Michelle Obama Criticized by the CFDA and Oscar de la Renta: Should She Only Wear American Designers?

It's no secret that I commend Michelle Obama for her informed, sartorial choices. One of my favorite moments is when she wore Naaem Khan, an Indian-American designer, to the India State Dinner. That attention to detail and cognizance of fashion's important role in the economy is truly exceptional. Not everyone shares my sentiments.

This month, I reported that Michelle chose red Alexander McQueen at the State Dinner as a nod to Chinese's cultural designation of red as a sign of good luck. Apparently, that's not enough for some American designers. Both Oscar de la Renta, and Diane von Furstenberg (on behalf of the CFDA) criticized Michelle for wearing a non-American designer to the China State Dinner.


Oscar de la Renta said via WWD:

“My understanding is that the visit was to promote American-Chinese trade — American products in China and Chinese products in America. Why do you wear European clothes?”

 

Diane von Furstenberg of the CFDA released this statement via NYMag.com:

“CFDA believes in promoting American fashion. Our First Lady Michelle Obama has been wonderful at promoting our designers, so we were surprised and a little disappointed not to be represented for this major state dinner. For a lot of designers, their ability to grow their businesses is going to be in the global marketplace. In some instances, there’s really no growth in the U.S. and [these designers] need to do that to succeed. That’s important to us. So anytime that there’s a stage or international setting that you can celebrate American fashion, it’s a good thing."

Michelle Obama must be highly aware of the political power of her fashion statements and to a degree, that has to inform her wardrobe choices. But demanding that she wear only American designers to major appearances is taking it too far.

For one, there's no boundaries. Where will it end? Will we start criticizing her hair product manufacturers, her jewelry choices or her husband's tie and sock picks next?

Furthermore, Michelle has always been extremely supportive of American designers, including Jason Wu, whose gown she famously wore to the Inauguration.

And lastly, she has the freedom to wear whatever she wants. Who are we to dictate what she chooses to dress herself in so long as it looks great?

Where do you stand on the issue? Should she only wear American designers? Or she should dress without worrying about the national significance of her clothes?

Discuss.

Kisses,

Coutura

GLAM OR SHAM?: Glee's Lea Michelle at the 2010 Primetime Emmy's

For a relative newcomer to the red carpet, Lea Michelle has formal beauty and glamour down to a science. I regularly love everything she wears at award shows, and her latest look is no exception.

She graced the red carpet at the 2010 Emmy's in an Oscar de la Renta gown that brought the drama. She went for all-out glamour by pairing it with a dazzling diamond necklace.

While her bangs were trendy and chic, I would've prepared an elegant updo for this look---and let me add that the wind wasn't on her side on the red carpet. Click here to find out which beauty products she used.

What's your verdict on her look? Glam or Sham?

Kisses,

Coutura

GET THE LOOK: Lea Michele at the 62nd Annual Emmy Awards

Alright Glamazons, I'll admit it: I probably watched about two seconds of the Emmy Awards last night before I deemed it boring and switched the channel to the news. However, I was sure to keep track of what the stars were wearing and, most importantly, their beauty looks. Let's start with the swoon-worthy Lea Michele, shall we?

Don't get me wrong, I think Lea is an absolute doll face, but her beauty looks aren't always a hit for me. However, last night's look was a definite winner! Talk about a serious GLAM.

Makeup artist Melanie Inglessis for NARS Cosmetics told The Glamazons that her inspiration when creating Lea's look was the era of the 60's.

"I thought of Raquel Welch and Bridget Bardot: the winged eye, the nude lip. The dress is so classic, so we wanted to be adventurous with her eyes," Inglessis said.

Here's a list of the products that Inglessis used from NARS:

-PRO-PRIME Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base & Skin Smoothing Face Prep

-Douceur Blush

-Tzarine Duo Eyeshadow

-Palladium Soft Touch Shadow Pencil

-Tashkent Pure Matte Lipstick

*The products are from the Fall 2010 collection..well, besides the eyeshadow base and face prep.

I love how it looks made-up yet still natural and her sculpted eyebrows are giving me life! OH, and let me not forget to credit that gorgeous gown as coming from Oscar de la Renta. (Gosh, I'd give my right kidney to wear a dress designed by that man!) All in all, this Glee star looked striking wouldn't you say?!

xo

Ferocia

Color on the Runway!!!

Finally Color On the Runway for Fall!!!
Oscar de la Renta Fall 2010 RTW




pictures from style.com
I was starting to get worried when looking through the latest Fall RTW from New York fashion week since so much of it was dark and neutral. Don't get me wrong, there have been some beautiful and elegant collections, but I miss color. Just because its for fall doesn't mean it has to be all in black and gray. Oscar de la Renta must have been reading my mind, because his collection is bright and bold. His 80's inspired line was very much colorful and warm with its many coats and fur. I just wanted to wrap myself up in this collection. It is absolutely stunning.

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2010 Ready-To-Wear

The color is striking. It's definitely a show stopper.
The Capri with an oversized jacket are very cute together. The belt and the hat make it all coincide.
I love the pop of red with the blue. Two contrasting colors used in unison.
This is my favorite of the Oscar de la Renta Spring 2010 Ready-To-Wear collection. I especially love the bottom part of the dress. Its fun and feminine.