Overpaid designers ask “WHERE’S MINE?!!?”
Where in the world are Donna, Ralph and Calvin?
Certainly not on the spousal circuit at the G-20 summit in London. In fact, as President Barack Obama and 19 other global leaders huddle to ponder the world’s economic woes, Michelle Obama has reaffirmed with gusto her fashion support of America’s new and niche…
…Obama’s early appearances in the likes of Jason Wu, Thakoon and Isabel Toledo, (with the punch of Narciso Rodriguez worked in for good measure), both captivated and charmed much of the country while exciting an industry that understands the myriad challenges faced by small fashion houses even under the best of circumstances. But as time goes on, with economic recovery feeling none too close and the Obamas’ honeymoon with the world still passionate enough for the First Lady’s sartorial choices to garner major, gushing headlines, should she diversify her wardrobe choices, especially as the industry prepares to celebrate her with a CFDA Board of Directors Special Tribute? Indeed, does she have a responsibility to do so?
No.
Like the auto and financial industries, fashion is in crisis. Yet the person in the administration best positioned to support its major players — those whose collective vicissitudes play into the economy in a considerable way and whose individual swings of fortune impact the lives of countless working people up and down the supply chain and their families — is giving them the cold shoulder. And we don’t mean Donna Karan’s. No one’s asking for a big-gun bailout, Mrs. O (at least not yet). But how about a shout-out?
Ugh. Don’t say “shout-out.” And no.
And another thing: NO.
I SAID NO.
I thought being an American was about rooting for the little guy. Not rooting for the big guy who under-employs the little guy while lining his own silk twill pockets.
Michelle Obama makes a conscious effort (please believe just how conscious it is) to use her influence to promote up-and-coming designers of color. AMERICAN designers of color, for the most part– so your auto-industry analogy holds no kinda water with me. And wealthy designers– who really aren’t being hurt so much as not being given what they feel is their (unearned) due– have the gall to whine– no, to admonish her– for it?
“American fashion right now is struggling,” says Oscar de la Renta. “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.”
Geez-o-freakin’-flip– change a few words and this is a rich white man complaining about “reverse racism.”
I mean– seriously?
No.
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Love.
And Oscar De La Renta’s comment about her decision to wear a sweater was also needlessly catty. Those are her broad shoulders,she is not one of your wirey-hnger models. See if she wears you now, hatas.
No matter what she chooses, folk are going to find a reason to be mad at her. But I suspect she’s used to that.