Who: Tracy Reese
What: Floral, feminine dresses with intricate embroidery and detail.
Where: New York City
Why: Mrs. Obama first wore Reese in February of 2009 for her cover on People Magazine. Since then, Reese has gone on to become one of Mrs. Obama’s go to brands to wear state side and abroad.
Who: Thakoon
What: Elegant, vibrant dresses and suits.
Where: The Thailand born, Nebraska raised designer is born in New York.
Why: Michelle Obama first selected Thakoon in 2008 for her husband’s acceptance speech for presidential candidate. Since then, she’s routinely wore the designer to speeches and appearances.
Who: Rachel Roy
What: Sophisticated, feminine skirts, suits and dresses in bold colors and vibrant prints.
Where: The California born designer is based in New York City.
Why: Since the early days of the Obama administration, Mrs. O has worn Rachel Roy. Roy’s offerings from casual print dresses to chic power suits have been in heavy rotation in Mrs. Obama’s wardrobe.
Who: Narciso Rodriguez
What: Simple, classic, modern pieces that always stand out because of strong color and craftsmanship.
Where: The Cuban American designer is based in New York City.
Why: Rodriguez first dressed Michelle Obama in November 2008 when Obama appeared as president-elect – and their love continues. Since then Michelle Obama continues to wear Rodriguez to domestic and international state functions, like her trip to South Africa.
Who: Azzedine Alaia
What: Elaborately crafted couture pieces that flatter the body and inspire the eye.
Where: The North African born designer is based in Paris.
Why: Mrs. Obama first wore this Alaia dress at a NATO dinner in France and has been a loyal fan ever since. In addition to apparel, Mrs. O faithfully wears another Alaia favorite: his corseted leather belts.
Who: Michael Kors
What: Fresh, modern, sophisticated dresses, suits and coats.
Where: Long Island born Michael Kors is based in New York City.
Why: Michael Kors has been a consistent favorite of Mrs. Obama’s since the early days on the campaign trail. His sleek sheaths have been a go-to for Mrs. O’s speeches and daytime events.
Who: Jason Wu
What: Feminine, elegant, breathtaking gowns and dresses.
Where: The Taiwan born designer is headquartered in New York City.
Why: Wu met Michelle Obama through Vogue Editor-At-Large Andre Leon Talley. The rest is history! Mrs. O instantly fell in love, wearing Wu at the Inaugural Ball in 2008 amongst other pre-and post election appearances.
Who: Jason Wu
What: Feminine, elegant, breathtaking gowns and dresses.
Where: The Taiwan born designer is headquartered in New York City.
Why: Wu met Michelle Obama through Vogue Editor-At-Large Andre Leon Talley. The rest is history! Mrs. O instantly fell in love, wearing Wu at the Inaugural Ball in 2008 amongst other pre-and post election appearances.
Who: Isabel Toledo
What: Feminine,eye-catching pieces that are noted for bold colors and accents.
Where: The Cuban American designer is based in New York City.
Why: Since selecting Toledo’s yellow shift dress and jacket for Barack Obama’s inauguration, Mrs. Obama has consistently worn Toledo to major state functions.
Who: Barbara Tfank
What: Tfank’s label is lauded for sleek, 50’s style A-line dresses, skirts and shrugs which are often crafted from silk shantung and available in bold colors and floral prints.
Where: Tfank’s label is based in New York City
Why: Tfank has become Mrs. O’s go-to girl for classic dresses. She wears Tfank to formal appearances like her recent meeting with British royals.
Who: Naeem Kahn
What: Kahn is known for his ornate, embellished beaded dresses.
Where: The Indian Born designer was raised in America
Why: Michelle Obama selected Kahn to design her first state dinner ensemble – and its been a love affair since. She continues to wear him for formal occassions and speeches.
