Michelle Obama's DNC floral dress was Thakoon

The whole wide world is officially a red carpet. The dress worn by Michelle Obama at last night's convention is no secret because publicists are alerting press to the designer: Thakoon.  The aspiring first lady smartly opted to wear a sophisticated and fierce print -- red signifies strength and confidence -- with a retro lady-like cut. (The look on the right is from Thakoon's fall 2008 collection. Obama wore the Radzimir Kimono dress from the pre-spring 2009 collection.)

The Obama dress, as it will probably be forever known, also showed off her muscular build. (When Biden's wife Jill stepped out, I thought, "Michelle could whup that woman in 5 seconds flat.") I like that Obama picked a designer like Thakoon Panichgul -- pronounced Tie-koon -- who's an up and comer with a textured past. He moved from northern Thailand to Omaha with his family when he was 11.  Also, he has been tapped to design for Target, so expect his collection to arrive there in December.

Want to own a Thakoon and campaign for yourself? Right now, this similar Thakoon floral "Inside-Out" dress on the right is available at eLuxury.com for $1,250.

Do you think Michelle Obama wore the right dress at the DNC?  Do you think the focus on fashion in politics is utterly inane? (Then, go soak your head.)

photos: Getty Images; eLuxury.com 

Comments

[Elizabeth]

But what was the dress she was wearing from the night of Bill Clinton's speech? It was odd looking around the neck. Had these big circular floral things.

[Victoria]

Loved it!!!

[Caligurl]

Didn't like the print. The turquoise dress she wore was much classier, IMO. I liked the blue dress she wore w/ the flowers at the neck too. Love her style!

[Glenna]

Flower embellishments around the neckline and a bow in the back--she must be kidding! I wore something like that in the 5th grade! She needs some help - and not from Oprah!

[Rachel Cohen]

And yet, Vanity Fair proclaimed her a Best Dressed. Of course, VF also announced that Georgina Chapman is a real comer as a designer. Ha.

[tony mangle]

It seemed a bit dowdy compared to the turquise and jewel tone dresses, which in my opinion, works best to her skin tone.

[Jenna Sampson]

I love Michelle Obama! But boy do I hate most of the dresses that she wear the one she wore to the debate in Mississippi was horrid.

[Jenna Sampson]

I love Michelle Obama! But boy do I hate most of the dresses that she wear the one she wore to the debate in Mississippi was horrid.

[marilia carter]

I think it's so sad that we're still looking at appearance at this historical moment.
Who cares, I did not look at it. I did see Michelle kissing her husband and embracing him. Her dress was the least thing in my mind.

[Michelle Calhoon]

She's really a hit-and-miss sort of dresser. Sometimes she looks really nice and other times, like last night of all nights, she looks like her outfit was put together on a cheap Singer Sewing machine. She's an attractive lady who really needs some guidance.

[Anna]

She should consider hiring personnel to help her with her style, as it is, she is not the prettiest thing and really need to put some effort in looking sharp next to her husband.
Congratulations!

[F. Jackson from ATL]

Give her time just as we did when the other "white" first ladies stepped in office and received an overhaul on everything from eating, decorating and fashion. Believe me the sista is going to step up!

[virginia]

Why is anyone bringing the
race issue into how Michelle dresses?
"Sista" PLEASE.
This is our new First Lady. Treat her with the
respect any first lady deserves. Her sense of style does need help. She's not pretty & has big hips. I'm sure there are hundreds of designers vying for the chance to bring out her best assets.

[Lauren]

I love all the Thakoon dresses Mrs O wore!!!! The beige floral one is on sale at the Gilt Groupe for $400- what a deal!

Here is the invite-

http://www.gilt.com/invite/loveslux

[C. Taylor]

This woman may have a lot of good points but fashion is deffinately not one of them. She dresses entirely too casual for the image she should present. With hips like hers and being short waisted surely doesn't dictate loud floral prints. Seems like an A-line skirt with an elongated jacket would hide some of her hippy problems. And whatever happened to stockings? Her legs shine like new money and certainly she could use a more dressy looking shoe. Maybe she will be wise enough to consult a fashion expert early on in her "reign". Comparing her to Jackie Kennedy is a laugh. Jackie had style and grace, Michelle could use some of both.

[TESS]

REALLY, DOES IT MATTER WHAT MRS. OBAMA WEARS?
I THINK SHE IS BEAUTIFUL AND DRESSES APPROPRIATELY FOR HER AGE. PERHAPS SHE IS ALLERGIC TO NYLON AND THAT IS THE REASON SHE DOESN'T WEAR STOCKINGS. PLEASE, LETS GIVE THE WOMAN A CHANCE AND STOP BEING SO CRITICAL.

[annie furlough]

Ms. Obama needs help in choosing appropriate clothing. Her inargural dress was hideous, she was not a movie star so why all the sequins. The ball gown looked like a chenille bed spread. She has a lot going for her but her taste in clothing is lacking. She needs common sense in choosing clothes not hollywood hype! I hope her wardrobe improves, and wish her good luck in the future.

[annie furlough]

Ms. Obama needs help in choosing appropriate clothing. Her inargural dress was hideous, she was not a movie star so why all the sequins. The ball gown looked like a chenille bed spread. She has a lot going for her but her taste in clothing is lacking. She needs common sense in choosing clothes not hollywood hype! I hope her wardrobe improves, and wish her good luck in the future.

[Anita]

Please !First Lady Mrs. Obhama,get some help with your wardrobe, solids colors and not a lot of prints they awful on TV.

[Anita]

Please Mrs, Obama get some help in choosing the right clothing, you are a beautiful lady so show it.

[Bakinglover]

Whoever brings up the race issue in judging Michelle Obama's style is a low life. I am not black and I think she is a breath of fresh air in the White House. Women are cruel to each other. Unbelievable !!!!!!!!!!!