Michelle Obama
I've decided this is the result of a long text message exchange and series of bets with Prince Harry, and as a result, he's got to blow a raspberry on the Queen's cheek next time he sees her in public. (Also, because the Getty photogs are great, they had people in place to get this from both sides).
Michelle Obama in Naeem Khan
Those are some extremely sensible walking shoes on both Ho Ching and Mobama. They must have anticipated a long day. I must confess, I think those are ruining an otherwise gorgeous yellow dress, and I kinda wish she'd called up Kate and had her DHL some blue suede pumps.
Also: Mr. Khan was born in India, moved to the U.S. to begin a long and successful career, and became an American citizen; he, an immigrant, is one of the top designers here now. Michelle wears his stuff a LOT in general because she obviously really likes it, but in diplomacy AND in red-carpet fashion, clothes often tell a story. I can't help wondering whether choosing his particular American story at this precise moment in time -- when the whole concept and system of immigration is being so hotly debated -- was very pointed, especially with everything swirling around the Republican party's presidential nominee. I mean.... it might also signify NOTHING. I am not trying to start any shit here. But in this election cycle, it's starting to feel like EVERYTHING might have a political double-meaning baked into it somewhere. I mean, if someone can go to the DNC in a dress that's a deliberate knockoff of Melania's as a way of poking her about the plagiarism accusation, then pretty much anything can happen, right?
Michelle Obama in Brandon Maxwell
This is by Lady Gaga's stylist, Brandon Maxwell, who I assume is hoping people will just start calling him "designer Brandon Maxwell" someday. A lot of people really like this, Barack apparently included. I'm ambivalent, and I can't place why. There's nothing really WRONG with it. Her torso sort of looks like a chair at a fancy wedding, maybe. The makeup needs to be different, I think, and she's carrying herself a bit stiffly, which it makes me wonder if she's not super comfortable. It's not bad, but I'm not necessarily transported.
Ho Ching, Michelle Obama, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore, and Barack Obama
They do make a nice foursome. I assume things turned super contentious during a late-night game of strip-bowling.
Mobama
Here is the back. Is it Secret Pants, or just a snugger skirt?
Mobama
The lipstick looked almost nonexistent in the far-away shots but is clearly present here. I think the makeup as a whole seems -- even with the smudgy eye -- too casual, or even like she didn't really have time to do much from day to night. Something deeper might've set off the whole experience better.
Matthew Rhys, Michelle Obama
But APPLAUSE for sitting herself (I assume) next to Matthew Rhys of "The Americans." I would have done the exact same thing. Everyone else in that room is probably holding forth about Trump vs. Hillary, and meanwhile she's like, "I already told everyone what I think and I CANNOT WITH THAT TOPIC ANYMORE. Please talk to me about The Wine Show and all your TV wig and MARTHA, SWEET MARTHA. I have questions."