THE BACKSTORY ON MICHELLE OBAMA’S PORTRAIT.
When Michelle Obama’s official portrait by artist Amy Sherald was unveiled last week at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C., (pictured above), crowds at New York Fashion Week were atwitter over the stylish connection. The long white, geometric print gown Obama wore was designed by Michelle Smith, who showed her Milly ready-to-wear at NYFW the day before the portrait reveal. Obama wore primarily American designers during her tenure as first lady, so it was fitting she chose one for this honor. Her Milly dress was sleeveless, another signature look for the former first lady. “It was an absolute honor to work on Mrs. Obama’s dress for her official presidential portrait,” said Smith in a statement. “I dressed Mrs. Obama on several occasions while she was in office, and am so grateful to create something that she will forever be remembered in by future generations. The modern silhouette of the dress perfectly reflects her forward-thinking sensibility, and I’m thrilled that I get to be a little part of what was such a ground-breaking and positive presidency.”