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.

[GOP_Lady]

[GOP_Lady]

Michelle Fashion Police Alert Ping!

FReepmail GOP_Lady if you want on or off this ping list

[Sacajaweau]

I think it is inappropriate for Michelle the horse to show cleavage....

[marstegreg]

They can’t seriously be putting the two of them in the same category?

[lonestar]

Has the WH sealed Michelle’s pictures from the WH dinner?...or is it tonight?

[gov_bean_ counter]

Wouldn't even be a fair fight. Carla beats her with one sash tied behind her back.

[shalom aleichem]

No respect at all or this woman. Media’s attempt to make her a fashion icon is totally absurd. The mere thought of her being eye candy is nauseating. Then the below skin deep stuff is all ‘tude, arrogance and meanness. Nothing good in this package. No-thing

[MrB]

Sash vs “boob belt”

[Paperdoll]

I don’t know about Madame Sarkozy, but Michelle Obama must have hired a dresser, because she had no style at all a short while ago. I must say, bouquets to her dresser!

[lonestar]

I think it is inappropriate for Michelle the horse to show cleavage....

Just pray we never have to look at her pants on the ground!

[massgopguy]

Carla would still look good wrapped in burlap. Michelle would look like a sack of potatoes. Is potatoes racist now?

[PLD]

[CholeraJoe]

Is potatoes racist now?

Irish Potatoes=Not Racist
Sweet Potatoes or Yams=Racist

[MEGoody]

And Obama has used style to forge an image that is one part contemporary, accessible Everywoman and one part august, high-fashion enthusiast.

LOL

[Goreknowshowtocheat]

I agree. Michelle could not compete for any fashion attention. Where did wide bodies get mentioned in the same breath with fashion?

[Beagle8U]

“Is potatoes racist now?”

Only if served with fried chicken.

[reagan_fanatic]

Yep - she's quite the fashion plate...

[azishot]

...each woman displays an especially confident way with her wardrobe.

Huh? Carla displays confidence and class with her wardrobe. MO displays__________ (fill in the blank)...extra credit for more than one word.

[T Minus Four]

...the women might abruptly snatch off each other's brooches, collars and floppy bows in a kind of "I Love Lucy"-style, wardrobe-demolishing brawl.

Now THAT would be newsworthy.

[proud American in Canada]

every meeting between first lady Michelle Obama and France's Carla Bruni-Sarkozy anticipates a fashion smackdown

And it's invariably Michelle who gets the smackdown.