Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy [Hardcover]

Mary Tomer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 2009

Celebrated for her style and substance, Michelle Obama has transformed the role of first lady and become a 21st century icon, attracting attention from all over the world. The qualities so admired in her - intelligence, strength and charisma - radiate through her personal style, which has united accessibility with high-wattage glamour. The clothes, like the woman, feel both familiar and inspirational. Readily mixing high-end labels with more affordable brands, with a focus on craftsmanship and artistry, Mrs. O has elevated the notion of real value and ushered in a new era of "fashion democracy".

Building on the success of Mrs-O.org - the Web site that chronicles Michelle Obama's style - MRS. O: THE FACE OF FASHION DEMOCRACY takes a closer look at America's modern style icon, featuring more than 120 photographs of the first lady and delving into the back story of her clothes and accessories. It also goes behind the scenes with interviews from her favorite designers, including Isabel Toledo, Jason Wu, Michael Kors, Maria Pinto and Isaac Mizrahi.

Opening with a brief overview of Michelle Obama's early years, the book goes on to provide rarely seen photos from behind-the-scenes on the presidential primary trail through the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the monumental events of election night, the inauguration and early chapters of life in the White House. The final chapter hears the opinions of Mrs. O's adoring fans - giving the last word to the people.

Original photographs of Michelle Obama's most iconic looks, along with commentary from fashion experts, top off this tactile visual feast. Woven together with sketches and illustration inspired by the first lady, the book reveals the story of a new era of American fashion.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Tomer's is at least the third fashion-related book on the first lady, and so far, it's the most comprehensive, tracing Obama's style from that frigid day in Springfield, Ill., when her husband announced his candidacy to the first lady's springtime tour of Europe." - Politico.com

"[Tomer] spoke with more than 40 designers for the book, which includes two-page interviews with such Obama favorites as Jason Wu, Loree Rodkin, Isabel Toledo and Peter Soronen. It's also filled with fabric swatch close-ups, dress shots (both famous and less well known) and displays the thoroughness of a librarian in cataloging the origins of Obama's many brooches, pins and patent-leather heels." - Washington Post

"This is not the first book about Mrs. O's style, but in my opinion, it's the best. Tomer didn't rush it out. She took her time, did her research, gathered hundreds of pictures and interviewed dozens or designers and stylists who have dressed the first lady or have informed views about her style. It's lovely to look at and fascinating to read." - Orlando Sentinel

"From the campaign trail to the White House, Michelle's looks have been slowly more and more documented, and although a few books on her fashion have popped up already, the recently-released Mrs. O: The Face of Fashion Democracy is the best by far. After flipping through the first few pages, we already have a newfound appreciation for the First Lady's style; whoever knew she wore so much Moschino? ...We can't stress enough how impressed we are with the tome." - Racked.com

About the Author

Mary Tomer is the founder and contributing editor of Mrs-O.org. In the summer of 2008, captivated by Michelle Obama's arrival on the national stage, Mary realized the future first lady had the makings of a style icon - the genesis of Mrs-O.org. The site launched in September 2008, and has quickly grown to attract more than 2 million site visits, with traffic from 221 countries and territories. Mary has appeared on the Today Show, MSNBC, Access Hollywood and BBC Radio, speaking as an authority on the first lady's style. While not blogging, Mary works in advertising for Bartle Bogle Hegarty in New York. She is a graduate of Boston College, and native of Columbus, Ohio.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 248 pages
• Publisher: Center Street; First Edition edition (October 28, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599952580
• ISBN-13: 978-1599952581
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 1.1 x 10.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #826,527 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mary Tomer is the founder and contributing editor of Mrs-O.org. In the summer of 2008, captivated by Michelle Obama's arrival on the national stage, Mary realized the future first lady had the makings of a style icon - the genesis of Mrs-O.org. The site launched in September 2008, and has quickly grown to attract more than 3 million site visits, with traffic from 221 countries and territories. Mary has appeared on the Today Show, MSNBC and BBC Radio, speaking as an authority on the first lady's style. While not blogging, Mary works in advertising for Bartle Bogle Hegarty in New York. She is a graduate of Boston College, and native of Columbus, Ohio.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Classy book, classy subject October 29, 2009

By K. E. Letourneau

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was looking for a gift for my new grandmother-in-law and picked up "Mrs. O". My husband's grandmother had mentioned in a phone conversation that she admired Michelle Obama so I thought this would be a thoughtful gift for our first meeting. I'm not really a non-fiction reader myself but I started flipping through "Mrs. O" on the plane, intending to just check out the photos. I ended up reading it cover to cover not just for the fashion but also for the history of the first lady's life and career. This book has a great balance of biography and fashion - an approchable overview without having to spend the time with a dense biography. The interviews with the designers were fun little diversions and the photographs were the best part! From a distance I could never tell how much detail there was in the first lady's wardrobe but this book contains up close shots of the clothes showing the patterns, colors, detailing and workmanship. I plan to purchase a few copies for the women in my family for Christmas.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazon December 20, 2012

By L. BEAUMONT

Format:Hardcover

Great Book! Better than I expected. The photographs are clear and beautifully colored .This is a great gift for someone who admires Mrs. Obama as our First Lady .

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This is for "the girls"! December 3, 2011

By Miss Ellie

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a great gift for all of your girlfriends who have style and substance! They will without a doubt appreciate it! We all love discussing Mrs. Obama's choices of designers, off the rack clothes, accesories and shoes. The photos are great and we can view her wardrobe up close and personal.