“I was humbled and honored to dress the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. She has done so many great things for America and the rest of the world, and for the women in the U.S. and the rest of the world.” Thus wrote Donatella Versace, the mega-designer who has dressed the best of the best, from Prince to Kate Moss, and recently found herself in the spotlight when the First Lady wore her rose gold chain-mail Atelier Versace gown to the Obamas’ final state dinner. To Ms. Versace—and to many of contemporary fashion's top designers—dressing Mrs. Obama ranks in a class of its own.
The reasoning isn't complicated. The obvious: Mrs. Obama is one of American politics’ most visible women. What she wears—no matter how stylish—is front-page news. But the more exciting: At 5'11" she is tall and elegant, with the posture of a dancer and grace by the bounds. She could look regal in a sack, but she chooses her outfits with care. As a friend wrote me in a casual email chat—proof that her sartorial choices have transcended fashion and become real conversation topics—“She didn't just wear designer clothes to look amazing (although she did); she championed young designers, often designers of color, that represented American innovation and ingenuity.” Put simply, she reinforced the idea that clothing could be a political vehicle, that how you look could hammer home what you believe in, and that American fashion is a hotbed of ingenuity and talent.
Designers, naturally, agree. Having Mrs. O in one of your garments not only is a boon to press, but can help transform a business. Here, five of Mrs. O’s favorites—Riccardo Tisci, Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung, Tanya Taylor, and Thom Browne—discuss the highs of dressing the First Lady.
What was your initial reaction to seeing Mrs. Obama in the Givenchy couture dress?
There are really only a few moments that gave me goose bumps like that. When I first heard FLOTUS would be wearing the dress, I couldn’t believe it. It made me feel like a child; I was genuinely so happy. Not specifically on a placement point of view, but more because she is like a dream woman, whose elegance and kind soul make her otherworldly.
I was in New York when Mrs. Obama wore the couture look, and I immediately thought it would be one of those moments that live on forever. That’s what’s so special about her: She is timeless and daring. I especially loved that she went for a look that was so edgy: a beaded cape over a satin slip dress. The modernity of it all was striking. And it made me and everyone at Givenchy feel so proud.
Did you see increased or different kinds of interest in Givenchy after Mrs. Obama wore the dress to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner?
I think Givenchy resonates with powerful, brave women who have something to say. So as much as it stunned me to see her in the look, I don’t think our audience was surprised. I think it was actually something that made a lot of sense. She is courageous and fearless, and that is something I always try to incorporate in my designs.
But yes, definitely, for a few weeks, people would call and ask about Mrs. Obama’s dress, and that is a great feeling, when you know you have organically done something that people love and want to replicate.
What will you miss most about having Mrs. Obama as the First Lady of the United States?
I will miss her as a whole. She is such a brilliant woman: a superhuman, really; a First Lady, leading her nation with grace and love; a mother; a wife. Such a role model. I will forever hold her as one of the most special persons I have been given the chance to work with.
When did Mrs. Obama first wear your designs?
Mrs. Obama first wore my design to her first appearance on 60 Minutes in 2008, then subsequently the inauguration ball in 2009.
What was your initial reaction?
I was so surprised and overwhelmed with excitement! I feel very grateful to be a part of American history. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Did you see increased interest in your brand or the specific pieces Mrs. Obama wore following each appearance in your designs?
It was an incredibly emotional, life-changing moment for me—I knew that my life and career would never be the same again. Global interest for the Jason Wu brand peaked immediately and yielded tremendous recognition and publicity that normally would take years to grow as a brand.
What will you miss most about having Mrs. Obama as our First Lady?
I will miss her kindness, poise, and elegance. I think the First Lady did amazing things for the fashion industry by promoting new American talent and using fashion as a vehicle to deliver powerful messages.
When did Mrs. Obama first wear your designs?
The First Lady first wore our dress in Michigan in March 2010. She wore a dress from the Spring 2010 collection. Then, in May, we created an Atelier gown for her for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. These two moments were the start of this important relationship, and I am so grateful I have been given the opportunity to dress her over the past eight years. It would be my pleasure to continue to do so.
What was your initial reaction?
I was beyond honored and so thrilled to see her in our dress. I so vividly recall dressing our first celebrity on the red carpet, and calling my mother with excitement, and she told me to call her back when I dressed the First Lady. It was a true privilege and such a proud moment to make that call to my mother. It was in that moment that I became more than just a designer. I was given a platform and a voice, which is a great responsibility that I do not take lightly.
Did you see increased interest in your brand or the specific pieces Mrs. Obama wore following each appearance in your designs?
Absolutely. The First Lady is an incredible woman, and her faith in a young designer like myself definitely brought increased awareness to our brand.
What will you miss most about having Mrs. Obama as our First Lady?
Michelle Obama is such an incredible woman and is a true muse. While I will never get over the feeling of gratitude and honor that comes from seeing her in one of my creations, the reason I so respect and admire her is because she flawlessly uses her platform to give a voice to issues such as community health and women’s rights. While she will be missed as the First Lady, her role as an advocate, activist, empowered woman, and graceful leader will only continue and I look forward to seeing what else she will accomplish.
When did Mrs. Obama first wear your designs?
The first time Michelle Obama wore one of my designs was at a naturalization ceremony in June 2014, where 50 new U.S. citizens were sworn in at the National Archives in Washington DC. She chose a rainbow-scroll-printed organza shift dress from Spring 2014.
What was your initial reaction?
I had no idea she was going to wear it and my initial reaction was hysteria. I was tagged in a photo on Instagram while I was working late the night before my CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund application was due and the first thing I did was scream and call my parents.
Did you see increased interest in your brand or the specific pieces Mrs. Obama wore following each appearance in your designs?
I have seen women of all ages and sizes making positive associations between the brand and what Michelle Obama represents, and that means the world to me. I strive to empower and inspire women through my designs, and these are the moments where that vision feels larger than life. Specific prints and silhouettes she wears of ours continue to be our best sellers.
What will you miss most about having Mrs. Obama as our First Lady?
She has been an unparalleled class act, a champion of creativity and diversity, and a voice for American designers. I cannot wait to see what amazing good she will continue to do beyond her tenure as First Lady and I will absolutely miss her smile and her hugs.
When did Mrs. Obama first wear your designs?
The first time Mrs. Obama wore one of my designs was for the 2012 Democratic National Convention. It was a black-and-white houndstooth silk gazar dress with lace appliqué. She wore the same dress again during one of the presidential debates also.
What was your initial reaction?
I was humbled and honored.
Did you see increased interest in your brand or the specific pieces Mrs. Obama wore following each appearance in your designs?
First of all, I never thought of her wearing my clothes in relation to how it would affect my business. I was most interested in dressing a strong and intelligent lady.
What will you miss most about having Mrs. Obama as our First Lady?
Her confidence and her intelligence which are qualities that made her so stylish.