Michelle Obama's blue dress by Maria Pinto draws fashion raves

In her speech last night at the Democratic convention, most critics agree that Michelle Obama came off as warm, human, poised, non-threatening, talking mostly about her husband Barack Obama's character, their close-knit family and basic moral beliefs.

But how did that blue dress fly?

First off, the dress, thankfully not a skirt suit, was sleek and minimal. The hem length was appropriate, but not dumpy. It had a flattering V-neck with three quarter-length sleeves that made Michelle’s broad shoulders and strong arms look less threatening. And the teal blue color coordinated nicely with the blue/violet hues of her daughters’ outfits.

I even liked the turquoise and silver star pin (reportedly from her jewelry box) that reminded me of Barack's Rising Sun campaign logo.

Others are also calling the blue dress a home run.

Laura Schwartz, former advisor to Sen. John Kerry’s wife, Teresa Heinz Kerry, and who also worked in the Clinton White House, gave the dress two thumbs up for style and for message, telling CBS News, "I thought she was very simple, very understated, which might be a good idea because, in this era of attack ads, the McCain people are saying: 'Hey, the Obamas are elitist. They're caught up in celebrity.' If she came out in a real fancy dress, that would just be more fodder for them."

Michelle's blue dress was designed by Maria Pinto, a Chicago-native designer (formerly assistant to Geoffrey Beene) made good. Wisely banking on all the presidential publicity, she's opened a store in Chicago's West Loop this month. Maria has worked with the potential first lady for some time. She also designed that hot purple sleeveless sheath (accessorized with an Azzedine Alaia belt) that Michelle wore when Barack announced his candidacy.

Pinto made a point of telling the New York Times that none of Michelle’s fashion decisions are deviously planned. "Michelle is not scheming like her wardrobe should make certain points."

But Maria has some thoughts (what designer doesn’t?) about how she’d like to see Michelle look for an inaugural. “I definitely see a light color and something kind of fitted in the torso and fuller in the skirt.”

Not every critic liked the blue dress, which was made of wool and did seem to add some bulk to her figure.

What do you think? Did you like Michelle Obama’s blue convention dress? Why or why not?

Photos: Getty Images

Comments

[Lisa]

The dress color was a bad choice considering the background color for her speech. Even more distracting was her bra strap peeking out on her right shoulder. It could have been a home run in another context with better undergarments.

[rythm oil]

there seems to be consensus that it's blue. is that because teal is too exotic a term for most people?

[Elke]

Gorgeous!
I'd love to wear that, but I wouldn't look as good as Michelle did,

[Karen S.]

The dress? WHO CARES? I don't give a fig about those details. What matters is that Mrs. Obama did a fine job talking about her husband and their true family values.
The pettiness and moronic comments of some of these posters makes me shudder to think that they'll be voting this November.

[44dakota]

I thought she looked perfect for the occasion.

[woodstock1969]

Michelle looked good and sounded great, but she was not the speaker we needed. Joe Lieberman is going to be the speaker at the Repub convention, and when he is through, Obama will be lucky to hold his Senate seat. When Lieberman speaks, people listen, why, who knows, but they and the media do.

[PJ]

Her fashion line has nothing to do in getting the country on the right track. She had a tall order and should be commended for speaking at the DNC, but her folksy, "ya see" additions to her speech and the rest of the apparent scripted infomercial hurts her husband's chances.

[bevvg]

She looked fabulousl. Her teal colored dress was elegant and figure-flattering. I can't wait for inaugural day

[Joyce Wilder-Jones]

The dress is important because it gives us a glimpse of her style as first lady. She is not pursuing name designers. Not many average women could wear that dress as well as Michelle, but many could afford it. I am glad she did not choose a suit.

[Lexi]

I think she looked fabulous and that the color was perfectly understated and elegant with the background. She is amazing and to do that in front of 21 million people--she deserves massive kudos.

[Jason Merrill]

who really cares?

[mac_beth]

I loved the dress. The color was eye-catching, and the fit was flattering and looks like something that most women (all sizes) could feel pretty in.
But I agree, the speech was great.

[Judi]

I thought Michelle looked beautiful, radiant. The dress was perfect!

[Ali]

I'd like to know who critiqued her dress for adding bulk to her figure? She is thin! She could wear a mink coat and still be thin. It's no wonder our young girls have so many weight issues - bulky Michelle Obama? I don't think so!

[Carol]

I think she's beautiful. She's the kind of woman that could throw on a burlap sack & look great.The dress was perfect for the occasion...thank goodness no pantsuit as she's got great legs! She has it all...smart, savvy & well spoken.

[Susan Cain]

it is unforntunate that we spend so much time anaylising details like fashion colour and the type of material and who the designer was. Sure there is a lot that we tak e in visually but this is not what is going to make a good leader. We have become so terribly superficial. No wonder a boob like GWB got elected.... Twice!

[foo]

Looooooooooved the dress! The girl has style in droves. Hopefully, Michelle will bring back the classic sheath dress...and more. I am so tired of all this 1970's low rider, baby doll tops. Let's get back to stylish, classic clothes that WOMEN (not girls or 20somethings) wear.

[Lex]

Oh I hated that dress. So frumpy and ugly. It didn't fit properly at the shoulders and the blue brooch looks like it's from a dollar store.

[Angel]

I think she looked fantastic. The Obama family is not into all that fake celeberty status that McClain wants Americans to beleive.

GO MICHELLE !!!!!!
Kansas loves you

[rose eleger]

It is all contrived---
the speech, the delivery, the
dress, the daughters, and daddy
onscreen. Your vote counts!

[Anna]

Your article was featured on Fashion-News2.com. Here is the link to vote for it and promote it http://www.fashion-news2.com/content/michelle-obamas-blue-dress-maria-pinto-draws-fashion-raves

[reallyruth]

It was a great dress, as was her ensemble for the final night which looked wonderful with her daughters and Mrs. Biden.

She is tall, slim and looks great in everything. I do like that she is giving a worthy Chicago designer, Maria Pinto, a bigger audience.

[Spandrel Studios]

While I loved the color, and her brooch was creative, there was something about the neckline of that dress that didn't do her justice. More importantly, though, her speech was fantastic!

[Taopoet]

The dress is green. Just saying.

[Mary]

I think the dress is hideous, and her children look like they didn't know there was a special occasion happening. It's just that "we're too cool to show respect by dressing our best" attitude that lets you know they don't care about tradition or the importance of the position. They look like welfare refugees. I don't want this hag representing America's women.