Where in the world are Donna, Ralph and Calvin?
Certainly
not on the spousal circuit at the G-20 summit in London. In fact, as
President Barack Obama and 19 other global leaders huddle to ponder the
world's economic woes, Michelle Obama has reaffirmed with gusto her
fashion support of America's new and niche, and given anecdotal support
as well to antiprotectionism via cardigans by Azzedine Alaia and Junya
Watanabe.
Yet, save for a recent digression to Michael Kors,
Obama continues to show zero interest in the big guns of American
fashion, those whose names resonate around the world, and who
collectively employ thousands of people. Obama's early appearances in
the likes of Jason Wu, Thakoon and Isabel Toledo, (with the punch of
Narciso Rodriguez worked in for good measure), both captivated and
charmed much of the country while exciting an industry that understands
the myriad challenges faced by small fashion houses even under the best
of circumstances. But as time goes on, with economic recovery feeling
none too close and the Obamas' honeymoon with the world still
passionate enough for the First Lady's sartorial choices to garner
major, gushing headlines, should she diversify her wardrobe choices,
especially as the industry prepares to celebrate her with a CFDA Board
of Directors Special Tribute? Indeed, does she have a responsibility to
do so?
Michelle Obama in a Thakoon coat (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
