Michelle Obama Visits UK: The Fashion Edition

Fashionista First Lady...

The First Lady of the USA has been abroad on a State Visit to the United Kingdom (as well as accompanying her husband to the G8 Summit in France), and well, let's just say, she has been GIVING some Fashion with a Capital "F". Her suitcases were PACKED kids! I can only imagine. Hope she took her assistant or her 'people" put together Polaroids of each outfit and what went with what. From looking at these photos, I have a feeling, they did. Not one detail was missed.

Michelle Obama attending the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in Tom Ford

Here are some highlights: First (above photo) Mrs. Obama stunned the guests and the world press with a halter neck criss-cross shirred chiffon ivory gown by US Designer Tom Ford, Opera-length gloves (love those!) and clutch.

Michelle Obama arrives at Stansted Airport in Peter Som Fall 2010. On their way to a G8 Summit

Then, on the way to the G8 Summit in Deauville France, she wore another US Designer, Peter Som--a purple sheath dress with bateau neckline (she loves her boat necks!) with a matching ombre purple coat, highlighted by a center front neck brooch.

Michelle Obama disembarking Air Force One in Preen Fall 2011

Upon disembarking Air Force One, she wore Preen Fall 2011 turquoise blue cropped coat, matching pencil skirt and metallic lame/top. I love how she had the jacket customized so it opens in the front and we get to see more of that fabulous printed blouse. She is seriously competing with Victoria Beckham as THE Best Dressed Woman seen coming out of a Plane!!!

Michelle Obama in Ralph Lauren Fall 2011.

The First Couple hosted a dinner for the Queen--that's Queen Elizabeth II--at Winfield House, the residence of the Ambassador of the United States of America. Mrs. Obama wore an off-the-shoulder black gown by All-American Designer (who LOVES all things British incidentally!) Ralph Lauren, from his Fall 2011 Collection. The gown fitted her impeccably and she finished it off with clean side swept hair and a STUNNING statement making necklace. Her "people" (Press Secretary, Stylist, whoever...) is surely working OVERTIME and earning EVERY penny of their salary huney! I give them an A+.

Michelle Obama at the Buckingham Palace State Visit wearing Barbara Tfank Resort 2011

While visiting Buckingham Palace for a daytime function during their UK State Visit, Michelle Obama opted for a bateau (told you she loved that neckline!) neckline A-line silhouette printed dress with box pleats and a contrasting waist sash; finished off with a rose-pink bolero jacket, jeweled pin and pointy metallic heels. Very Lady-Like. I approve.

Michelle Obama speaks at the University of Oxford in Alexander McQueen Resort 2011

When Mrs. Obama spoke at Oxford University during her visit to the UK, she wore (appropriately enough!) an Alexander McQueen Resort 2011 ensemble of a "high-low" band-collared white shirt and black skinny pants--and a FABULOUS waist-cincher of a belt. It was modern, fresh and yes, British.

Michelle Obama serving food to members of the Military at a Barbeque at 10 Downing Street wearing Tracy Reese Pre-Fall 2011

Finally, for a "Photo-Op" while serving food to members of the Military at a Barbeque at the Prime Minister's Home (10 Downing Street), the US First lady decided to don a black-and-white zig-zag applique dress with beaded waistband. It seemed a bit dressy for the occasion, but she looked fabulous none the less.

All in all, Mrs. Obama gets an "A" for bringing the FASHION across the Pond. And at least, for looking fresh, directional, and (Thank Goodness) somewhat fashionable. Cheers Mrs. Obama!

Michelle Obama Wears McQueen at White House State Dinner Honoring Chinese President: Fab Or Not? I think AMAZING!

First Lady In Red...

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, in Alexander McQueen Resort 2011, State Dinner for Chinese Presdient

Last night was the White House State Dinner in Honor of the President of the People's Republic of China. The First Lady, Michelle Obama stunned the audience--and me sitting inn my living room 2700 miles away--by wearing a STUNNING red printed silk organza STATEMENT-making Alexander McQueen Resort 2011 gown. Tell me when was the last time you saw a US First Lady so chic, modern and wearing such a directional gown for a State Dinner...and it wasn't one of the First Lady "usual Fashion Designer subjects" such as Oscar de la Renta (First Lady Laura Bush's Fave).

Making an Entrance: Alexander McQueen Resort 2011

But we have come to know that Michelle Obama is definitely NOT going to follow the First Lady "Fashion Rules" set before her by other First Ladies. And I for one, LOVE that!
The gown--which features an asymmetrical neckline and folded architectural draping--was designed by the House's Creative Director, the late Alexander McQueen's successor (following his tragic and untimely death), Sarah Burton. The choice of color, I'm sure was a nod to China, in that it signifies happiness and prosperity.

Fashion Diva: US First Lady Michelle Obama last night at State Dinner for Chinese President

I think she looked AMAZING--so chic! Move over Carla Bruni, Queen Rania, Sheikha Mozah of Qatar...there's another woman in town! Now, in comparing the top photo, of Mrs. Obama wearing the gown--and the one from the McQueen Look Book, the gown was altered for the First Lady: Originally, it featured puffy sleeves and as we can see, these became wide straps on Mrs. Obama. Also, look closely at the hem--there seems to be an "addition" of about 2 inches:
It looks like a band of satin fabric was added to compensate for the First Lady's statuesque height (see above close-up). It doesn't look as if that same band is in the original gown. First Ladies aren't allowed to "borrow" dresses like many A-List actresses so possibly after the gown was purchased and/or ordered from her favorite boutique (Ikram), it still needed a little extra length. I may be wrong (and I'm sure my readers will let me know!) but if I'm not, it's very interesting...

Mr. Verreos Goes To Washington

Happy New Year!!!President and First Lady-to-be Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

It's January 2009 and the Presidential Inauguration is coming up of course. Recently, I got word that I would be going to Washington D.C. to the California State Society's Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show. Nick Verreos to host and show his Gowns at the California State Society Presidential Luncheon and Fashion Show

For several of the last US Presidential Inaugurations, The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM has showcased the designs of their top Fashion and Costume Design students at a fabulous fashion show as part of the illustrious California State Society Presidential Luncheon. It's like one of those Inaugural Balls we've all heard about--but with food, fashion and in the daytime! This year I was honored to be invited by FIDM to not only host the event but also showcase some very special gowns from my NIKOLAKI Collection, as part of the fashion show. An added bonus to the show, will be the one-time-only exclusive runway showing of Project Runway Season 5 Winner, Leanne Marshall's (a graduate of FIDM) Bryant Park Collection. Bryant Park to Washington D.C.: Leanne Marshall's Project Runway Season 5 Finale CollectionVIP Invitation: The California State Society Presidential Luncheon and Fashion Show Date: Sunday, January 18Th Location: Ritz Carlton Hotel

Washington D.C. is not necessarily a "Fashion Capital", the likes of New York, Milan and Paris. But it will be on Sunday, January 18th. Michelle Obama has become somewhat of a fashion icon herself and for weeks now, everyone has been a buzz about what she will wear for the Inauguration and all the Balls. I would love for Mrs. Obama to wear one of my designs, but I am sure I will have to fight Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Narciso Rodriguez and her favorite Chicago designer Maria Pinto. Lets just say every designer in the world is dying to dress the First Lady to be!

I am beyond excited to be going to Washington D.C. for many reasons. My father was a Diplomat working for the State Department and he lived in D.C. for a long time and spoke of it very fondly. My week in D.C. will be filled with fittings, rehearsals and doing press interviews for the event but I hope that maybe I will get to visit one or two of the historic Washington D.C. attractions, such as the Lincoln and Washington Memorials or the Smithsonian Museum or maybe get a photo of the White House.
Click HERE and HERE for great articles from the Washingtonian.com and The Faux Socialite regarding the event. Hope to see you there!