Wed 21 Jan 2009
Michelle Obama’s White Inaugural Gown
Posted by Sandy Dumont under The Obamas
[10] Comments
First Lady, Michelle Obama, looked absolutely divine in white at the Inaugural Ball last night. A good color choice for her. However, since I do "thin slicing" I can't help but comment on some of the little distractions I saw. First, the earrings were too long and thin, so they seem a little wimpy for the gown. Dangly earrings are distracting in general.
In terms of "line" my sharp eye couldn't help but notice that the shoulder strap was a little out of kilter. It would have looked better had it not been so angular in appearance. Tapering it so that it was narrow at the top and broader where it attached to the gown would have created a more harmonious and flowing line. I'm no pro, but I tweaked the First Lady's gown in my Photo Shop program, as you can see (middle photo.) On a whim, I decided to put a "beaded" flower (use your imagination) on the shoulder of the gown (photo on right) to make certain the attention goes to the face. Tell me which "line" (gown) you like better, the first, second or third one. As it is now, the line of the first and original gown seems hard and square; it's not as feminine as it could be. In fact, I consider it to be so out of sync that it takes the attention from the face of our beautiful First Lady.
The first rule in terms of "line" is to stand back and determine if the face is the first thing to gain attention - and hold the attention - or something else. Which gown makes First Lady Michelle Obama the star?
This is amazing Sandy. I would never have observed this by myself. Yes, the left (before) picture does not have the same harmony as the other two. The dress looks stilted, more heavy and does not flow as the other ones. Sharp eye you have, indeed!
I liked #3. I think the flower on the shoulder adds a touch of femininity and elegance. It also ties in to the mini-flowers on the gown. #1 just looks to loose and shapeless.
My other concern was how loose the gown was around the waist. Normally she has a great fitted dress that comes in at the waist making her appear narrower at the waist. This gown makes her look 2 sizes larger in my opinion.
Other than that, it is a beautiful gown.
We are so lucky to have such a beautiful, elegant, and poised first lady! You go, Michelle!!
Sandy – I agree wholeheartedly. The gown was a great color – the shape was wrong. Adjusting the shoulder strap makes a huge difference and there is now a flow to the gown – not distracting, but bringing the eye up.
I agree that the dress line is better with a ‘softening’ of the strap. However Michelle’s body line is so straight that the ‘spirit’ of the whole dress is wrong for her shape.. Seems too ‘soft’ as a general. Whenever I see pictures of Michelle in various outfits, my eye keep going from her jaw to her hips.. She needs something more qsuare in line, maybe lighter color on the top part,shading to a darker one below the waist. She could be still elegant with a twist, but definitely not in a plain long white dress that makes her look ordinary and unbalanced.
Stefania,
Thanks for your feedback.Yes, you are correct. Sometimes Michelle’s shape appears boxy. Don’t forget that square lines are for men, for the most part. They have square jaws, pecs, buttocks and nails, while we are rounded there. Women should always strive for an hourglass figure.
That’s one reason why the square line of her gown was jarring. Also, take a look and you will see that both “after” photos keep her shoulders from appearing to droop, because of the altered line.
I agree with a ‘softening’ of the strap however Michelle’s body line is so straight that the ‘spirit’ of the whole dress is wrong for her shape.. Seems too ‘soft’ as a general. Whenever I see pictures of Michelle, my eye keep going from her jaw to her hips.. She needs something more qsuare in line, maybe lighter color on the top part,shading to a darker one below the waist. She could be still elegant with a twist, but definitely not in a plain long white dress that makes her look ordinary and unbalanced.
Sandy,
I’m no expert, but all I needed was a little of your good education to see a major difference here. I like the thin strap with the flower, which makes a huge difference in the overall “line” of the gown. I wish she would call YOU next time she has a chance like this!
Tom,
Thanks for your comments. Looks like the strap with the flower appeals to most people.
Sandy, I have been wondering your insights on ‘the dress’ . I know something was missing and couldn’t put words to it . I knew your critque would help me figure why that strap didn’t work. You fixed it and now add the right earrings , and that will do it !!
Michelle needs you to be her Image Consultant , as you are mine. No more pastels for me. When I saw the color of her coat dress I first thought : Sandy would have a fit , if I wore that color. She would say chose another cool, jewel color ! That outfit would have been dazzling in Purple, Turquoise, Fushia, Ruby red, and so on.
I love still learning form you after all these years.
Wendy
Wendy, You are right, her Inauguration Day dress would have made her look like a million had she worn one of her signature “jewel” tones. She got some bad advice!
Thanks so much for your feedback, Wendy. Miss seeing you!