Last night I attended the Fashion Group International’s (DC Chapter) book signing for Robin Givhan, fashion editor of the Washington Post. Robin’s book is called, “Michelle: Her First Year as First Lady” and it’s a picture book of the First Lady being photographed by the Washington Post throughout the year with some commentary from Robin about Mrs. Obama’s style.
Now, style and fashion are two different things. Style is innate and fashion is external. Style can evolve, but genuine style doesn’t really change much. Fashion changes like the time on the clock on the wall.
Robin spoke to this group of fashion conscious men and women who gathered for her book signing at Lord and Taylor’s in Chevy Chase, MD. She talked about Mrs. Obama’s style, as well as former White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers’ style and fashion choices. One of the questions that came from the audience was whether Robin thought the recession had anything to do with Mrs. Obama pairing off the rack clothing (J. Crew) with designer apparel. To which, Robin responded that she does believe the economy has played a part in her purchases. However, this has been going on for ages. Who hasn’t paired a t-shirt from Target with a designer suit, or an off the rack suit with 
designer shoes and handbag? I believe this cross buying started well before the recession. It’s just those who are stylish, and not just fashionable, have learned to pick a prized item out of unusual places and make it look fabulous.
Robin did however try her best to avoid engaging in salacious gossip when asked if Oscar de la Renta would be doing any designing for the First Lady. She started her response with a big smile on her face and then said, “Well, I heard…!!! Oscar doesn’t feel as though he needs to “audition” to design something for the First Lady when he’s dressed many previous First Ladies, and from the White House’s perspective, he may design for Mrs. Obama, but there isn’t any urgency”. Hmmm…..
Well, anyway, I’m going to read through my copy of “Michelle: Her First Year as First Lady” to which Robin signed it:
“Dear Aleysha – It’s been so long & you’re as stylish as ever! – Robin Givhan”
It’s nice to be called “as stylish as ever” by the fashion editor of the Washington Post. 🙂
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