Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy

Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy

Synopsis:
Building on the success of the Mrs. O website, Mary Tomer's recent book is a beautifully photographed and annotated description of Michelle Obama's fashion style as it progressed over the very public months of Barack Obama's presidential campaign and his first months in office.

Review:
Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy is more than a gorgeous collection of photographs. I found it an education in how Michelle Obama used her political savvy, visibility, and fashion sense to make political statements and to promote young designers from the US and around the world. I am not particularly well versed in the different designers and enjoyed the book's extensive interviews of different designers, stylists and publicists.

It is easy to imagine the excitement at the J.Crew headquarters when Michelle Obama appeared on Jay Leno's Tonight Show wearing her yellow outfit. And the "general joy" that all the Gap employees felt on seeing Michelle Obama in her off-the rack dress on the Fourth of July, 2008. It was touching to read Thakoon Panichgul's reaction to seeing Michelle Obama in his crossover V-back dress on the last night of the Democratic Convention: "I was so shocked and honored to have been part of that moment for her, for her family, for the country."

I recommend Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy - it goes beyond photographs to capture and analyze unique political moments from the lens of fashion.

Publisher: Center Street (October 28, 2009), 248 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.

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Mrs [O]utstanding

Although I had purchased this book as a gift for a friend who enjoys fashion design, I so enjoyed the author's commentary and the designers' contributions and inspirations. This book will inspire fashion for the 21st century and become a classic (in the fashion world) just as Jackie O's fashions influenced a generation during the Kennedy years. I highly recommend this whether you are a fashion buff or not.

SHE'S A STYLE ICON FOR MANY

Politics aside there can be little doubt that Michelle Obama has made a very positive fashion statement not only here in America but throughout the world. Her dress seems to reflect her confidence, her sense of style, a unique way of attractively blending medium priced pieces with high-end designer clothing resulting in a look that is totally her own.

Compiled by Mary Tomer, who may very well be Mrs. Obama's No. 1 fashion fan, Mrs. O is a comprehensive volume tracing the Fist Lady's journey from her early years to participation in the Primary Campaign followed by the Presidential Campaign, the White House, and European Tours. The book is rich with full color photos complemented by not only names of the designers or shops but also focusing on Mrs. Obama's use of accessories and where they may be purchased.

As the founder and contributing editor of Mrs-O.org Tomer knows her subject well and follows her on a site that has grown to bring in more than 2 million hits from 221 countries and territories. All of which simply indicates that Mrs. Obama is fashion news.

Leafing through MS. O is a bit like taking a peek into the First Lady's closet - we find that she has a fondness for Erickson Beamon Victory Garden brooches. These photos are accompanied by commentary from Karen Erickson, one half of the popular jewelry design duo. She said, "I think whenever a woman accessorizes she puts her own point of view on a look. If you just buy things without accessories, you're usually just taking the designer's point of view."

Perhaps one of the most interesting sections is devoted to European Tour - Style Diplomacy. That was a time when many Europeans were first introduced to American designers, such as when Mrs. Obama toured with Sarah Brown, wife of the United Kingdom Prime Minister, and wore a J. Crew ensemble (which sent women running to buy the brand's Crystal constellation cardigan).

Also included in Tomer's books are comments on Mrs. Obama's style by fashion experts and a host of messages from ordinary people who have found a role model in the First Lady.

- Gail Cooke