When you wear your favorite $10 sunglasses that you found in the clearance bin while waiting in the check-out line at H&M, the wife of the 35th president of the United States typically does not come to mind. Yes, the word "bargain" or "steal" might as you quickly inspect the shades for any scratches or defects before gleefully placing them on the counter as you bask in your good fortune, but before the Mary-Kate Olsens and Nicole Ritchies of the world exploded the trend, there was Jackie O.
When I think of Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, or just "Jackie O," I picture one of the most beautiful, elegant and iconic women in American history, as she is undeniably an influential figure in fashion. I think almost any American, whether alive during the Kennedy administration or not, could tell you the color of Jackie's Chanel skirt-suit the day her husband was assassinated (it was pink). When I think of Jackie, I envision her fabulous peacoats with large buttons, pillbox hats, wide legged pants and of course, those infamously dark, oversized, round sunglasses, which were the epitome of chic. Jackie is classic.
Though we probably know her more for her impeccable A-line dresses than for her stance on foreign policy, is it fair that we view First Lady Michelle Obama through the same lenses? I asked myself this question in the days leading up to President Barack Obama's inauguration as the media, from Perez Hilton to CNN, speculated about which designer the incoming first lady would choose to create her gown for the highly anticipated inaugural balls. I expected the hype from celebrity-driven Web sites and magazines such as People or US Weekly, but given the extremity of the publicity from other sources, I had to wonder if in addition to raising a family, maintaining a household and working, the self-proclaimed "Mom-in-Chief" was expected to become the Carrie Bradshaw of Washington, D.C. as well.
It started with Sarah Palin. During her campaign with Republican Presidential candidate John McCain, the hockey mom became notorious for her Saks Fifth Avenue ensembles, sparking articles such as Newsweek's "'Caribou Barbie' Goes Couture." Slammed for everything from her Kate Spade red patent leather crocodile printed pumps to the $2,500 gray Valentino blazer she sported at the Republican National Convention, Palin was more than criticized for her superfluous spending. But with Palin out, and Michelle Obama officially in, it was only a matter of time before the press took a microscope to her wardrobe as well. Is Michelle the new Jackie O? What kind of dress will the budding fashionista wear next? The way the press has been looking at Michelle Obama's choice of high heels is akin to archaeologists examining dinosaur fossils. Reporters and journalists are digging in the dirt for a story that's not there, that, quite frankly, really isn't very important.
Michelle Obama is an independent and educated woman who seems like the type of individual who wants to pave her own path while in the White House - and still manage to look good while doing it. A cursory glance at her campaigning days shows that issues of importance to Michelle Obama include military families and the struggles of working women. As an American citizen, I consider myself lucky to have Michelle Obama as first lady. I would even go as far as to say that the focus on Michelle Obama's clothes is insulting to her as a strong, capable first lady who has more important things to say and do than debate which dress is potentially going to make its debut on next week's cover of US Weekly.
For the record, I don't think anyone - first lady or otherwise - could replace, or truly be comparable, to Jackie O. Jackie O is a legend; I have a feeling that Michelle Obama would rather start her own legacy than emulate anyone else's, and especially would not want one that is based on shoes and ball gowns. That does not mean that all Jackie O contributedwas her style, but I do believe that she did not have the weight of expectations that Michelle Obama has to meet.
The role of the first lady has changed since the early 1960s, and Michelle Obama appears up to the challenge. She's not afraid to get a little dirt under her fingernails, and for that we should be both thankful and excited. The fact of the matter is, she has more to offer us than what she is wearing on the surface, and that is the part of Michelle Obama that should interest us most.
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