Oscar de la Renta has tough words for Michelle Obama
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/04/03/art.michelle.gi.jpg caption=" Oscar de la Renta thinks Michelle Obama should not have worn a sweater to Buckingham Palace."](CNN) - Michelle Obama's fashion choices at the G20 summit have drawn widespread praise, but at least one famous designer thinks the fist lady made a major faux pas in her wardrobe choice for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II.
"You don't...go to Buckingham Palace in a sweater," Oscar de la Renta told Woman's Wear Daily regarding Mrs. Obama's decision to wear a cardigan over an Isabel Toledo-designed dress for the private meeting.
De la Renta also said the first lady - who often sports relatively affordable American brands - should broaden her wardrobe and seize an opportunity to spur the flailing fashion industry.
“American fashion right now is struggling,” he said. “I think I understand what [Obama and her advisers] are doing, but I don’t think that is the right message at this particular point."
"I don’t object to the fact that Mrs. Obama is wearing J. Crew to whatever because the diversity of America is what makes this country great. But there are a lot of great designers out there. I think it’s wrong to go in one direction only," he added.
But J. Crew is likely hoping the first lady doesn't change her style any time soon. When Mrs. Obama was photographed wearing a $300 J. Crew "crystal constellation" cardigan from the mid-market retailer Tuesday, the item sold out on the company's Web site only hours later.
A spokesman for J. Crew said the item has also sold out in nearly all the company’s stores as well.
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Read the rest of the story. Oscar is jealous!!!!!! Just ask the First Lady to wear some of your clothes idiot. But you probably have screwed that up now.
Her Majesty didn't seem to mind. Why should Mr de la Renta?
Contrary to Mr. de la Renta's sour grapes on stuffy fashion taste, I say three cheers for a truly classy, authentic American first lady who showed genuine warm respect towards another classy lady, while at the same time not bowing to dépassé old world royalty.
The Queen didn't mind at all, even put her arm around Mrs. Obama in a rare display of affection. The Queen is the hostess at Buckingham Palace, not Mr. de la Renta. If the Queen doesn't care, with all due respect I think Mr. de la Renta should keep his mouth shut.
Oscar de la Renta does not understand the change that is happening here. Many women in this country consider even J Crew as not affordable. Come on designers – she is lovely. As a woman who chould not begin to afford Oscar de la Renta, I appreciate her message. I doubt the queen minded the sweater.
I read that WWD article this afternoon. The whole thing reads like Sour Grapes. I think the First Lady was a lovely representative inside and out in England and at the G20 events (and now on to France). I love that she wears and supports young American designers. Perhaps Mr. De La Renta should take a clue from Mrs. Obama and not the other way around. She is in touch with the times and the people (and I am a lot more interested in what is on her mind then on her back). God Bless American and God Save the Queen.
No Oscar , you don't understang. It is time for change. No more dressing as usual. Go and take care of ms Sarkozy and leave Michelle alone. She is just herself and she rocks!!!
I understand this is a global economy, but I am excited that Michelle Obama is focusing in our economy. No one is asking the wives of other leaders what they are wearing. Go Michelle put America on the world’s map for fashion. Oscar de la Renta needs to accept Michelle Obama’s choices. She is creating a new trend. She dances to her own tune and that is what makes her unique. A true woman of the 21st century.
Oscar De La Renta has to get a grip. Economy is hurting. To bad that not everyone can afford his clothing line. Obama's represent the world. Not the fashion world.
What's the matter with the sweater? It looks nice, even on Michelle.
If anything, the Queen should spruce up her wardrobe. It has always been dull, boring and dowdy.
Can't we talk about something of importance. Michelle has the right to wear what she wants and btw, why should she look dowdy like most of the others?
The Obama's don't care about some rich old white lady. Had this been an African Queen instead of the English Queen – then maybe they would have shown more regard.
Oh he should get lost. How many people can afford their 5k -25k clothes. it's not if MO wears any of their clothes they will fly of the shelves.
In applaud Michele Obama for her choice in wearing J.Crew. But, I can't afford a $300 cardigan.
Oscar has sour grapes and his designs are stale.
gary's comment is:
Oscar is only mad because she does not wear anything from him, He
will just need to get over it, And lets talk about the Queen that has worn
the same style clothing for over 50 years. She is hardly a fashion plate.
I think Michelle Obama does just fine, at least she pulls things off
really well. After all Mr. De La Renta it is 2009 and a new World, I really
suggest you speak to the Queen about her clothes.
This is not news. We finally have a President and First Lady of substance and depth. Stick to reporting news!!
Who cares what this person thinks. With all the things going on in the world and in the US, this merits an article? When Oscar de la Renta is hurting as bad financially as the rest of Americans and the world, then maybe we'll listen.
Maybe Mr. De la Renta needs a reality check. A huge portion of the population of real Americans cannot afford (nor care to wear) over-priced designers. And isn't living beyond our means what precipitated this economic mess anyways?
Apparently you can and she did.
Come on Oscar, she needs the sweater to cover up a tank-top.
Never mind the sweater, Mrs. Obama pretty much nudged the Prince right out of the picture! The four were standing there, the Prince touched Obama's wife and pulled her to his left. She walked right in front of the Prince (blocking him from photogs) and nudged him right out of this very shot!
All I have to say is "LOL, Oscar de la Renta!"
He's just jealous that she chooses simplicity over flashy. SHE makes the clothes. The clothes don't make her!!!!!
Michelle is beautiful no matter what she wears, a $300.00 sweater or a $3000.00 one.