“American fashion right now is struggling,” says Oscar de la Renta. “I think I understand what [Obama and her advisers] are doing, but I don’t think that is the right message at this particular point….I don’t object to the fact that Mrs. Obama is wearing J. Crew to whatever because the diversity of America is what makes this country great. But there are a lot of great designers out there. I think it’s wrong to go in one direction only.”

The reverberations of this quote have been felt throughout the fashion world.  Fashion blogs are abuzz with comments.  Some are in agreement with Mr. de la Renta, others voice strong dissent.  The dissenters argue that Mr. de la Renta had the privilege of dressing First Ladies from Nancy Reagan to Laura Bush, and should allow the newer designers to have their day. 

The First Lady has become a fashion icon, and many designers are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to dress her.  Whether it’s a wise strategy to publicly scold Michelle Obama about her fashion choices remains to be seen.  A better approach may be to graciously await the call.  She has been the First Lady for less than three months; she will wear designs by many American designers throughout the four years, including Mr. de la Renta.  The best course of action in this instance is for the designers to acknowledge the age old adage that ’patience is a virtue’. 

Dressing Michelle: Major Designers Wait for First Lady’s Call [WWD]

Oscar de la Renta Slams Michelle Obama’s Fashion Choices [The Cut]