Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy speak, but don't fight, through fashion

The Washington Post ^ | 03-28-10 | Robin Givhan

[GOP_Lady]

The ongoing narrative that precedes every meeting between first lady Michelle Obama and France's Carla Bruni-Sarkozy anticipates a fashion smackdown.

Make no mistake; each woman displays an especially confident way with her wardrobe. Bruni-Sarkozy, the former rock-star-dating model, has used the elegant lines and soft shades of gray from the quintessentially French brand Christian Dior to transform her gossip-magazine image into a stately persona. And Obama has used style to forge an image that is one part contemporary, accessible Everywoman and one part august, high-fashion enthusiast.

Yet rather than declare fashion a common interest that might draw the two women closer, it has been viewed as a source of antagonism and rivalry. Fashion has been treated like an international wedge issue.

[chris_bdba]

Michelle does look much better in solid colors. I just wonder how often she will listen to her dressers? I have a feeling after seeing herself with Carla in photos that she spent a few days very upset over how frumpy she looked?

[ChowChowFace]

OMG...doesn’t that woman have a mirror?

[Oceander]

[Osage Orange]

I've seen that pic before...and I don't recall her rump being that large.

Photo shopped I think....

[dfwgator]

"One of these things is not like the others/One of these things just doesn't belong......"

[TheThirdRuffian]

Seeing that picture of Mara Carfagana (an upper-level Italian politician, far right in the picture) reminds me of this picture of her when she was in parlament:



And one more, just to show how hot Italian policians are:

[reagan_fanatic]

that picture has been photoshopped...right?

I'll never tell ;)

[greatplains]

I can only conclude that she doesn’t or it’s of the fun-house type. Or one of her staff REALLY doesn’t like her.

[DollyCali]

Holy cow.. another “OH NOES” event/dress

[angcat]

Michelle looks like fashion bug city. She is not dressed correctly for the title she holds.

[Arizona Carolyn]

Actually, looking at this picture she may need to lower the weights she is using, she is starting to get too muscular v tones in the shoulder area... there is a fine line between toned and looking like a weight lifter IMHO.... too bad she doesn’t do some Pilates and do something about her hips.

[vrwc54]

For the Children (Today)

[chiefqc]

Who’s the fat ugly person with the cute dog?

[Fu-fu2]

Keep it classy, Michelle.