Guy Trebay

N.Y. Times Styles Michelle Obama As 'U.S. Fashion's One-Woman Bailout'

By Tim Graham | January 9, 2009 - 08:50

The pre-inaugural glee is showing. The "Thursday Styles" section of The New York Times splayed Michelle Obama pictures all over the top half of their front page this week, with the headline "U.S. Fashion’s One-Woman Bailout? In Michelle’s approach to dressing, a faltering industry sees hope." The Times sought out designers who connected Mrs. Obama to Jacqueline Kennedy in the historical halls of stylishness.

A caption describing six color pictures of Michelle’s wardrobe reads "SUITING HERSELF: On the campaign trail Michelle Obama signaled an interest in both looking stylish and advancing the cause of American fashion by mixing off-the-rack items from stories like J. Crew with high-end pieces from designers like Thakoon Panichgul."