Robin Givhan Has Michelle Obama 'Fashion Fatigue'

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Robin Givhan is one of America's best-known fashion writers (and author of a book about Michelle Obama's first year in the White House), but she says she's sick of the 'white noise' surrounding Michelle Obama's every sartorial move. In a Newsweek/Daily Beast op-ed, she writes that while FLOTUS has made some very symbolic fashion statements (like choosing clothes from immigrants like Jason Wu and Narciso Rodriguez, opting for mass-market brands like J.Crew), the din that surrounds Michelle's every single style choice is getting to be too much.

But somewhere along the way, the attention lavished on the first lady's wardrobe became indiscriminate. Rather than debating whether a garment was appropriate for an occasion—a legitimate conversation, considering her position—or the possible effect it could have on the economics of the fashion industry, the conversation turned flaccid and banal.

It took on a Hollywood tone. People wanted to know what she was wearing, not because it signified anything, but simply because it was on her back. What did she wear to the last White House Correspondents Dinner, to the Congressional Black Caucus Gala, to the most recent campaign event in Virginia? To the debates? There was an avalanche of obsessing, admiring, and gushing. Every garment is not symbolic. Every dress is not fraught with meaning. But the conversation yammered on even though there was nothing of substance to say. At first it was fun. Then it became a habit. Now, it's just a bore.

Givhan isn't arguing that everyone needs to stop caring what Michelle Obama wears forever. Rather, she thinks that pointing out clothes for the sake of pointing out clothes is boring and not helpful. The best example of this oversaturated trend? The 91-page "Michelle Obama Lookbook" that appears in the middle of Givhan's column. Oops.
· First Lady Fashion Fatigue [Daily Beast]
· Nobody Really Agrees on Which Shade of Pink Michelle Obama and Ann Romney Wore to the Debate Last Night [Racked]
· What Michelle Obama Taught Tracy Reese About E-Commerce [Racked]