A Purple Partnership

Last night, the Obamas hosted a state dinner in honor of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and First Lady Kim Yoon-ok. It was certainly a day for the history books for both the United States and South Korea, as Congress passed the long-awaited Free Trade Agreement between the two countries the day prior. Of course, we knew First Lady Michelle Obama would wear something fabulous, and we knew it would be scrutinized.

From a fashion perspective, her Doo.Ri dress was frankly boring. It's a one-shoulder draped gown, which we've seen on Mrs. Obama many times and, honestly, in every dress shop for a few years now. The rich jewel tone is on-trend for fall, though it was taken from the Doo.Ri Spring 2012 collection just shown in New York in September.


Michelle Obama in Doo.Ri at the State Dinner honoring South Korea
Via Getty Images
The style does suit her well--but perhaps a little too well.


Michelle Obama in Peter Soronen at the State Dinner honoring Mexico in May 2011
Via Getty Images
From a political perspective, however, the gown was the perfect choice. It was designed by Korean-American designer Doo.Ri Chung, who is known for her flattering signature draping and minimalist tailoring. It's wonderful that Mrs. Obama is supporting a rising-star American designer, and importantly, a Korean-American designer. Earlier this year at the China State Dinner, Mrs. Obama was criticized for her seemingly random choice of an Alexander McQueen gown. This time, however, she played it safe with a conservative homage to the new partnership between Korea and the United States. After all, this partnership will have a huge impact on the products we trade, including fashion.