BOTHO MOLOSANKWE
SHE MIGHT be dressed casually and taking time to be with her family, or wearing a formal dress at a state function, but US First Lady Michelle Obama’s fashion sense commands attention.
Called the First Lady of Fashion by many, Michelle Obama’s fashion sense has taken the world by storm, with dedicated websites where her choice of attire at different events is discussed in detail.
Her toned and sculptured arms are discussed on the internet at length, with suggestions on exercises that could help achieve them.
In honour of the style icon she is, The Star asked local designers what they would design for the woman who has made the “Best Dressed” list if given the opportunity.
Machere Pooe, owner of the label House of Machere, reckons she would show the first lady’s slender figure, toned arms and beautiful legs in traditional seshweshwe dress.
The outfit, she said, would be a cocktail dress, fully beaded in brown and gold.
“It would end just under the knees and have a scoop neck that ties at the shoulder with ribbons… something I know she (would) wear and suit her style. It has to be quite SA. It’s a pity that when people from other countries get here, we don’t give them awesome traditional pieces,” she said.
Stoned Cherrie’s Nkhensani Nkosi has designed two sleeveless pieces with multidirectional pleats and lines. One is very long, while the other ends just below the knees.
Both pieces accentuate the waist and while the long one has a frilly detail on the chest, the shorter one, which has flower patterns on the skirt, has a daring open-chest detail.
“Mrs Obama is a strong woman of strong mind and persona and embodies the elements of a powerful woman, but whose true power is her affection and love of humanity,” Nkosi said, explaining why the dresses would be perfect on the US first lady.
Thula Sindi, whose designs are showcased during the SA Fashion Week, said Obama would fit perfectly into his modern, ladylike aesthetic and any of his shift dresses would suit her.
He said a brown, sleeveless dress with a high belt would be perfect for her.
“It is classic, flattering and would show her trademark beautifully toned arms.”
Designer Jenni Button, whose new label is called Philosophy, thinks Obama would look good in something classy, elegant and languid and with African designs. But she would like to see the first lady in something sensual.
“She has a beautiful body and a wonderful muscled tone; I would design something in ivory. A long gown that shows her shapely back and with a slit to show a leg,” Button said.
Mangaliso Mbitshana, of Thesis, said he would choose something playful yet elegant from his winter range.
“It is very elegant; it flows and it has a playful feeling to it.”