Michelle Obama Fashion Drama - Just How Costly is First Lady's Clutch
Filed under: Handbags, Accessories, CELEBRITY STYLE, Celebrities with Style, Fashion, Celebrity
Is Michelle Obama's clutch too pricey for a First Lady? Photo: AFP/Getty Images
The New York Daily News reports that the Italian brand VBH is claiming that Mrs. Obama's clutch -- first glimpsed Monday while the Obamas were strolling with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his wife -- is its $5,950 black alligator purse. But the White House is denying those claims, saying the bag is actually an $875 patent leather version by a brand they didn't name.
At $5,950 or at $875, that's still a costly purse (and we haven't seen her use it again since she's been in Italy). But is it our business what the First Lady spends on her clutches, Thakoon frocks, Junya Watanabe cardigans, and Lanvin sneakers? What do you think?
Style Evolution: Michelle Obama
Sunny Skies First Lady Michelle Obama visits the Palazzo del Governo of L'Aquila in L'Aquila, Italy wearing a yellow floral Liz Claiborne cardigan and chartreuse pleated J. Crew skirt. Mrs. Obama completed the look with her signature accessory--a brooch--from Moschino.
Vittorio Zunino Celotto, Getty Images
Michelle Obama is all smiles as she leaves the Colosseum after a private tour of the ancient monument in Rome, Italy. She wears a white cotton silk dress by Narciso Rodriguez.
Christopher Furlong, Getty Images
First Lady Michelle Obama arrives in Rome, Italy with President Barack Obama wearing this yellow Jason Wu sheath with a bright green flower brooch.
Mauro Scrobogna, LaPresse / AP
Pomp and Circumstance Michelle Obama wears a black and white Jason Wu frock and black kitten heels to the graduation ceremony for the National School of Economics at Gostiny Dvor in Moscow.
Saul LOEB, AFP / Getty Images
First Lady Michelle Obama takes a stroll in Moscow alongside Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's wife, Svetlana, wearing a white twin set paired with black trousers and a large statement necklace by Dana Lorenz. Luxury goods company VBH allegedly boasts that Michelle is toting their $6,000 black alligator manila bag.
VLADIMIR RODIONOV, AFP/Getty Images
Peachy Keen Michelle Obama deplaned in Moscow with her family donning this monochromatic ensemble--a Narciso Rodriguez dress, Michael Kors collarless coat, and Sonia Rykiel belt.
DMITRY KOSTYUKOV, Getty Images
Bon Voyage! First Lady Obama departs for Moscow in style wearing a floral Talbots dress, paired with a yellow Dear Cashmere cardigan and clear Sonia Rykiel belt.
Luis M. Alvarez, AP
Michelle Obama went for an understated, chic look on Independence Day at the White House in this black and white empire waist Narciso Rodriguez dress and silver flats.
Brendan Hoffman, Getty Images
Michelle Obama wears a cropped jacket with short kimono sleeves and a silver Givenchy belt for a LGBT Pride Event in Washington, DC. The First Lady donned the same cincher in France for the D-Day anniversary.
Gerald Herbert, AP Photo
First Lady Michelle Obama leaves the House of Commons in London wearing Hussein Chalayan.
Oli Scarff, Getty Images
Stephanie 7-09-2009 @ 2:48PM
Personally, I'm glad she's spending money. If she becomes more tightfisted with her cash then she will inspire Americans to do the same. Spending on luxuries is what the economy needs a boost in. She is encouraging the economy through her wardrobe, and although I'm a republican and admittedly a little wary of this presidency, I do approve of her positive influence on the public.
Reply
eric 7-09-2009 @ 9:44PM
It depends if she bought it with her money or with our tax dollars.... alot of people are hurting right now and if have to worry about paying my power bill or putting food on the table to feed my children then it would be nice not to have my nose rubbed in it.
Just my opinion...
And by the way ...what does she need a hand bang for when she is walking through the forrest?
Eric
Reply
aubreym89 7-09-2009 @ 4:39PM
Shame on her for buying leather (or alligator, depending on who is telling the truth). This administration claims to care about sustainability, yet she is parading with animal skins which are one of the least eco-friendly products available.
Also, the idea that her decadence is going to encourage Americans to put money into the market is absurd. Americans don't have money to spend. Decadent spending by government and citizens is what got us in this mess in the first place!
Reply
mollybeejay 7-10-2009 @ 4:25AM
You haters forget that the Obama;s were wealthy before he became president. Unlike Laura The librarian, Michelle was a lawyer and an executive making over 200 k per year, and Pres Obama is a best selling author. Stop hating.
Reply
Ruth 7-10-2009 @ 11:13AM
CHILL OUT PEOPLE!
SHE IS MORE RESPONSIBLE THAN THAT.
SHE HAD A WELL PAID JOB BEFORE I AM SURE OF IT.
SHE-IS-A-WELL-EDUCATED RESPONSIBLE MATURE WOMAN!!!
STOP HATING, GET ON WITH YOUR OWN LIVES AND
STOP BAD MOUTHING PEOPLE!
SHAME ON YOU!!
SHAME ON YOU!!
Reply
CINDERELLA 8-01-2009 @ 12:08AM
yOU GO GIRL........LEAVE THEM ALONE OR ANYBODY ELSE ALONE, GET A LIVE AND DO SOMETHING PRODUCTIVE. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS..........CINDERELLA
fadzi 7-12-2009 @ 1:52AM
YOU LADIES DONT YOU HAVE SOMETHING PRODUCTIVE TO DO IN YOUR LIVES THIS HAS TO STOP , SHE IS SMART EDUCATED , LET HER ENJOY AND LEAVE THIS WOMAN ALONE PLEASE,
Reply
CINDERELLA 8-01-2009 @ 12:07AM
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS. I SAID THE SAME THING BEFORE I READ YOU COMMENT. SHE IS A BIG GIRL, SHE IS AN ATTORNEY, SHE IS THE FIRST LADY AND SHE CAN HAVE WHAT EVER SHE WANTS. LEAVE THE OBAMAS ALONE. THANK YOU, CINDERELLA SANDS
cate linn 7-10-2009 @ 6:35PM
i am not a fan of the Obamas, BUT she is perfectly entitled to spend her money on whatever she wants. Mrs. Obama represents our country and needs to look put together and classy. She had a well paid job before becoming First Lady and it is her own money. Also, she is supporting the US economy and fashion houses. This is a good thing.
Reply
nana one 7-18-2009 @ 12:14AM
let her keep spending and him visiting every country and city.. maybe the ignorant people that voted for him will soon wake up and not make another mistake next election, if we are still here on earth. They wanted a change,, and believe it or not,, we have gotten that!!! but not to help the hard working people,, just bailouts and other countries. He is sending 63 billon to africa for health care,, what about the people in the US???
Reply
CIONDERELLA 8-01-2009 @ 12:06AM
LET ME TELL YOU LADIES IT IS NONE OF OUR BUSINESS WHAT THE FIRST LADY WEARS, WHAT KIND OF SHOES, PURSE, PANTS, DRESSES. I AM SURE SHE HAS HER OWN MONEY AND SHE WILL BUY WHAT EVER SHE WANTS.
PLEASE LADIES PUT YOUR NOSE BACK ON YOUR FACE AND WORRY ABOUT SOMETHING THAT IS MORE IMPORTANT...........
Reply
elissa 8-08-2009 @ 9:41PM
welcome to our website （http://www.onlyew.com)
you can find some itme your love
Reply
karol 8-13-2009 @ 10:58PM
I think Michelle Obama is a very beautiful woman, and like many have said before, she had a very high paying job BEFORE she became first lady. How do you know she did not already have that clutch before becoming first lady. I never saw Hillary of Laura or any of the other first ladies in rags. I thought they were very well dressed and also as stated before, these women represent the United States of America. If we could all pay as much attention to the policies that are before us as we do everyone's appearences and what they have that we don't have, we may be able to stand together to get a few things in this country resolved.
Reply
lola 8-14-2009 @ 1:15AM
I saw a documentary about the Obama's and they weren't really doing THAT great.
& by the way, nobody's hating! Just because people are curious where their tax money is going (i hope it's not going to her wardrobe) and how people are handling it it doesn't matter if you're black, grey, blue, orange, or whatever! We're all human, just because they're the first black family doesn't mean that everything is fine! They should be treated like everyone else.
So what now if Obama goes to your house tonight and steals your car is that supposed to be ok?
If Obama is becomes a terrorist are we supposed to be like "it's fine he's the first black president, if you object his ideas then you're a racist"
that's not in my book!
I'm sorry to offend you but everyone is supposed to be treated the same way !
Reply
Helen 8-25-2009 @ 2:42PM
Fashion????? Give me a break. That woman has no taste at all. PLEASE!!!!! Jackie Kennedy she definitely is NOT. I am 84 years old, and, by no means a prude, BUT, never in all my years have seen a first lady??? in shorts in public. She is really way too big for that kind of clothes.
Reply
Alice Lawrence 9-20-2009 @ 5:56PM
Please people, do you have any idea what Jacqueline Kennedy spent on her wardrobe, back in the day,before many of you were probably born? EVERYTHING she had was couturie, one of a kind designer originals. It was nothing for her to spend 10,000+ on a gown. The first lady should have a lovely and functional wardrobe, but lets get off of Michelles little handbag. The only difference here is that Jackie's look was just about as classic and timely as you could get. Michelle's is much more trendy, encompassing various styles. She deserves to wear what she likes, just please watch some of those color combinations. Not every color goes together.
Reply