"It was like a combat suit." Michelle Obama speaks in a Korean designer suit

NYT Fashion Critic "Exposed Both Arms, Emphasized Biceps, Sharp Collar...indicating that it will be a battle for the presidential election"

Two months before the U.S. presidential election in November, Michelle Obama, who spoke on the night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, took to the podium wearing a costume made by a Korean designer, the New York Times reported on Monday. "It is a highly calculated style of fashion, with top and bottom outfits and accessories," the New York Times said after analyzing the clothes of former U.S. President Barack Obama's spouse. "The aggressive clothes implied that the presidential election would be a fierce battle."

What Michelle was wearing on the day was a dark navy sleeveless jacket and cropped pants (short pants) showing ankles. The suit is custom-made by American luxury brand Monse. The brand was established by Fernando Garcia, a Dominican-born New York designer, and Laura Kim, a Korean-American. They are also co-designers of the Oscar de la Renta, which was favored by former U.S. presidents. "Unfortunately, she recently created an anti-racism group with Asian fashion figures to fight Asian hate," the New York Times said. "She seems to be trying to convey the message of anti-racism over her choice of Monse's brand.

U.S. media focused on Michelle's sharp top collar and exposed arms. "The collar of the sharp top was reminiscent of a military uniform, and both arms were exposed to highlight her biceps," said Vanessa Friedman, a fashion critic of The New York Times. "She feels as if she is restrained as an armor and sharp as ever." She added that the presidential election will be a battle and everyone needs to be ready to vote.


Michelle also had braided hair that reminded her of an Amazonian warrior. During Obama's presidency (2009-2017), she maintained straight hair instead of curly hair. "Afro hair, such as curly or reggae hair, which is the symbol of the African-American community, was taboo at high-ranking positions," said NPR, a U.S. public broadcaster. After her husband retired in November 2018, Michelle unveiled her original hair through a photo shoot, but she kept the original hairstyle for the first time. "It was the most noticeable accessory (for curly hair)," the New York Times said. "Michelle's original hairstyle is symbolized as a kind of 'liberation.'"

The Washington Post reported that Michelle's sleeveless clothing made the convention venue a buzz. "Monset's bold design reminds us of more avant-garde works reminiscent of the Belgian brand Martin Margiela, rather than the quiet and meticulous clothes she wore during her time as first lady." Laura and Garcia, who designed Michelle's clothes, said in an interview with the Washington Post that they want women to look confident and sexy, adding that she seems to have embodied this philosophy better than we thought.