Michelle Obama wows at convention in Tracy Reese dress

The sleeveless, custom-made frock was cut from a pink brocade fabric in an A-line shape, flaring out with a color change to baby blue at the garment's hem.

alexisgarrettstodghill

Sep 5, 2012

First lady Michelle Obama gave a moving speech last night at the Democratic National Convention, using her intellect coupled with her winning personality to remind voters that her husband “is just like you.”

Mrs. Obama also used her stunning style to amplify her message as she inspired the Democratic base.

“Barack knows the American Dream because he’s lived it,” she said wearing a beautiful custom-made dress by Tracy Reese with matching pink pumps. The daring A-line frock cut from printed silk jacquard flared into a baby blue hemline from a sleeveless bodice.

The first lady’s special order look is not available to the public, but similar dresses are available through Reese’s retail collection for less than $450. Michelle’s Everly Suede pumps by J.Crew — a favorite staple brand of the first lady — are more accessible at a retail price of $245.

Swathed in pastels and showcasing her chiseled frame, Mrs. Obama has been praised for appearing both dainty and strong last night.

“The custom-made sleeveless dress was as feminine as it was sporty, showing off her famously-toned arms with its athletic cut, while playing up her softer side in its knee-length full skirt,” opined the Daily Mail on the effect of the first lady’s ensemble.

After the first lady’s appearance, designer Tracy Reese tweeted: “Thanks everyone for sharing this amazing moment! We are all so grateful and honored to have dressed Mrs. Obama for such a momentous speech!!”

While she dazzled in Reese’s creation, it is likely that a woman of Michelle Obama’s accomplishments made her fashion choice of the evening with larger goals than just looking good. Fashion watchers agree that she used this moment to make an impact, as she often has through her sartorial selections.

Style expert Robert Verdi commented to New York’s Daily News that the choice of Reese, an African-American designer, for this critical occasion, was strategic. “This, I think, is sort of a quiet message in support of black businesses, emerging businesses, women’s businesses,” he told the paper.

Michelle Obama’s personal taste in designers has been a boon to the American fashion industry, creating over $3 billion in stock price increases for the labels she wears for appearances.

Follow Alexis Garrett Stodghill on Twitter at @lexisb.