The Politics of Fashion: The Pressure of Being the First Lady AND a Fashion Icon

Inspired by Michelle Obama’s simple but sophisticated black Ralph Lauren gown that she donned in her recent visit to England (and how can I forget about the breathtaking white Tom Ford gown – oh my gosh!), I was moved to write about one of the most strenuous responsibilities that come with being the First Lady: being fashionable. It may sound vain, but America has an obsession with the First Lady’s wardrobe. Don’t believe me?

From the very minute Michelle Obama strutted across the stage on election night as the First Lady of the United States, or FLOTUS, America’s obsession began as she donned a statement dress designed by Narciso Rodriquez. Whether you loved it or not, Michelle Obama’s black dress, splashed with a burst of vibrant red, catapulted her into the fashion world. But that was only the beginning.

It doesn’t matter where Michelle Obama is or what she is doing – she can be visiting a local school to promote her “Move Your Body Campaign” or be taking Bo for a walk on the South Lawn – but we can always expect a detailed report on the designer, what she wore, the cost of each item, and where we can find them, along with several pictures covering the front pages of Yahoo! and HuffPost Style. Because the First Lady is often perceived to be emblematic of the regal, sophisticated, chic woman that we all aim to be, it is only right that we examine every article of clothing she wears, right? Right, which may explain why there is a lookbook on NYMag.com and even a website entitled Mrs. O, both solely dedicated to chronicling Michelle Obama’s endless wardrobe.

But when did all of this start? When did America’s fascination, and borderline obsession, with the First Lady’s attire first begin? Two words: Jackie Kennedy.

Emerging onto the scene in 1961, Jackie Kennedy would forever set the precedent for First Lady fashion. Of course, there were many other fashionable First Ladies before and after Jackie Kennedy, such as Frances Cleveland and Betty Ford; however, it was Jackie Kennedy who became the fashion icon that we all still admire today. Because Jackie set the bar for fashion as FLOTUS, the same question resurfaces with every new First Lady, which now includes Michelle Obama: will she become the next Jackie Kennedy?

With her flair for gracing magazine covers for the likes of Vogue and Glamour, her knack for supporting American designers such as Rachel Roy, and her ability to sell out dresses across the country, Michelle Obama is doing pretty well for herself and is approaching fashion icon territory in her own right. Do I think that Michelle Obama will become the next Jackie Kennedy? No. Do I think that she will become a fashion icon? Most certainly. There will never be another Jackie Kennedy just like there will never be another Michelle Obama. With Jackie’s classic pearls, fashionable gloves, and love for European designers, she created her own style that cemented her legacy as a style icon, much like Michelle Obama whose chic but practical style is leading her to icon status as well.

But what exactly makes a fashion icon? Is it a person’s ability (men can be icons, too!) to wear any designer and look fabulous or is it a person’s ability to switch up their style without hesitation? Both of these abilities are prerequisites to becoming an icon; however, in order to truly earn the supreme title in the fashion world, the clothes cannot make the person; the person must make the clothes. Jackie Kennedy became an icon, because her sophistication, poise and grace transcended her wardrobe. As Michelle Obama continues to captivate America through her style, charm, and elegance, she too, one day, will reach icon status.