Michelle Obama Criticized
Black Artists Association mad because Michelle Obama didn't wear a black designer during the inauguration.
Michelle Obama Criticized
Jenice Armstrong, Daily News Columnist
If you read my column, you know I like to Monday-morning quarterback as much as anybody. The red carpet, major award shows, whatever. But I can only take it so far. Because it's fashion. It's not that serious.
That's why I'm so irked about a complaint by the Black Artists Association regarding First Lady Michelle Obama's wardrobe during the inauguration. The group's cofounder, Amnau Eele, is upset that Obama didn't pick any black designers. Eele told Women's Wear Daily, “It’s fine and good if you want to be all ‘Kumbaya’ and ‘We Are the World’ by representing all different countries. But if you are going to have Isabel Toledo do the inauguration dress, and Jason Wu do the evening gown, why not have Kevan Hall, B Michael, Stephen Burrows or any of the other black designers do something too?”
“It’s one thing to look at the world without color but she had seven slots to wear designer clothes," she was quoted as saying. "Why wasn’t she wearing the clothes of a black designer? That was our moment.”
Our moment? Er, last I checked the inauguration was America's moment. It was for everyone - and that means people of all ethnic backgrounds. For the record, Wu is Asian American and Toledo, Cuban American. I think it's wonderful for these two unknowns to get a boost like the one Obama gave them although I'm not sure that's why she did it. Maybe she just liked the lemongrass-colored ensemble and that floaty evening gown she wore. Regardless as to what you think of her choices, you have to admit that she was radiant in them.
As the years go on, the first lady will wear clothes by many other designers, too - newcomers and otherwise. In the meantime, some folks seriously need to lighten up. The Obamas just moved into the White House. Michelle Obama may not even be finished getting her closet organized.
UPDATE: Since this story hit, Amnau Eele of the Black Artists Association has gotten death threats from some upset about her controversial statements. And designer B. Michael issued a press release saying, the group does not represent his point of view. “I understand their sensitivity and respect their right to express it,” he said, according to Women's Wear Daily. “I personally believe it is an unfair expectation to place on the First Lady. Fashion is subjective and a matter of personal choice."
“As an American designer, I am excited that Mrs. Obama, in her role as the First Lady, will heighten the awareness of American style, which resonates into business and jobs in the fashion industry," Michael said. "I applaud Mrs. Obama for her style and her choices. Most of all for wearing what really matters: dignity and grace.”
Stop the presses, I want to get off.— fgomarty
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Get used to it... 0bama gave no real specifics during the campaign, just talked pretty, so everyone who hated George Bush just projected their agenda and issue positions onto the blank slate of 0bama, and now they think their priorities are his priorities. That's a nice trick during the campaign, but I predict over time it is going to lead to a lot of disappointed people...— Ghost of 0bamaRemorse- Comment removed.
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People need to leave Michelle alone - she's awesome- Simple: I am African American. Hark my words. 43 White Presidients have secured wealth for rich whites. Therefore, the Black Man in this country has yet to secure wealth. Wealth comes from ownership and being able to produce commodities to sell. If Blacks had it together as a product producing people, 44 could swing business their way. My people must grow into producing, and maybe by second term we could benifit more from 44.— starman
- All of a sudden it is a black thing. Ghost could not have said it any better. Didnn't see many white banmds playing in the inauguration parade. Time will tell....hopefully 4 years or less with the new prez.— relaxnguy
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- i agree, there is plenty of time to show case an african american designer(s) take a deep breath. there is a lot more going on with the first family than the clothes. i think it is rather shallow of the criticizers and i don't mean just the african american designers. through out this campaign, i had to hear from my friends, negative comments about michelle obaMA'S HAIR— southstreet
- i agree, there is plenty of time to show case an african american designer(s) take a deep breath. there is a lot more going on with the first family than the clothes. i think it is rather shallow of the criticizers and i don't mean just the african american designers. through out this campaign, i had to hear from my friends, negative comments about michelle obaMA'S HAIR— southstreet
- I will say this for the European, you never let reality get in the way of your insanity. Bush in office for EIGHT years. The economy is in shambles at the end of his tenure. He leaves with one of the worst approval ratings in history. Yet, Europeans like Ghost are already bashing Obama after not even a month? Priceless.— HarryAllen
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- Starman - and your people will also have to buy it. What do you call FUBU? Only problem is that non AA will buy or wear it due to its restricted ethniicty. Not a good marketing strategy....— urkidnmepal
- Some bamboo earrings should quell the buzz...— rbpeeple
Read more from Jenice Armstrong at Earth to Philly, the Daily News blog on anything and everything "Green."
Reach Jenice at armstrj@phillynews.com.
