Just when you thought you couldn't be more saddened by Michelle Obama soon leaving the White House, Vogue reveals its December issue with the First Lady on its cover, reminding us, as if we needed it, of her accomplishments and achievements (from working with veterans and their families to encouraging kids to be active and healthy), her inspiring presence, and, of course, that Michelle Obama style.
Mrs. Obama looks back over her husband's two terms, telling the magazine, “I could have spent eight years doing anything, and at some level, it would have been fine. I could have focused on flowers. I could have focused on décor. I could have focused on entertainment. Because any First Lady, rightfully, gets to define her role. There’s no legislative authority; you’re not elected. And that’s a wonderful gift of freedom."
And President Barack Obama (noted feminist) wrote in an e-mail to the Vogue story's author, Jonathan Van Meter, "Michelle never asked to be First Lady. Like a lot of political spouses, the role was thrust upon her. But I always knew she’d be incredible at it, and put her own unique stamp on he job. That’s because who you see is who she is — the brilliant, funny, generous woman who, for whatever reason, agreed to marry me. I think people gravitate to her because they see themselves in her — a dedicated mom, a good friend, and someone who’s not afraid to poke a little fun at herself from time to time.”
The First Lady wears Atelier Versace (the same designer she wowed in at her final state dinner) on the inside of the issue, and Carolina Herrera on the cover.
Michelle Obama has been stylish from the start—often wearing unexpected designers (remember her inauguration dress, made by Jason Wu?). She reveals her thought process behind her choices, saying, “It all boils down to comfort level: If I’m going to make you comfortable, than I have to be comfortable first. So my first reaction isn’t ‘Who made this?’ But ‘Let’s try it on. What does it look like? Oooh, that’s cute. Oh, wow. I never thought of wearing something like this. let’s put a belt on it. I feel gooood in this.’
She goes on to say, "There are definitely designers that I love, people I love to work with. And who they are as people matters. Are they good people? Do they treat their staff well? Do they treat my staff well? Are they young? Can I give them a boost? But! When all of that is equal…is it cute?!"
So, what's next for Mrs. Obama? “I will take the same approach leaving as I did coming in,” she says to Vogue. “I won’t know until I’m there. I’ve never been the former First Lady of the United States before. But I will always be engaged in some way in public service and public life. The minute I left my corporate-law firm to work for the city, I never looked back. I’ve always felt very alive using my gifts and talents to help other people. I sleep better at night. I’m happier. So we’ll look back at the issues that I’ve been working on. The question is: How do I engage in those issues from a new platform? I can’t say right now, because we can’t spend that much time really doing the hard work of vetting offers or ideas or options because we’re still closing things out here. We’re still in full implement mode. Don’t feel like anyone’s lettin’ me slow down.”
To read the full Vogue article, go here.
