marries the playful and innocent sensuality of the 1960s and 70s with the comfort and practicality of the 21st century. Kate & Kass specializes in a-line, empire-waist, and baby doll silhouettes, drawing inspiration from 1960s films such as Petulia, Rosemary’s Baby, Darling, and Two for the Road, and from female icons like Gloria Steinem, Jackie Onassis, and Jane Fonda, who showed women they could be at once stylish and powerful.

Designed in floral prints and muted, feminine tones, Kate & Kass pieces feature small details popular in sixties and seventies-era garments - vintage buttons, plackets, pin-tucks, pleating, darts, and hidden pockets. Where Kate & Kass departs from the past is in its fabrics; soft and supple cotton blends that breathe and drape easily have replaced the stiffer, more constricting materials of earlier decades.

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:37:32 +0000 kass kass marries kass pieces feature 1960s kass departs supple cotton blends 1960s films baby doll silhouettes female icons Designer Discovery: Kate & Kass <![CDATA[Judith Leiber celebrates 45th anniversary. Event in NYC]]> http://fashionratty.com/article/06da4afb4cffdb9b39a764dfd125f013 http://fashionratty.com/article/06da4afb4cffdb9b39a764dfd125f013
Judith Leiber is inviting you all to celebrates their 45th anniversary with a benefit showcasing the brand’s handbags through the decades.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, the oldest and largest social services and educational organization.

There will be hors d’oeuvre and a full bar.

location: 680 Madison Ave., at 61st St. (212-223-2999)
date/time: 20th from 7 - 9

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:44:08 +0000 judith leiber 45th anniversary madison ave brands handbags event hors doeuvre social services educational organization benefit Judith Leiber celebrates 45th anniversary. Event in NYC <![CDATA[The 24-Karat Designer Handbag]]> http://fashionratty.com/article/f89dc513c688a91c7e241c3d9ce964e6 http://fashionratty.com/article/f89dc513c688a91c7e241c3d9ce964e6 Holiday shoppers stuck between the gift of a handbag or a piece of jewelry can rest easy. A flood of deluxe designer bags, embellished with precious metals and stones, has rendered the question moot.

24-karat designer handbagPhoto Courtesy: iht.com


Judith Leiber, the Hungarian-born designer and author of "The Artful Handbag," covered this territory for decades, creating dazzling minaudières, or evening bags, for first ladies and Hollywood starlets. New are the jewelers who have popped up in her likeness.

A fine, if extreme, example, is the "platinum bijoux" evening bag from Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry, of Japan, bedecked with 208 carats of diamonds. Weighing in at 800 grams, or 1.8 pounds, the one-of-a-kind bag required a year to complete and is now on offer for ¥200 million, or $2 million. It was originally intended to serve as a showpiece. But Naoto (Nick) Mizuki, general manager of marketing, says the company is considering a line of similar bags, at somewhat lower prices.

It was only a matter of time. Between a bag and a jewel, each costing $2,000, "it's much easier to sell the handbag," the New York-based designer Kara Ross said. "There's such a romantic connotation to fine jewelry. A woman may want it but will go home and ask her husband to buy it."

Author: Victoria Gomelsky

Read the full story here

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:44:00 +0000 handbag jewelry fine jewelry deluxe designer bags bags tanaka kikinzoku jewelry one-of-a-kind bag bag artful handbag The 24-Karat Designer Handbag <![CDATA[La Porte, Indiana by Jason Bitner]]> http://fashionratty.com/article/2be00d5cb5095b91a06d8dcee8a0dec1 http://fashionratty.com/article/2be00d5cb5095b91a06d8dcee8a0dec1 FOUND magazine editor Jason Bitner has made it a habit of picking up after us, walking down the back alleys of our lives, and accumulating all that we've thrown away or mislaid. One afternoon not long ago, after lunch at a small Midwestern diner, he stumbled onto a forgotten archive. In the back of the restaurant were box upon box of studio portraits of the townspeople of LaPorte, Indiana - over 18,000 in total. Taken over four decades, the photos marked important milestones - a sailor in uniform, a graduate in cap and gown, a couple newly engaged - while others simply made modest attempts at posterity. Each in their unique way reveals both a public and private face, a story untold, a secret to reveal. They are admittedly brief moments and ones in which people have purposefully posed for the camera. Smiling. Caring. Loving. Pensive. Serious. These are pictures of all of us in a way, reflections in a mirror of the everyday moments and events that define all of our lives.

]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2008 22:10:03 +0000 everyday moments moments couple newly studio portraits midwestern diner box indiana story untold lives La Porte, Indiana by Jason Bitner <![CDATA[The Next Devil Wears Prada - Win The New Book, "Schooled"! ]]> http://fashionratty.com/article/312ca5df3f8978e425b8efeb44685e20 http://fashionratty.com/article/312ca5df3f8978e425b8efeb44685e20 Filed under:

Michelle Obama Inauguration Predictions

    If expectations are high for Barack Obama, they're no less soaring for his wife -- at least in a sartorial sense. After two decades of Bush and Clinton women -- for whom style was not a sixth sense -- the inarguably fashionable and seemingly fearless Michelle Obama has trend-watchers in a frenzy. Tall and taut, with the broad shoulders and self-confidence to carry off whatever she wants, Obama has spent the past 21 months being compared to Jacqueline Kennedy. And, so far, Obama has acquitted herself well, showing off recession-friendly dresses from White House/ Black Market and pricey styles from edgy designers like Isabel Toledo, who she wore (left) last spring to a fundraiser with fashion industry heavyweights. What will she favor for the White House? StyleList takes a look at her past -- and offers some predictions for the future. And for those who think clothes don't matter, remember the words of JFK as he introduced his wildly popular wife at a 1961 State Dinner at Charles de Gaulle's presidential palace. "I am the man," Kennedy said, "who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris."

    Marcel Thomas, FilmMagic.com

    She hasn't even gotten to the White House, but Michelle Obama has already done more than any fashion mag to make Thakoon a household name. The Thai-born designer's dresses were perfect for several major moments on the campaign trail, including (at left) the final night of the Democratic National Convention. At right, the rose-colored silk dress as it appeared on Thakoon's runway. Mrs. Obama seems to have made no changes to it -- except the addition of three her trademark pins to the neckline. (And for those who can't afford Thakoon's four-figure price tags, the designer debuts a more recession-friendly collection at Target in December.)

    PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Image

    No, we don't expect the new First Lady to parade her abs at the Easter egg roll. But with just a few strategically placed swaths of fabric, this delicate floral sheath by Thakoon could meet the needs of the most demanding East Wing schedule.

    Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images

    Back in 1982, when Nancy Reagan wore rhinestone-trimmed knickers to a dinner at the American Embassy in Paris, she was ridiculed across two continents. So it's no surprise that Michelle Obama decided to keep her thighs safely away from the runway version of Moschino's flowered silk shorts (right). What's a First Lady-wannabe to do? Moschino took the same gray-and-purple fabric and used it to bare Mrs. O's knee's in a more Donna Reed way -- a soft shirtwaist that made her look both comfortable and camera-ready for the debut of the Obama-Biden ticket in Springfield, Ill. last summer. Surely, Nancy would have approved.

    Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images

    This purple silk coat and carnival-striped dress from Moschino's spring collection strikes the perfect balance between the White House need to look sophisticated and Mrs. Obama's penchant to shake-it-up.

    Catwalking/Getty Images

    If fashion tells a story, Michelle Obama's fiery red confetti-printed dress conveyed every bit of her Election Night euphoria. True, the Narciso Rodriguez sheath, modified from the runway version at right, earned as many barbs as raves -- "Maybe it looked really awesome up close?" one fashion wag asked. But you won't find a trace of disappointment on Obama's face, which glowed as brightly as her $10,275 Loree Rodkin diamond earrings.

    Joe Raedle, Getty Images

    Narcisco Rodriguez's edgy black-and-white dress would be techy enough for the You Tube generation and graphic enough for those Dinosaur Age readers of print media.

    Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images

    Tall and toned, Mrs. Obama isn't afraid to experiment. She plays with color (usually favoring brights) and shape (usually body-hugging) -- and, just when you think you've figured out her fashion maxims, she veers in another direction. The cantaloupe-colored Moschino dress that she wore to her husband's acceptance of the Harold Washington Award this fall was a softer color and silhouette than her typical fare.

    Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images

    Hillary Clinton made front-page news in 1993, when she co-hosted the Governors' Dinner at the White House in Donna Karan's "cold-shoulder" dress, a dramatic long-sleeved black sheath with -- surpise! -- the shoulders cut out. We're not sure the world is ready for a First Lady in a cut-out torso, but with a bit of fabric in all the right places, Narciso Rodriguez's 'bondage" gown would be a fierce addition to Mrs. Obama's don't-mess-with-me repertoire.

    Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images

    Peter Soronen's fashions are fun, flirty, and fit for a woman confident enough to show off her curves. Small wonder he's earned red-carpet time from the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Hudson and Tina Fey. He's also added Michelle Obama to his roster. At left, her white delicately-patterned dress is adapted from Soronen's houndstooth check sheath.

    Peter Soronen



Want to win a copy of Schooled? Here's how:
  • To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us which actress you think you should play Anna Taggart, the book's main character (browse through the gallery for a few possibilities, or just pick your own).
  • The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Monday, November 24.
  • You may enter only once.
  • Ten winners will be selected in a random drawing.
  • The winners will each receive one book, (valued at $23.95).
  • Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 or over.

Click here for complete Official Rules.

Winners are notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you're the winner!

The Next Devil Wears Prada - Win The New Book, "Schooled"! originally appeared on StyleList Blog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:16:00 +0000 white edgy black-and-white dress obama michelle obama moschino dress dress moschino getty images barack obama The Next Devil Wears Prada - Win The New Book, "Schooled"! <![CDATA[American Idol Makeup Artist Mezhgan's 5 quick pick me up tips - Make {me} gorgeous!]]> http://fashionratty.com/article/0daa05fdc71d1959fd779b36dae35ae3 http://fashionratty.com/article/0daa05fdc71d1959fd779b36dae35ae3 Filed under: , ,

When we have questions about makeup, from styling tips to using tools, we turn to style star Mezhgan, our favorite American Idol makeup artist. Mezhgan is an expert at getting people ready for their closeups, even in HD! She's sharing her wisdom with us each week in this regular feature Make {me} Gorgeous!

Michelle Obama Inauguration Predictions

    If expectations are high for Barack Obama, they're no less soaring for his wife -- at least in a sartorial sense. After two decades of Bush and Clinton women -- for whom style was not a sixth sense -- the inarguably fashionable and seemingly fearless Michelle Obama has trend-watchers in a frenzy. Tall and taut, with the broad shoulders and self-confidence to carry off whatever she wants, Obama has spent the past 21 months being compared to Jacqueline Kennedy. And, so far, Obama has acquitted herself well, showing off recession-friendly dresses from White House/ Black Market and pricey styles from edgy designers like Isabel Toledo, who she wore (left) last spring to a fundraiser with fashion industry heavyweights. What will she favor for the White House? StyleList takes a look at her past -- and offers some predictions for the future. And for those who think clothes don't matter, remember the words of JFK as he introduced his wildly popular wife at a 1961 State Dinner at Charles de Gaulle's presidential palace. "I am the man," Kennedy said, "who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris."

    Marcel Thomas, FilmMagic.com

    She hasn't even gotten to the White House, but Michelle Obama has already done more than any fashion mag to make Thakoon a household name. The Thai-born designer's dresses were perfect for several major moments on the campaign trail, including (at left) the final night of the Democratic National Convention. At right, the rose-colored silk dress as it appeared on Thakoon's runway. Mrs. Obama seems to have made no changes to it -- except the addition of three her trademark pins to the neckline. (And for those who can't afford Thakoon's four-figure price tags, the designer debuts a more recession-friendly collection at Target in December.)

    PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Image

    No, we don't expect the new First Lady to parade her abs at the Easter egg roll. But with just a few strategically placed swaths of fabric, this delicate floral sheath by Thakoon could meet the needs of the most demanding East Wing schedule.

    Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images

    Back in 1982, when Nancy Reagan wore rhinestone-trimmed knickers to a dinner at the American Embassy in Paris, she was ridiculed across two continents. So it's no surprise that Michelle Obama decided to keep her thighs safely away from the runway version of Moschino's flowered silk shorts (right). What's a First Lady-wannabe to do? Moschino took the same gray-and-purple fabric and used it to bare Mrs. O's knee's in a more Donna Reed way -- a soft shirtwaist that made her look both comfortable and camera-ready for the debut of the Obama-Biden ticket in Springfield, Ill. last summer. Surely, Nancy would have approved.

    Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images

    This purple silk coat and carnival-striped dress from Moschino's spring collection strikes the perfect balance between the White House need to look sophisticated and Mrs. Obama's penchant to shake-it-up.

    Catwalking/Getty Images

    If fashion tells a story, Michelle Obama's fiery red confetti-printed dress conveyed every bit of her Election Night euphoria. True, the Narciso Rodriguez sheath, modified from the runway version at right, earned as many barbs as raves -- "Maybe it looked really awesome up close?" one fashion wag asked. But you won't find a trace of disappointment on Obama's face, which glowed as brightly as her $10,275 Loree Rodkin diamond earrings.

    Joe Raedle, Getty Images

    Narcisco Rodriguez's edgy black-and-white dress would be techy enough for the You Tube generation and graphic enough for those Dinosaur Age readers of print media.

    Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images

    Tall and toned, Mrs. Obama isn't afraid to experiment. She plays with color (usually favoring brights) and shape (usually body-hugging) -- and, just when you think you've figured out her fashion maxims, she veers in another direction. The cantaloupe-colored Moschino dress that she wore to her husband's acceptance of the Harold Washington Award this fall was a softer color and silhouette than her typical fare.

    Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images

    Hillary Clinton made front-page news in 1993, when she co-hosted the Governors' Dinner at the White House in Donna Karan's "cold-shoulder" dress, a dramatic long-sleeved black sheath with -- surpise! -- the shoulders cut out. We're not sure the world is ready for a First Lady in a cut-out torso, but with a bit of fabric in all the right places, Narciso Rodriguez's 'bondage" gown would be a fierce addition to Mrs. Obama's don't-mess-with-me repertoire.

    Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images

    Peter Soronen's fashions are fun, flirty, and fit for a woman confident enough to show off her curves. Small wonder he's earned red-carpet time from the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Hudson and Tina Fey. He's also added Michelle Obama to his roster. At left, her white delicately-patterned dress is adapted from Soronen's houndstooth check sheath.

    Peter Soronen



Got a question for Mezhgan? Leave it in the comments and we'll answer as many as possible in future posts.

American Idol Makeup Artist Mezhgan's 5 quick pick me up tips - Make {me} gorgeous! originally appeared on StyleList Blog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

]]> Tue, 18 Nov 2008 07:29:00 +0000 white edgy black-and-white dress obama michelle obama moschino dress dress moschino mezhgan getty images American Idol Makeup Artist Mezhgan's 5 quick pick me up tips - Make {me} gorgeous!