Annie Leibovitz Photos: Michelle Obama's Vogue Cover

[Amerigo Vespucci]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/11/michelle-obamas-vogue-cov_n_165764.html

It's official: Following much speculation, First Lady Michelle Obama will grace the cover of Vogue's March issue. The magazine hits newsstands on February 24th.

Obama was interviewed by Vogue Editor-at-Large André Leon Talley and photographed by Annie Leibovitz.

[Cha]

1. Nice skirt and sweater outfit..especially

on Michelle..thanks AV.

[Book Lover]

2. Someday, please ye goddesses,

let Ms. Obama snap and refuse to play the dress up doll role she's being shoehorned into.

[sandnsea]

11. She Loves Clothes

It's okay for women to look beautiful - and be smart. This is progress. I wish old school feminists would catch up.

[Book Lover]

12. I disagree

Are we closer to dismanting the patriarchy now that Michelle Obama is being judged on how she looks? Please.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

13. I judge Obama on how he looks

I think everyone does, and here in DC, at least, the talk is always about what he's wearing.

Michelle Obama is so much more than what she wear, and that's obvious. I think it's great that she did Vogue, and her style is absolutely beautiful. I want to watch her while she does whatever the hell she wants to do.

I seriously doubt that anyone forces Michelle Obama to do something she doesn't want to do, and her love of clothes -check out how beautifully their kids are dressed - is well known.

So, how about giving her room to be herself instead of pushing a tired old template on a really fine woman?

[Book Lover]

20. *giving up*

I am sad and tired. Women older than me telling me about how feminism is useless. Fine, lady, just fine. You all win. Feminism is just plain wrong, and I'm a fool for believing it could effect anything.

[JuniperLea]

21. Methinks you need to go back and re-read a few posts here...

And cut the crap about us old ladies. I think we've been around the block a few times and know quite well what works and what does not... thank you very much. How one dresses has zero to do with feminism. If you think it does, more's the pity.

[sandnsea]

22. Right, we said feminism is just plain wrong

You bet. That's just what we said. :crazy:

We said women can lead as women, 100%, no compromises. No shoulder pads. No pant suits. No choking back tears. No hiding our children. We can be President as women, not boobs in a male disguise.

[Tangerine LaBamba]

24. Whoa..........

What are you talking about?

I always thought feminism was a woman's right to do what she wanted to do without having to satisfy the demands of others.

Who told you "feminism is useless"? Whoever did that lied to you.

You do sound sad and tired. I hope things get better for you very soon.

[stillcool]

25. I guess you don't like fashion?...

Do you feel the same way about male models? Is it a disdain for art, for the human body, or just for fashion? Or is this about the First Lady. Perhaps she should wear something like a burka?

[ronnykmarshall]

29. Oh my dear GOD!!

So just because someone takes an interest in fashion and the way she looks feminism is DEAD?

Holy CRAP!

That's a leap.

[sandnsea]

17. Did looking dowdy change anything?

Nope.

When women stop trying to be like men, that's when we'll dismantle the patriarchy.

Smart, beautiful, nurturing, sexy, diplomatic, sensitive, tough, flexible-- women who are capable of leading. You don't have to give up any of it to be respected and when you think you do, that's when you really lose.

[JuniperLea]

19. "You don't have to give up any of it to be respected..."

Amen! Quite frankly, I have MORE respect for a woman who feels comfortable in her own skin, and clothes, than I do for those who try to change to fit a mold. You're right, it's the thinking that you do that causes the loss.

[ronnykmarshall]

27. What's wrong with wanting to look good?

I'm sorry I just don't get it nor will I ever agree.

If she likes fashion, so what?

Big fucking deal!

[Bluebear]

38. I think Michelle's grace extends beyond how she "looks". Her style is based on who she is as well.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

35. Two thoughts on that...

...first, pretty much any role in the public eye is going to require a certain degree of availability for the cameras. She knows that. Right or wrong, it's part of the job, no matter who occupies the White House.

Second, I really don't see Michelle getting "shoehorned" into anything. Yes, if that happened, it would be a sad occasion.

But it's not going to happen. She knows who she is and won't have her identity dictated by the media.

:patriot:

[CTyankee]

37. I think the goddesses would let her live her life.

There is nothing wrong with her posing so naturally and so beautifully for these photos.

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.

Sorry to go all John Keats on you, but you really deserve it...:spank:

[Rabrrrrrr]

40. So you would choose to disempower her?

How ironic.

:eyes:

[wildflower]

44. I understand

I have to admit, I like looking at clothes as much as the next person, I can't lie...but I do not want her to be judged on the basis of her appearance.

So I found these portions from the articles somewhat reassuring; I hope you will too:

What Michelle Obama is less focused on—in direct inverse proportion to the focus of the public—is fashion. Which isn't to say that she doesn't appreciate good clothes. Or that the fashion choices of a woman whose image will shortly be—or already is—among the most recognizable in the entire world aren't iconic. And thus far, those choices have been fearless. Every moment she sallies forth, she will be scrutinized, then alternately set on a pedestal or skewered. Which, thankfully, hasn't put the brakes on her enthusiasm or originality—so markedly different from, but for an exception or two, previous presidential partners who shrank from matters of style or played it safe. Her self-possession is an inspiration. "I love clothes," she admits. "First and foremost, I wear what I love. That's what women have to focus on: what makes them happy and what makes them feel comfortable and beautiful. If I can have any impact, I want women to feel good about themselves and have fun with fashion."

...

Mrs. Obama's lithe frame—an uncommon figure for an American First Lady, let's be honest—and her ardent championing of new names in American design have induced many to describe her as a potential "new Jackie Kennedy." But that really isn't her. Pragmatism, not glamour, is what matters when she gets dressed.

...

Some critics made noise about the plain black cardigan the First Lady-to-be wore on November 4 in Grant Park over her Narciso Rodriguez dress. She is unrepentant: "I'm not going to pretend that I don't care about it," Mrs. Obama says of the criticism. "But I also have to be very practical. In the end, someone will always not like what you wear—people just have different tastes. Some will think that a sweater was horrible, I was cold; I needed that sweater!"

That's just some of it; I recommend reading the entire article.

[Cronus Protagonist]

3. I thiink she'd look a LOT better dressed only in a python!

hehe :P

(I would never say that about any of the previous first ladies)

[Ilsa]

4. Both are wonderful photos by Annie L! Michelle's outfits are fine!

It's so funny how, even though we may have a great desk, we can just curl up or drape ourselves along a couch to try and scribble a few thoughts. I suspect there is more creative thinking with changes in posture.

[spanone]

5. leibovitz is the best

[underpants]

9. Yes she is

it's a shame what happened to her sister Fawn though

Kiln explosion

[Tangerine LaBamba]

16. So,

are you busy tonight?

[AndyA]

6. The pose on the cover evokes Jackie Kennedy.

She posed in a similar position for a photograph.

Michelle is going to be a great First Lady.

[Political Tiger]

7. You're a superstar, yes, that's what you are!

Vogue, vogue
Beauty's where you find it
Move to the music
Vogue, vogue
Beauty's where you find it
Go with the flow

Greta Garbo and Monroe
Deitrich and DiMaggio
Marlon Brando, Jimmy Dean (and Michelle Obama)
On the cover of a magazine

Grace Kelly, Harlow, Jean
Picture of a beauty queen
Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire
Ginger Rogers, dance on air

They had style, they had grace
Rita Hayworth gave good face
Lauren, Katherine, Lana too
Bette Davis, we love you

Ladies with an attitude
Fellows that were in the mood
Don't just stand there, let's get to it
Strike a pose, there's nothing to it

Vogue, vogue
Vogue, vogue

[Tangerine LaBamba]

18. Whenever I hear this song,

I always remember Bette Davis' dislike of Madonna and how she refused more than once to meet her.

[JuniperLea]

23. Ha! Me too...

Ms. Davis commanded more sexuality in one brief glance than Madonna has in a whole, somewhat nekkid career.

I think Madonna tried to put herself on the same lofty tier as Ms. Davis. Silly, material girl.

[ronnykmarshall]

30. I was once a huge fan of La Ciccone ....

But these past few years has taken it's toll on me with her.

[JuniperLea]

31. I admired her as a business woman...

And since she is my age, as a woman who kept rocking regardless of societies "rules" but yeah. I've grown weary... the plastic surgery really killed it for me. I thought she was going to show us all how to age gracefully and keep rocking... I guess I wanted too much from her. I loved the material girl era, and I loved her digs at the church:) Her dancing is more like an exercise routine now, and there's nothing remotely sexually gratifying about it, imho.

[monmouth]

8. I love, love, love her clothes..n/t

[malaise]

10. Classy for days

Love them.

[goclark]

15. Luv her style and grace and smile

Please no more stiff dressed in drapes Laura's.

Michelle is great!

[malaise]

28. Yep

Hi stranger :hi:

[goclark]

41. Hi back my friend

:fistbump:

[glinda]

14. Totally classy!

[ronnykmarshall]

26. I love this quote from the article.

As a surprise, the girls had decorated their car with streamers and balloons and banners and had deputized their young friends to hand out Hawaiian leis and party hats to the adults in an adjacent car. ("Nice," Mrs. Obama said later, "but I looked at Barack and said, 'They've got to clean up! We can't leave this mess for Amtrak.' ") After being serenaded with "Happy Birthday," she led the children in a stomp dance.

[JuniperLea]

32. She is such a good mom!

I just love her! She is setting a wonderful example for other mothers.

[MzNov]

33. Wow. Just gorgeous. All of it. Jackie would be so proud.

What a refreshing change from the Librarian / drapery Collection! :bounce:

[renate]

34. oooh! oooh! oooh!

That's the color I predicted her inauguration gown would be--I predicted raspberry duchesse satin, so I was pretty close to guessing the right material, too.

It looks fabulous on her!

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

36. I adore Annie and Michelle looks gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!

[blues90]

39. typical american idol mentality

Here is a magazine that cost $4.50 US and here are some photo's and from these photo's people actually think they even know the person.

I liked John Lennon but for his music not some photo op crap that means absolutely nothing other than to turn a profit and sell ad's with even more crap.

Pardon me , carry on with the magazine.

[ronnykmarshall]

42. $4.50??

Damn I'll have run out and buy it if it's that cheap!

[MzNov]

43. Snarl