Well-heeled Michelle turns heads with her fashion
In typical fashion, all eyes were on Ms O’s trousseaux, which consisted of a beige trench coat, cashmere sweater, and trademark kitten heels offset by rust trousers for her Northern Ireland address. The politically discreet hue underscored the message of peace and neutrality to a 2,000-strong invited audience of young adults. Equally fitting were the style choices of her daughters: Colour pops of hot pink, neon green, and purple — a sign of optimism and future hope reflected in the first lady’s speech.
Style semantics can often get lost in translation, however, as proven by Mobama’s side-swept fringe, which has been the cause of recent tress distress. Having been branded “a bad idea” by outspoken designer Karl Lagerfeld, her locks caused similar controversy in Belfast with Twitter users decrying it as “distracting”.
One user, Sue Crossan (@scrossannz), wrote: “Watching Michelle Obama’s speech in Belfast. Impressive but I wish she would get her fringe sorted out. #badhairday.”
Nessa O’Mahoney (@Nessao) tweeted: “Michelle Obama is a terrific speaker this morning. Inspirational. Why do I desperately want to give her a hair clip?”
Arriving at Dublin Airport on Marine Helicopter II just before 12pm, Ms O and her girls chose more casual outerwear garments in which to meet their welcoming party — Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore and wife Carol Hanney, and Dublin Lord Mayor Naoise Ó Muirí and wife Fionnuala Keane.
On her last trip to Ireland, Ms O wore an intricate crochet necklace by Dublin jewellery designer Yvonne Beale, but her presidential apparel proved more causal this time. Known for her love of independent designers and high-street labels, guesses include J Crew, Gap, or Tracey Reese at a glance — All-American and suitably democratic.
It’s no surprise, then, that the Obamas have some stylish Irish in their blood. Barack’s great-great-great grandfather from Monegall, Co Offaly, was a shoemaker as validated by the certificates of Irish heritage presented to the family at Trinity College Dublin.
And while she rarely puts a foot wrong, Michelle might need something sturdier than kitten heels to negotiate Glendalough today.
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