To say I miss the Obamas would be the understatement of this century. I'd vote for the former president's third term if it meant more coordinating family outfits from Michelle, Malia, Sasha, and Barack Obama. Alas, that's against the Constitution. Applauding their looks at the Barack Obama Presidential Center opening ceremony on June 18 certainly isn't, however.

If I didn't know any better, I'd say the South Side of Chicago became Washington D.C. for a day. Everyone from former President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, to former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and both Obama children, RSVP'd to the ribbon-cutting event. Paparazzi photos looked as official as a presidential inauguration, thanks to the polished dress code.

Mr. and Mrs. Obama were some of the first A-listers to take center stage, Barack in a black suit and Michelle in a pinstripe matching set from Thom Browne. It marked her return to American brands, after stylist Meredith Koop dressed her in Celine and Acne Studios earlier this week.

First, the former first lady's shoulder-padded blazer and elongated pencil skirt tapped into the skirt suit trend. Distressing the edges of her jacket confirmed her personal style has loosened up since her days in the White House. Michelle also left traditional white button-downs to her husband, fastening a peplum corset top instead.

To finish, she click-clacked onto center stage in Thom Browne stilettos. Zoom in to see the New York-based designer's signature red, white, and blue tag atop each heel. Choosing a label like Thom Browne—with such recognizable Americana roots—helped Michelle look patriotic without being too on the nose. (She's mastered this maneuver over the last two decades in the spotlight.)

Shortly after Michelle and Barack arrived hand-in-hand, they were joined by their daughters, Malia and Sasha. It seems the quartet hasn't been publicly photographed together since 2017, though Michelle and her daughters had a post-Mother's Day dinner last month.

Sasha led the way in a gauzy cream-colored set, which featured an off-the-shoulder blouse and a matching pencil skirt. Neither style looked as structured as her mother's two-piece, though. Then, the anklet trend, grommeted sandals, and a thick, chestnut brown belt ended her Presidential Center outfit on a boho-chic note.

Meanwhile, Malia took cues from her mother's affinity for classic tailoring. She waved to thousands of onlookers in a gray blazer-turned-top. Drawstrings around the single-breasted waistband cinched the otherwise oversize jacket, which she styled shirt-free.

Next, the 27-year-old added some moodier tones to her skirt suit by stacking the blazer's elongated hem over a charcoal mini skirt. Mismatched rings were the filmmaker's only visible accessories. If she's anything like her mother, there's a statement earring stack beneath her braids.

Once the Presidential Center celebrations end, Sasha and Malia will go back to their lives—and cool-girl closets—in L.A. While sightings of the Obama quartet at future government events will be few and far between, the sisters are certainly ones to watch on the street style front.

Michelle Obama and her stylist, Meredith Koop, have always viewed fashion as a form of storytelling. They even co-authored The Look, a #1 New York Times bestseller all about "the meaning" behind Obama's personal style. Their legacy of thoughtful collaboration continued on June 16, when the former First Lady visited Chicago's Barack Obama Presidential Center while wearing a custom skirt featuring her "favorite portrait" of her mother.

Days before the Barack Obama Presidential Center opens to the public, Michelle and Barack Obama hosted a private stakeholders reception on the Jackson Park campus. The first unveiling of the museum, library, and auditorium was a historic moment for both Chicagoans. Michelle honored it with a "beautiful skirt," which Barack "didn't know existed" until moments before they stepped onstage.

Acne Studios transformed its Fall 2026 collection's belted, calf-sweeping pencil skirt to feature a portrait of Michelle's late mom, Marian Robinson, who called Chicago's South Side home. The sepia-tinted shift captured the graceful essence of Robinson as clear as a picture frame on their family mantle.

Obama and Koop kept the rest of her outfit simple yet chic. The former First Lady tucked a chocolate brown, sweater shirt into the skirt's belted waistband, before popping on matching, patent slingback pumps.

"Marian would have been so proud, she was so proud of her son-in-law, and the man that he is and has been to our family," she shared in her mother's hometown. "Thank you for doing this for the South Side of Chicago," she told her husband.

Former President Obama had a tearful reaction to his wife's look. He told the crowd he was, "a little shaken up by this, because I loved my mother-in-law." Michelle's surprise homage came just two years after her mother's passing.

Michelle Obama has always been "very intentional" with her fashion. "I learned early on that the clothes I wore in the White House would never be seen as just clothes," she revealed in a new social media series, which honors the new Barack Obama Presidential Center. "With the help of my talented team, I considered every choice—the designer, the color, the silhouette, the style—before I set foot in public."

From 2009 to 2017, she carefully curated a wardrobe of designers from "across the country and around the world," including Jason Wu, the creative behind her Inauguration Gown in 2009. Some of her most memorable fashion moments are spotlighted in the Presidential Center's museum. After all, these looks by Wu, Michael Kors, Naeem Khan, and so many more played a part in American history, too.

Michelle's latest Acne Studios look proved she still approaches fashion with the same consideration, care, and respect. The former First Couple might as well clear a spot for her mother's portrait-turned-pencil skirt in the new museum.

An Adidas Samba shortage is sweeping the street style nation this spring. VIP sneakerheads are sampling the label's lesser-spotted sneakers instead. Kendall Jenner brought back Adidas Superstars; Lily Collins endorsed Hardball Spezials as the next rich-mom staple; and on April 26, Michelle Obama's rare Adidas sneakers put the "Japan" model on the map.

The former First Lady arrived in New York City wearing trainers not yet appreciated en masse by locals. Her Sunday afternoon jeans outfit could make the Sambas alternatives the West Village's leading It shoe. It seems Obama chose the $140 Japan Decon Sneakers: a circa-2025, "deconstructed" imagining of 1964's training Adidas Japan shoes.

Originally released for that summer's Tokyo Olympics, they mirror the low-profile silhouette, T-shaped toe box, and trio of stripes seen on Adidas Sambas. The only difference? Perforated uppers and sidewalls, plus slimmer soles make them a bit more breathable. Leather exteriors also prove they're a worthy warm-weather alternative to suede Sambas. They looked just as seasonal as Obama's camel-colored denim jacket and straight-leg jeans.

Obama's sneaker outfits have been slim to none this year, but she couldn't have picked a better model to board the bandwagon. Adidas Japans are somewhat of an "IYKYK" sneaker on celebrities' shoe racks. Adidas's Feb. 2022 collaboration with Wales Bonner put Japans on both Bella and Gigi Hadid's radars. But Adidas Japan Decon sneakers are still awaiting their Samba-esque spike.

That said, they're just as streamlined as Taekwondos and Tokyos, Jennifer Lawrence's signature Adidas best-sellers. Perhaps seeing the former First Lady in the underdog Japans will give them their deserved street style spotlight. It's up to NYC It girls to pick up where Obama left off—spring denim outfit and all.

Shop Adidas Japan Sneakers Inspired by Michelle Obama

After eight years in the White House, Michelle Obama and husband Barack likely find it impossible to enjoy a low-key date night just about anywhere. So on February 15, the Obamas were spotted on a rare public date night at the NBA All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome in California—which was also attended by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.

For their laidback date night, Michelle appeared to be wearing a matching set from Jean Paul Gaultier, including the label's Slit Denim Jacket and coordinating Snap-Button Denim Jeans, both in navy. The distinctive set features silver snap-button closures pinching at the ankles, as well as structured jacket pockets and a silver zip fastening.

Michelle shared a sweet snap taken at the game on Instagram, featuring husband Barack and daughter Sasha Obama, along with the caption, "My favorite teammates on and off the court." Throughout the event, the Obamas appeared to be having fun and were photographed laughing together on multiple occasions.

Even when she's keeping her date night attire casual in a denim matching set, Michelle manages to look endlessly chic and entirely enviable.

Shop Outfits Inspired by Michelle Obama

Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy interview with Michelle Obama on January 21 began with an outfit breakdown. "This is a Meredith Koop original," Obama shared, shouting out her longtime stylist. For the podcast, the dynamic duo recreated a decades-old Obama look from her Princeton days, with head-to-toe Isabel Marant.

Following fresh-off-the-runway finds from Chanel, Thom Browne, Prada, and Loewe on her The Look book tour, Obama finally sourced herself for style inspiration. First, Koop layered Isabel Marant's $720 Aurora Shirt—a pinstripe button-down—beneath the on-sale Devina Vest made of ribbed, ruby red wool. In lieu of the vest's zipper, an oversize, charm-embellished pin connected its deep, U-shaped neckline. The pin's mismatched pendants made her décolletage sparkle.

Obama's jeans hailed from Isabel Marant's catalog, too. The wide-leg Stely Pants started with a fitted waistband, plus a visible zipper similar to her Devina Vest. Contrasting red topstitching along the belt loops, pleats, and pockets made the dark denim feel slightly patriotic. Isabel Marant upped the Americana charm with slouchy red leather boots, which Obama traded for a suede black pair.

A few pages into her third book, The Look, readers are greeted by the circa-1980s blueprint of Obama's Call Her Daddy podcast outfit. The then-sophomore posed on Princeton's New Jersey campus in a white button-down, which peeked out from beneath a bright red sweater. Obama's dark-wash bottoms were a perfect shade match to her fitted jean jacket.

Her 2026 self opted out of the latter Levi's topper, as well as her slouchy "sports sack." Obama called it "the happening bag" in a Nov. 2025 interview with Vogue. "I think it was one of those rare purchases that I bought with my own money," she said. Koop complemented Obama's rolled-up sleeves, which she called "a tactic" because they were too short. "Hashtag tall girl problems," she said. "That I had to employ with almost every outfit."

Some habits never fade: Obama rolled up her sleeves on Call Her Daddy, too. It's a marked shift from her style in the White House. Once Barack Obama became president, the former First Lady's Princeton and Harvard Law School style traded places with polished, diplomatic dress. She entered 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue with "a plan and a strategy in place for how fashion, just like everything we did in the White House, would have meaning and impact," Obama told Cooper in today's interview.

Still, "my shoes became the most important thing about me," she said, referencing the media's focus on her First Lady fashion. "I shied away from the fashion conversation, but I knew I didn't completely control it." She recognized that women "have to think a lot more" about the "messages we're sending, giving, and receiving" through clothes. "My husband wasn't doing that; same suit, white shirt, different tie."

Obama is new to Isabel Marant's Parisian, boho-chic aesthetic, though she pulled it off with ease in her latest appearance. You'd think the brand created the outfit just for the former First Lady, but each separate is still shoppable (contrary to her other book tour looks).

Unless you have a stylist like Koop on speed dial, sourcing Spring 2026 selects from Chanel and Loewe is next to impossible. Take advantage of copying Obama while you can, because this rarely happens.

Shop Styles Inspired by Michelle Obama's 'Call Her Daddy' Outfit

It's a good day to be a bolero fan! Because after years of torment and ridicule, our love of fractional sweaters has finally been validated by one of America's most stylish women—and just in time for Christmas!

On Dec. 24, former First Lady Michelle Obama flexed her Fashion Girl muscle, once again, busting out a bit of archival designer for the national holiday. She was outfitted all in black lace and silk, for a sultry take on the typical festive uniform.

Her dress—a low-cut, A-line number—was crafted by the late Alexander McQueen (a famously edgy designer one wouldn't typically associate with the Christmas season). Ever the environmentalist, Obama's midi dress was a vintage find from McQueen's Spring/Summer 2005 collection, debuting years before she moved into the White House.

Naturally, former President Barack Obama matched her level of style to a T. He himself wore a matching black turtleneck, styling his own with a sandy-colored suede jacket (his love of khaki prevails).

Obama's dress was an unexpected choice, to be sure (former First Lady Jill Biden chose a more traditional cardigan-and-trouser situation, by contrast), but the runway-inspired themes were far from over.

Obama styled the archival find with one of fashion's most polarizing accessories: the bolero sweater. Hers was a knit, turtleneck style that added a hint of modesty to her otherwise playful ensemble. It's a styling choice I, personally, wholeheartedly approve of.

America's most fashionable, ladies and gentleman.

Shop Michelle Obama's Luxe Holiday Look

The bandage dress revival is the invisible string that ties Kaia Gerber, Hailey Bieber, and even Michelle Obama together. On December 15, the former First Lady offered Gerber and Bieber's red carpet staple a proper TV close-up on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Hervé Léger—the designer behind the '90s-era elasticized midis—crafted a custom bandage for Obama's final TV appearance of 2025. Stylist Meredith Koop and the French atelier sourced the Fall 2025 collection's $1,350 Ella Gown for inspiration. Obama's final look mirrored the runway midi's long sheer sleeves and mesh mock neck, before turning opaque at the bodice.

In true bandage form, monochrome elastic strands stacked horizontally from Obama's squared neckline down to her calf-grazing hem. Hervé Léger offers the Ella Gown in black and red, but this time, designers introduced Kewahi Blue. Perhaps Koop and Obama chose the cool-toned teal after seeing it on Winter 2026 runways from Victoria Beckham, Etro, JW Anderson, Tory Burch, and Fendi.

Obama's bandage took center stage alongside a diamond stud earring stack. She traded a necklace for the brooch trend, which sparkled atop her bodice. The three-dimensional flower was a perfect color match to her dress.

Together, the mesh long-sleeve, bandage midi, and brooch looked ready to host a holiday party. Don't be shocked if your cousins arrive at Christmas Eve dinner in a lookalike trio. The Michelle Obama Effect knows no bounds.

The White House isn't exactly bandage dress-friendly, as proven by Obama's non-skintight styles during her husband's presidency. Since exiting the presidential suite, however, she's still pledged allegiance to wide-leg trousers and flowing skirts aplenty. (See her multi-color Loewe Spring 2026 dress on The Look book tour.)

Red carpet celebrities, on the other hand, are spearheading the bandage dress renaissance. At the 2024 Toronto Film Festival, Gerber sourced Cindy Crawford's archives for an original Hervé Léger bandage design. Gerber was the spitting image of her mother in the white balconette bandage dress, which she wore to the 1993 Academy Awards with then-husband Richard Gere.

By April, the slim bandage silhouette returned to the red carpet. The 2025 Fashion Trust Awards welcomed Bieber in a bandage-inspired Saint Laurent gown, which featured delicate criss-cross drapery down her plum-colored bodice.

Everyone who's anyone pulled off bandage dresses in the 2010s, including Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, and Paris Hilton. Now, over 30 years after the style's Fall 1992 runway debut, bandages are still the talk of the town. At this rate, Obama's endorsement could inspire your local politicians to test one on the campaign trail.

Shop Bandage Dresses Inspired by Michelle Obama

Black women everywhere are well aware that braids are the epitome of liberating, but there's something about seeing Michelle Obama swinging the protective style in the wind that feels deeply freeing. The former First Lady posted a picture on Instagram, promoting Annie Leibovitz’s new book, Women, in which Obama is featured. The iconic meetup aside, I audibly gasped at Obama’s hair for the shoot.

For starters, the former First Lady’s hair was in extremely long goddess braids. I’m talking the longest hair length I’ve ever seen on her, braids or otherwise. As is customary for the hairstyle, Obama’s hair was parted using a traditional box technique, and curly extensions were added along the length of each braid. This allowed the typically sleek hairstyle to look fluffy and voluminous, almost as if she had a sew-in instead of braids. She paired the look with minimal makeup, neat brows, and a gorgeous set of almond-shaped nails.

Since her days in the White House, Obama has been very open about how constrained she felt regarding her beauty choices as First Lady. “Let me keep my hair straight,” she said back in 2022, while promoting her book The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times. “Let’s get health care passed.” Since then, she’s discussed the freedom that braids bring her, especially as someone who lives a very active lifestyle. “When I am out of the public eye, I am swimming, I am playing tennis, I work out, I like to be active,” she recently said in an interview with People. “I don’t want to have to have a stylist with me.”

​Obama’s new hair era is a reminder to us all that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. In a country that has yet to federally ban hair discrimination, it’s also a message to Black people everywhere that our cultural hairstyles are appropriate for all areas of our lives. Braids, afros, twist-outs—our hairstyles are beautiful and should always be regarded as such.

If you’re also wearing braids as we head into the holiday season, keep reading for a few products that will make at-home maintenance a breeze.

Michelle Obama's third book, The Look, is bringing out the best in her fashion sense. No surprise there—the memoir spotlights her style evolution inside and out of the White House. On November 5, Obama and her stylist, Meredith Koop, did their big one when the former first lady took center stage in fresh-from-the-runway Loewe.

24 hours after The Look hit shelves, Obama kept the press tour's momentum going at a live podcast taping in New York City. (It'll premiere soon on the author's podcast, "IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson.") Obama and her A-list interviewer, Tracee Ellis Ross, maximized their joint sartorial prowess under the Howard Gilman Opera House's lights, with finds from Paris Fashion Week's recent runways.

For Obama, Koop tracked down Look 50 from Loewe's unreleased Spring 2026 collection. The label's Oct. 3 show also served as new creative directors Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez's runway debut—making the author's book tour dress an especially impressive pull. (The Proenza Schouler pair succeeded Jonathan Anderson in April, after his move to Dior.)

The line had plenty of Obama-worthy designs to choose from—55, to be exact. Her final pick wasn't your average little black dress. It began as a noir shift, featuring a high mock-neck and a thigh-length hem. Then, the back stood out for a splash of lemon yellow. A cinched waistline surrendered to cascading ruffles, which billowed out as she walked. Fuchsia panels enhanced the high-contrast effect.

On the catwalk, the model wore mismatched tights—one leg in black, the other in neon pink to match the asymmetrical skirt's underlay. Obama, on the other hand, traded in Loewe's two-tone loafers for all-black sock boots. Yes, it was the more minimalist selection, but it ensured her dress remained front and center.

Tracee Ellis Ross, a fashion muse in her own right, matched Obama's energy in a pale pink shift dress. The sleeveless bodice began with a striking boat neck, which plunged into a V down her spine. Her ultra-pointy Knife Heels revealed the dress's identity: It premiered in Pierpaolo Piccioli's initial Balenciaga collection during the Spring 2026 circuit.

Obama hasn't publicly worn Loewe before, but perhaps Tracee Ellis Ross put the brand on her radar. The Spanish label first joined the Black-ish alum's collection in 2019. Little did Loewe know, it earned a lifelong customer right then and there. This year, Ross scored a front-row seat to the brand's Spring 2026 show, where Obama's dress floated down the runway. Knowing the former first lady, she chose the Loewe number as a tribute to her friend and moderator.

Back in the day, however, Obama wasn't this intentional with her fashion choices. "I was a working woman with a strategic mind and ideas about what I needed to do," Obama shared during the event. "I didn't want the clothes to talk louder than the work that I did.” Now, after decades of letting journalists do the talking, she's joining the sartorial conversation.

By the time Obama's press tour ends, she'll need The Look's sequel to showcase her recent runway pulls. So far, she's sourced denim Entire Studios, custom Simone Rocha, and even Matthieu Blazy's debut Chanel look: a herringbone suit set and pom-pom-shaped earrings. What a stellar way to get fashion girls to their local bookstore.

Meet the winter coat trend that's about to save your closet: the hero jacket. At first glance, it's a seemingly simple black leather layer. But true fans know it's the most versatile form of outerwear out there—you can dress it up or down with ease. So in just one week, it's earned top billing in Marie Claire's Winter 2026 fashion trends report and joined Michelle Obama's collection.

On November 4, the former first lady arrived at The Late Show With Stephen Colbert styling her hero jacket for the spotlight. She was impossible to miss in a moto-style model, featuring statement lapels, silver hardware, and a luxe leather exterior. The silhouette was ever-so-slightly oversize. The last thing an A-lister wants to do while prepping for an on-camera interview is worry about her look. Stylist Meredith Koop clearly instructed Obama to throw on the cold-weather staple without a second thought.

Obama's entrance into the Ed Sullivan Theater was quite speedy, making her set surprisingly tricky to ID. It seems, however, that she paired the rising winter jacket trend with equally-beloved bottoms: flared jeans. Coated denim provided a shiny, leather-like finish, similar to her outerwear. Pointy patent boots, featuring itty-bitty kitten heels, matched her black enveloped clutch.

Once it was time to chat with Colbert, Obama ditched the leather jacket entirely. Stylist Meredith Koop traded it in for a black midi dress, decorated with three-dimensional pearls atop the illusion bodice. She wore the LBD to talk all things The Look, her third memoir, which spotlights her style evolution in and outside the White House.

Obama revived her hero jacket just in time—Khaite, Gabriela Hearst, and Ralph Lauren debuted similar styles during the Resort 2026 circuit. Leather motos are experiencing a renaissance of sorts, but Obama and the basic go way back. Her eight years in the White House were leather jacket-limited, but her author era is full of renditions.

While promoting The Light We Carry in Dec. 2022, a moto-clad Obama took center stage. The Palmer//Harding coat's lapel and silver zippers bared a shocking resemblance to her latest look. Even her pointy boots looked familiar, apart from the studded sidewalls. The only difference? Obama wore it with wide-leg leather pants.

If Marie Claire's trend report wasn't proof enough, take it from Obama herself: It's time to invest in your hero jacket, whatever that looks like to you.

Shop Leather Jackets Inspired by Michelle Obama

As a fashion girl by day and a raging liberal by night, Michelle Obama's new book, The Look, is high on my holiday wish list. The former first lady's third memoir hits shelves on Nov. 4, but before its release, she sat down with Robin Roberts for an exclusive 20/20 interview.

"I made it a point never to be the one talking about what I was wearing," Obama said. Now, almost a decade after leaving the White House, she opened up about her personal style, its purpose and evolution. She did so in style, of course.

Obama's longtime stylist, Meredith Koop—whom she's worked with since 2009—sourced a double-denim look from Entire Studios for the television special. She layered a white tank top underneath the jean jacket, which she decorated with a black floral brooch.

Obama chose jeans with rolled-up hems, an of-the-moment trend seen on recent runways. The cuffs stretched just high enough to reveal her pointy ankle boots, which came in black leather to match her statement brooch. Diamond stud earrings and her signature ring stacks acted as her only accessories.

Obama's double denim felt surprisingly casual for a nationwide TV broadcast. Even so, the ensemble felt aligned with her signature book tour attire. While promoting The Light We Carry in Nov. of 2022, matching sets were her modus operandi. During her Washington D.C. stop, Obama chose another Canadian tuxedo, this time from Ganni.

Obama's denim set signaled a strong, intentional return to the sartorial conversation—one she was always a part of (albeit quietly). "I really thought about what I wanted to say with my fashion. I wanted to talk about inclusion, diversity, opening up opportunities, and fashion was one of those tools that allowed me to do that,” Obama told Roberts. “The designers that I chose—there were young designers; there were women designers; there were also immigrant American designers.”

Her white, one-shoulder gown at the 2009 Inaugural Ball, courtesy of Taiwan-born Jason Wu, immediately comes to mind. "He had just gotten started [and] is a fabulous designer with a beautiful story, an immigrant American.”

Wu also created Obama's second Inaugural gown in 2013: a crimson red halter-neck number. "That was the point—to find the best designers, to give them a stage to show the world how great they were. That's what makes America great."

During her eight years as first lady, Obama steered clear of the conversation around her fashion, because she "was worried that it would become a distraction." Still, she wanted to "show up with thought, and consideration, and energy, and light.”

With The Look, Obama is "reclaiming" her fashion story, one Canadian tuxedo at a time.

Michelle Obama is keeping it real about the significance of Black hairstyles and upkeep. On October 28, the attorney and former First Lady of the United States spoke to People about her latest project, a hardcover coffee table book titled The Look. Of course, Obama looked incredible in an olive green top and high-waisted pants, and as the interview continued, she moved on to the topic of hair.

“It’s freedom,” Obama says at one point as she discusses her affinity for braids. “This is what we understand about our hair as women of color.” She then goes on to explain that, while curly hair is absolutely beautiful, trying to fit into a society that praises the opposite, the time and monetary costs that come as a result are astronomical. The protective style allows her to actively participate in her own very hectic life, without all the frills. “When I am out of the public eye, I am swimming, I am playing tennis, I work out. I like to be active,” Obama says. “I don’t want to have to have a stylist with me.”

Obama went on to explain that she also understood the significance of choosing to wear braids as First Lady, especially at her and her husband’s portrait unveiling ceremony back in 2018. “I wanted to send a message to young women and all of us as women, that we should be the ones determining what is appropriate for our hair,” Obama said. “Not our boss, not our workplace, not some standard that doesn’t even reflect us...let that be my business.”

This isn’t the first time Obama has spoken about her hair journey. In 2022, she revealed that she actually wanted to wear more protective styles during her time in the White House but didn’t think the American people were ready for it. “Let me keep my hair straight,” Obama said, sharing her thought process at the time. “Let’s get health care passed.”

​Race-based hair discrimination is unfortunately not uncommon in the United States. It is the entire basis of the CROWN Act, which activists have been trying to get passed on a federal level for years. As of today, 28 states have approved the legislation, but that leaves 22 to go. Until then, I applaud women like Michelle Obama for continuing to speak up about their experiences—in whichever hairstyle they deem appropriate.

Prince Harry has been outspoken about his adoration of his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. According to one royal author, the Duke of Sussex's deference to the late Queen meant that he sometimes feared requesting too much of the beloved monarch.

According to royal biographer Valentine Low, Prince Harry wanted to ask Queen Elizabeth to film a video to promote the 2016 Invictus Games, via the Daily Mail. However, as Low wrote in his book Courtiers, Prince Harry reportedly said of the idea, "I don't want to put her in an awkward position."

The Duke of Sussex reportedly said of the project, "I don't know if it is going to belittle anything she does." As a result, Harry allegedly decided to contact the former Queen's private secretary, Sir Christopher Geidt, for advice. But according to Low, the prince received a "rather unsympathetic response," with Geidt reportedly saying, "If you want to ask The Queen, ask The Queen."

Luckily, Prince Harry's alleged fears were completely unfounded, and Queen Elizabeth was reportedly "more than willing to help."

Still, when it came to filming the Invictus Games video alongside his grandmother, Harry "was nervous how it was going to go," a source told Low.

The video—which later went viral—was filmed in just two takes, and saw Harry and The Queen receive a phone call from the Obamas. After filming was complete, Elizabeth reportedly said, "Oh this is rather fun...People should ask me to do these more often."

A source told Low that Queen Elizabeth had no hesitation in agreeing to take part in the video, as she "wanted to support her grandson." As the source told Low, "She wanted to support the cause, and was happy for having some fun in the process." Obviously, the final product speaks for itself.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to host Donald and Melania Trump during their presidential state visit to the U.K. this week. Throughout her time on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II met a plethora of American presidents, and she appears to have developed a soft spot for Barack Obama. However, his final state visit to the U.K. in 2016, which coincided with the monarch's 90th birthday, apparently caused an argument to erupt.

During an episode of the Daily Mail's "Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things" podcast, royal expert Robert Hardman revealed that the late monarch wanted to "pop out" and meet the Obamas in her own vehicle upon their arrival. Unsurprisingly, the Secret Service agents tasked with protecting the president were reportedly displeased with the idea.

According to Hardman, Queen Elizabeth's casual suggestion caused a "very serious row" to start between the Secret Service and Buckingham Palace. "The Secret Service said absolutely no way is that happening," the royal biographer explained. "The president can only be driven around by us."

Hardman further revealed that Obama's staff had "said there was a very serious row over which car they were going to go in and who was going to drive it." He continued, "This dilemma went right the way up to Obama himself, who had to decide. He thought, well it obviously means quite a lot to them, so I'll go in their car."

According to the royal expert, Obama had the final say in how he traveled to Windsor Castle. "For the only time in his entire presidency, he and the First Lady were driven, not in a bullet-proof, bomb-proof whatever, but in a Range Rover driven by Prince Philip," Hardman shared.

Clearly, the Obamas put a lot of faith in the British Royal Family.

Since leaving the White House, Michelle Obama has been pretty candid about her life and open about her marriage to Barack Obama. Following the former president's revelation that he'd been "trying to dig" himself out of a "deep deficit" in his marriage, Michelle has shared the reason why she's "so glad" she doesn't have any sons with her husband.

During the June 18 episode of her podcast, "IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson," the former First Lady shared why she was grateful to have two daughters with Barack. "I'm so glad I didn't have a boy," Michelle explained (via Us Weekly). "He would have been a Barack Obama [the Third]. Oh, no. I would have felt for him."

Robinson, who is Michelle's brother and co-host, responded by telling her she could "just borrow [his] boys," her nephews, whenever she wanted to.

Michelle and Barack have raised two daughters—Malia Ann Obama, who was born in 1998, and Natasha [known as Sasha] Obama, who was born in 2001.

Back in March, Michelle appeared on Kylie Kelce's "Not Gonna Lie" podcast, and revealed why she decided to "stop" at two children. "You're doing it a fourth time," Michelle told Kelce (via Us Weekly). "I just had to stop." She continued, "I was like, 'I think I've been lucky with these two.'"

Initially, Michelle's husband didn't agree with her decision to stop at two children. "Barack was like, 'We should have a third,' and I was like, 'Dude,'" Michelle shared.

The Becoming author also appreciated her two daughters, who were both "good sleepers." "I'm thinking, 'We're gonna get a crazy one,'" she told Kelce. "It's just the roll of the dice."

Michelle Obama's latest outfit, which combines a cute Bottega Veneta bag with baggy cargo pants, perfectly encapsulates the former First Lady's post-White House style.

Obama—whose stylist is Meredith Koop—has been cultivating a brand new aesthetic since her husband's presidency ended. On Thursday, April 17, the former-FLOTUS was photographed in Los Angeles with her brother, Craig Robinson, who also just so happens to be her new podcast co-host. For the outing, Obama carried a Bottega Veneta Small Arco Intrecciato Leather Tote Bag in black, which retails for $3,700.

The Becoming author wore an almost entirely olive green outfit. She matched her cardigan to a V-neck sweater in the same shade, while her baggy cargo pants, which were cuffed above her ankles, were a lighter khaki green. Obama completed the sleek outfit with brown slingback pumps and gold knot earrings, while she wore her long hair in a ponytail.

Of course, Obama isn't alone in her love of baggy pants. Rihanna regularly makes a case for wearing cargo pants, while Jennifer Lawrence has proven parachute pants to be extremely wearable. Marie Claire editors even earmarked lightweight cargo pants as one of their spring essentials for 2025.

The host of IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson has mastered the high-low outfit, managing to take her presidential wardrobe to a more relaxed, yet still designer, place. Recently, Obama attended SXSW where she nailed boho-chic in a Western-inspired matching set by French label Rabanne, and invoked the '90s with a braided mohawk. Obama is also comfortable in a safety pin Versace suit or a futuristic pantsuit when the situation calls for it.

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have both been candid about the challenges their relationship endured while they lived in the White House. Now, Barack is discussing how he fought for his marriage after his presidency ended.

On April 3, Barack spoke to Hamilton College President Steven Tepper about the state of his marriage following two terms as POTUS. "I was in a deep deficit with my wife," the author of Dreams From My Father said, via The Daily Beast. "So I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things."

The Obamas tied the knot on October 3, 1992 in Chicago, and subsequently welcomed two daughters—Malia, born in July 1998, and Sasha, born in June 2001.

In December 2022, Michelle was similarly open about experiencing troubling periods in her marriage to Barack. "People think I'm being catty by saying this—it's like, there were 10 years where I couldn't stand my husband," she revealed during a roundtable conversation with Revolt TV. "And guess when it happened? When those kids were little."

While Barack pursued his political career, Michelle seemingly found her own professional dreams stalling. "And for 10 years while we're trying to build our careers and, you know, worrying about school and who's doing what and what, I was like, 'Ugh, this isn't even,'" the author of Becoming said at the roundtable. "And guess what? Marriage isn't 50/50, ever, ever."

Barack previously shared that Michelle didn't initially want him to run for president. "Her initial response was, 'No,'" he said during an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in 2020. "What I said to her, 'We still need to think through all the different elements of it and if at the end of that you still say no, then it's a no.'"

Yes, Michelle Obama is my summer hair inspiration and soon she’ll be yours too. On Mar. 20, the former First Lady posted a clip of the latest episode of her podcast IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson. In the video, Obama was dressed in an oversized blazer, a blue-and-white button up, and gold accessories to pull the look together. Her hairstyle of choice? A stunning braided mohawk that I will be swiftly re-creating.

For the '90s-inspired look, Obama parted her braids into the sections from the bottom of her head all the way to the top, creating three ponytails. She then wrapped the ends of each to create small buns that ran along the middle of her head. Finally, she left a few braids out toward the front, allowing them to act as flirty face-framing pieces.

Obama, who has publicly admitted that she purposely didn’t wear braids while in the White House, has been having a lot of fun with the style since reacclimatizing to life as a civilian. She’s seems to be a particularly big fan of goddess braids and has styled them in everything from half-up half-down styles to Barbie ponytails and even space buns. As someone who can admittedly be a little boring with their braids, it’s deeply refreshing to see someone as esteemed as Michelle Obama get so creative with the protective style that is a staple for Black women everywhere.

If you’re feeling as inspired as I am, keep scrolling to see how I plan to re-create Obama’s look when I get my braids in for the summer.

Michelle Obama marked her first public outing in months with a boho-chic look at South by Southwest festival. It was a fitting vibe for the former First Lady to channel at the multi-day event, which is hosted annually at the nexus of modern Americana: Austin, Texas.

On Mar. 13, the 61-year-old took the stage at Austin Convention Center with her brother, college basketball coach Craig Robinson, to record a live taping of their new podcast. Dubbed IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, the conversational weekly show sees the sibling duo grapple with listener questions big and small. The topic for Thursday's session was transforming grief into hope—fitting, given the year she's had. What really renewed my will to carry on, though, was the best-selling author's crown braid, paired to a Rabanne set styled by Meredith Koop.

Obama's fabulous hairstyle created a halo around her face with rows of tightly wound brunette braids. Atop her head, several smaller braids were woven together to create a thicker braid that arched from ear to ear. Cascading curls fell to her waist behind her crown. As she walked, her ringlets billowed behind her like a windswept cowgirl riding into town on horseback.

Obama originally debuted her braids in August 2022 right before the long-awaited unveiling of her official White House portrait in the East Room. It felt like a symbolic choice for the former First Lady to don a more expressive style after years of sporting a perfect silk press while in office. The media mogul continued to wear braids on the 2024 presidential campaign trail with Kamala Harris, where Michelle frequently appeared to stump in support of the former Vice President's bid. At the Democratic National Convention, for instance, she pulled her micro-braids into a stunning fishtail braided updo with a deep side part.

That said, I'm partial to long and loose style she selected for South by Southwest. It complimented the Western flair of her burnt orange lace-up matching set so perfectly that I can't help but tip my hat. Rest assured, the yeehaw agenda is alive and well.

Did a former First Lady shop Bella Hadid's closet at her Texas ranch? Because Michelle Obama lassoed her most cowgirl-coded look on record—and played with spring 2025 color trends—for her March 13 panel at the annual SXSW (South by Southwest) festival.

Obama skipped all her usual style codes for a casual conversation with her brother, National Association of Basketball Coaches executive director Craig Robinson, about their new podcast, IMO. She traded her leopard-spotted Theory blazers and Monse pantsuits for a Western matching set. Her longtime stylist, Meredith Koop, confirmed to Marie Claire the designer behind her boxy jacket with two rows of criss-crossing leather laces and coordinating high-rise pants is French label Rabanne.

The burnt-orange shade and lace details definitely could have belonged in Hadid's recent slate of rodeo queen outfits. They'd also pair nicely with a ten-gallon hat for front-row seats at Beyoncé's upcoming Cowboy Carter tour. But Mrs. Obama kept things from feeling too "Texas Hold 'Em" by balancing out her set with sleek black ankle boots, a plain black T-shirt, and delicate Kendra Scott jewelry. A boho-chic crown braid and long, cascading curls flowed over her shoulders and down her back.

Michelle Obama's SXSW matching set coordinates with one of the spring 2025 runways' favorite Pantone swatches. Designers from Miu Miu to Dries van Noten all but painted their collections in tangerine orange this season; so did Alberta Ferretti and Loewe. Obama's set is notably more yeehaw than those collections' takes on the color trend: Most sampled the fruity shade in the form of silk dresses and diaphanous skirts.

Saddling up to a Western matching set is Obama's way of method dressing for SXSW, an Austin institution since 1987. It's also another example of the former First Lady's adventurous style since the end of President Obama's administration. Mrs. Obama and stylist Meredith Koop approached the presidential years with a focus on championing American designers and accessible pieces any citizen tuning into the State of the Union could wear. (Most famously, she wore J.Crew cardigans at the White House.) Now as a best-selling author, voting rights advocate, and podcaster, she can have more fun with fashion—and embrace her luxury side.

Obama has attended talkshows wearing head-to-toe Bottega Veneta and hosted fireside chats in thigh-high Balenciaga boots. Serious moments, such as her appearances on Kamala Harris's presidential campaign trail, required more somber and straightforward suiting. Her vibrant SXSW matching set is both a return to form—Kendra Scott, the maker of her jewelry, is an Austin-based brand—and adventurous new terrain. We'll say yeehaw to that.

On January 20, 2025, Michelle Obama skipped Donald Trump's inauguration. Instead, she took to Instagram to honor MLK Day, and encouraged her followers to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "legacy of service."

"Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of service always inspires me," Obama wrote on Instagram. "This #MLKDay, I hope you'll join me and @WhenWeAllVote in honoring Dr. King's life and legacy by getting involved in your community." She continued, "Whether you're mentoring students at your local school or volunteering for a cause that matters to you, it all helps make a difference. Tell me how you're giving back today in the comments."

The Becoming author also shared a poignant quote from King, which said, "The time is always right to do what is right."

While Michelle chose to skip Trump's inauguration, her husband, former president Barack Obama, was in attendance. As for why Michelle decided to swerve the event, a source told People, "There's no overstating her feelings about [Trump]. She's not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocol's sake." The source continued, "Michelle doesn't do anything because it's expected or it's protocol or it's tradition."

The outlet's source also alleged that Michelle disagreed with many of Trump's comments, both about her family and about people of color, which led to her decision not to attend. "She served in the public eye and did all the public good that she could for eight years as first lady," the source claimed. "You'll see her when she has a project or cause to promote but she doesn't feel the need to be a public figure anymore."

Michelle previously revealed her feelings regarding Trump's presidential win in 2016. As Michelle and husband Barack were leaving their roles in the White House, it was necessary for her to take part in a handover to the new president and his wife, Melania Trump.

"I have to be honest and say that none of this was easy for me," Michelle wrote on Instagram in November 2020. "Donald Trump had spread racist lies about my husband that had put my family in danger. That wasn't something I was ready to forgive. But I knew that, for the sake of our country, I had to find the strength and maturity to put my anger aside." She continued, "So I welcomed Melania Trump into the White House and talked with her about my experience, answering every question she had—from the heightened scrutiny that comes with being First Lady to what it's like to raise kids in the White House."

Michelle Obama is just like the rest of us: At the height of the holiday season, she's ready to test a subtly festive nail trend.

The former First Lady stopped by The Jennifer Hudson Show on Dec. 17 in a full Bottega Veneta 'fit styled by Meredith Koop. She was greeted with what can only be described as a boogie-down line: the behind-the-scenes crew sang a remixed version of Stevie Wonder’s ‘I Wish,’ inserting lyrics that crooned how happy they were for Obama to grace the show. As she shimmied and clapped down the line, she managed to show off her cherry mocha manicure, one of the biggest winter nail color trends of the moment.

Obama’s nails were filed into a medium-length, almond shape. Then, each finger was painted a deep brown-burgundy shade—a moody take on the trend sweeping TikTok this fall and winter. Obama accessorized with her wedding rings, a few flashes of chunky gold rings, and a pair of teardrop-shaped Bottega Veneta earrings. Their burgundy ombré perfectly coordinated with the blood-red hue on her fingertips.

Cherry mocha manicures like Obama's are bold yet minimal, as they’re often devoid of additional nail art, allowing the color to stand on its own. Still, the shade itself is extremely eye-catching, as it often serves as a pop of color against the darker-colored fashion palettes that tend to dominate during the fall and winter months.

Other Hollywood A-listers like Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, and even Angelina Jolie have been spotted wearing cherry mocha nails in recent weeks. If you’ve even glanced at your social media pages recently, the manicure is all but guaranteed to have surfaced somewhere on your ‘For You Page.’

Want to DIY your cherry mocha nails and skip a trip to the salon? I went ahead and rounded up a few of Marie Claire's favorite formulas to match Michelle Obama's nails below. (Coordinating Bottega Veneta earrings not included.)

With all this talk of nepo babies, Barack Obama's daughter Malia Obama is doing everything in her power to make it on her own.

President Obama recently appeared on The Pivot Podcast, where he was asked about how he and Michelle Obama encourage their daughters Malia and Sasha to be their own people in the world.

"The challenge for us is letting us give them any help at all," the President said. "I mean, they're very sensitive about this stuff. They're very stubborn about it."

He continued, "Malia, she's making movies. So she made her first movie, and I'll be a dad, I'll brag a little bit. She's working with Donald [Glover], and you know, her first film went to Sundance and all these fancy film festivals—and she didn't use Obama as director on the credits. [She was] Malia Ann. She used her middle name and didn't put Obama. I was all like, 'You do know they'll know who you are?' And she's all like, 'You know what, I want them to watch it that first time and not in any way have that association to it.'"

He concluded, "I think our daughters go out of their way to not try to leverage that."

Back in February of this year, news broke that the former First Daughter was going by Malia Ann in the credits for her short film The Heart, which (fact-check alert!) was in fact shown at Sundance.

Donald Glover told Vanity Fair about Malia in March, "I feel like she’s just somebody who’s gonna have really good things coming soon. Her writing style is great."

His brother Stephen Glover, who is working with Donald and Malia on a new Amazon series, joked, "We can’t be easy on her just because she’s the [former] president’s daughter."

And by the sounds of it, she wouldn't want that either!

With 2024 election anxiety getting more intense by the day, I think we could all do with some uplifting news. So for the next few minutes, let's take a closer look at Michelle Obama's relatable new outfit.

The ever-stylish former first lady hit another stop on the Harris-Walz campaign trail, giving a battleground speech in College Park, Georgia on Oct. 29. She spoke at the When We All Vote rally, influencing the audience with her powerful words and casual-cool sense of style.

Breaking with tradition, Obama chose, not a modern suit or pussy bow blouse, but a pair of loose-fitting jeans and a distressed sweater vest from fashion girl-favorite R13. Her ivory, cable-knit top was sleeveless and featured frayed hems—much more high-fashion than your usual fall knitwear. Her jeans, on the other hand, tapped into fall's wide-leg denim trend and had a contrasting pocket detail at the hip.

Obama turned it out in the jewelry department, wearing gold bubble earrings from Jennifer Fisher (shop them here) and a stack of matching bangles—all of which coordinated with the VOTE pin stuck to her collar. She also stacked on a pair of Roxanne Assoulin's signature rainbow bracelets for a grown-up take on the friendship bracelet trend ignited by Taylor Swift (who, coincidentally, has also shown her support for Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential bid).

Obama's look is unusually laid-back for a political rally, but it falls in line with the Harris-Walz camp, for which approachable clothing has been a running theme. VP Harris's ballot mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, has made midwestern casual wear the focal point of his campaign wardrobe, likely to appeal to rural demographics that have historically leaned Republican.

Thus far, the Harris-Walz campaign trail has seen tortoiseshell suits, sequin gowns, and viral camo hats. Politics haven't seen this level of style since former president Barack Obama's reign—and it's about time we brought it back.

Every campaign trail outfit matters in the final days of the 2024 presidential election: Clothes can underscore or amplify the messages in candidates' final bids for Americans' votes, whether they're worn by the party's nominee or their most notable supporters. So when Michelle Obama joined Vice President Kamala Harris for her Kalamazoo, Michigan, rally on Oct. 26, to deliver a rousing speech with a focus on reproductive rights—just ten days before the election—she and stylist Meredith Koop no doubt gave her look a lot of thought.

The pair landed on a tortoiseshell suit by Theory, consisting of a single-breasted blazer and slim-fitting trousers. Underneath, Mrs. Obama wore a custom version of a silk Theory top, which she accessorized with gold Jennifer Fisher hoop earrings, low black pumps, and a long, braided ponytail. The color scheme was neutral, yet the message embedded in it was anything but.

In her nearly 40-minute speech, Michelle Obama cast Vice President Harris as the most worthy champion for women's rights in the 2024 presidential election. “By every measure, she has demonstrated that she’s ready,” Obama said. “The real question is, as a country, are we ready for this moment?”

The former first lady answered "yes" by choosing a more subdued suit than what she'd worn for previous appearances this year. At the Democratic National Convention back in August, she wore a Monse pantsuit with a twisted neckline and a cinched belt at the waist. Sharing on social media that she had completed her mail-in ballot, she wore a pistachio knit set by Balmain. Those pieces showed the playful—and designer-centric—side of personal style Mrs. Obama has explored since leaving the White House, where she more often wore J.Crew cardigans and pencil skirts. For an event underscoring the urgency of an election she deemed "too close," in one of the most crucial states in the Electoral College, Obama understood that she needed to appeal to everyday people and show a unified front with Kamala Harris. So she went to Theory, a brand that balances refined tailoring with approachable prices, and that women around the United States wear to work every single day.

The colors and silhouette of Michelle Obama's speech suit also nodded to Kamala Harris's look for the evening: a tan two-piece set with a zip-up jacket and single-pleat pants. The tortoiseshell pattern complemented Vice President Harris's affinity for neutral suiting without distracting from it; the cut of both women's pants were nearly identical. Together onstage, they presented a vision of two women casting their votes for a shared future (and polished approach to politics).

Dinesh Tandon, global CEO of Theory, tells Marie Claire the team is "honored" Michelle Obama chose Theory for her rare campaign speech. (While she is a gifted orator, she does not often give speeches for candidates—making Theory's selection for the appearance even more noteworthy.) "Mrs. Obama embodies the spirit of confidence and purpose we hope to inspire in all who wear our clothes," Tandon said. "Her words on empowering women and championing their rights resonate with women around the world." So did the look she wore to deliver them—at press time, her exact blazer is sold out (but available in other fall prints).

Former First Lady Michelle Obama made a rare red carpet appearance in New York City and, to the surprise of no one, absolutely slayed.

On Thursday, during the Clooney Foundation for Justice's 2024 Albie Awards, the best-selling author and better half of former President Barack Obama wore a custom Atelier Versace suit adorned with sets of gold safety pins of various sizes running down the lapel.

The black suit set featured a double-breasted blazer and coordinating wide-leg black trousers. While it's arguably easy to assume the monochrome outfit was simple, the elegant suit also featured "sharp, silk lapels and soft shoulders," as Women's Wear Daily reported.

According to the Instagram account Check The Tag, the former first lady was styled by Meredith Koop, the visionary behind Obama's Democratic National Convention (DNC) look.

"Our big one," Koop captioned an Instagram post showcasing Obama's Monse look.

On the DNC stage, the Monse design felt like the power pantsuit of the future, thanks to the sleeveless cut and criss-cross neckline, which was made of notched lapels. The former First Lady has a long-standing connection to the label, or at least it's founders—Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia are both creative directors at Oscar de La Renta, an American brand Obama has been wearing for years.

During the this year's historic DNC, when Vice President Kamala Harris became the first Black woman and South Asian person to become the Democratic nominee for president, the former first lady spoke about the future, making her outfit choice all the more fitting.

“Our fate is in our hands,” Obama said at the time. “In 77 days, we have the power to turn our country away from the fear, division, and smallness of the past. We have the power to marry our hope with our action.”

In a previous interview with Marie Claire, Obama spoke candidly about how she managed the intense media scrutiny and racist attacks her and her family faced as a result of her husband's political career.

"One of the lessons that I grew up with was to always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals," she explained at the time. "And so when I hear about negative and false attacks, I really don't invest any energy in them, because I know who I am."

In the same 2008 interview, Obama also dished about her favorite accessories (her husband and her two daughters, Malia and Sasha), her love of flats, and her personal style.

"You know, Barack has been in politics for a long time, and my style really hasn't changed since he started running for president," she said. "I don't have a stylist, but for special events, I work with designer Maria Pinto here in Chicago, who's not only a great designer but also a good friend." Oh, how things have changed.

The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) is officially underway. Held at the United Center in Chicago from August 19 to 22, the ongoing four-day event hosts thousands of delegates to approve a party platform and for Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to formally accept their nomination in the 2024 presidential election.

The DNC has so far featured memorable remarks by President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and, most recently, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama—with more to come from the nominees in its final days. The 2024 DNC has also seen its fair share of meaningful fashion moments, helping to elevate powerful speeches of voter advocacy and discussions about the Democratic Party campaign. After all, fashion has always played a strategic yet significant role in politics, down to the silhouette, color, and choice of designer.

Vice President Harris kicked off the first day of the DNC wearing a tan two-piece suit by Chloé. Though simple at first glance, Harris's choice was an intentional one. Her Chloé ensemble, technically coming in the shade "coconut brown," paid homage to her viral and meme-able words from May 2023 (“You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.”) It was also a nod to Barack Obama's controversial 2014 look. The then-president wore a similarly-colored suit. At the time, the colorway was considered too controversial for office.

The fashion carried on well into the second day. Former First Lady Michelle Obama took to the stage in a modern version of the traditional First Lady attire. With cues inspired by Hillary Clinton, she conveyed her message of hope with a sleeveless, criss-cross set by Monse. Obama has a long-standing connection with the label's creative directors, Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, who were previously at Oscar de La Renta—a label she often wore during her time as First Lady.

Sartorial statements at the DNC continued off the stage, down to the First and Second Daughters in the crowd. Ashley Biden attended the event wearing a suffragette-inspired white Gabriela Hearst suit, while Kamala Harris's step-daughter Ella Emhoff channeled an all-white look featuring a Helmut Lang top and the buzzy Harris-Walz camouflage baseball cap.

Other noteworthy looks at the DNC included First Lady Dr. Jill Biden's shimmery Ralph Lauren dress, Hillary Clinton's white number, Patti Labelle's lace-embellished coat, and many more. With the Democratic National Convention running until Thursday, check out a roundup of the best (and most meaningful) fashion moments from the event, with more to come.

Mindy Kaling in Monique Lhuillier

Mindy Kaling's DNC appearance included a navy lace sheath dress by Monique Lhuillier and crystal-embellished heels.

Oprah Winfrey in custom Christian Siriano

Oprah Winfrey wore a violet blazer with coordinating wide-leg trousers custom-made by Christian Siriano. In addition to a call out of support to "childless cat ladies," Winfrey's DNC speech revealed she's a “registered Independent,” adding another level of symbolism to her purple look when you blend Republican-red with Democrat-blue.

Michelle Obama's Monse Pantsuit

Former First Lady Michelle Obama attended Day 2 of the Democratic National Convention in a black, criss-cross top and cropped pants from Monse. She also wore black Jimmy Choo pumps.

Patti Labelle's Black Lace Coat

On Day 2, Patti LaBelle performed during the "In Memorium" segment. The singer wore a thigh-hitting white coat embellished with black lace, paired with black pants.

Ella Emhoff's Thom Browne Suit

Kamala Harris's stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, wore a Thom Browne suit on Day 2. Her sleeves were adorned with red, white, and blue stripes, symbolizing the American flag.

Ella Emhoff in Helmut Lang

On the first day of the DNC, Ella Emhoff wore an all-white look, featuring a Helmut Lang top and straight trousers. She also wore a camo Harris-Walz baseball cap (not pictured here).

Kamala Harris in Chloé

Vice President Kamala Harris took to the stage on Day 1 in a tan two-piece suit by Chloé. The "coconut brown" look paid homage to her viral words in 2023 and then-President Barack Obama's 2014 suit of a similar color.

Jill Biden in Ralph Lauren

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden wore a blue Ralph Lauren dress on Day 2, showcasing her evergreen support of American designers.

Jill Biden in a Lilac Blazer

While arriving at the DNC on Day 1, Jill Biden wore a lavender and white suit by Ralph Lauren.

Peggy Flanagan in a Look By Indigenous Designer Jamie Okuma

On Day 1, Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota Peggy Flanagan wore a black-and-white geometric dress by the Indigenous designer Jamie Okuma, a tribute to Flanagan's Native American roots.

Hillary Clinton in a White Suit

Former Secretary Hillary Clinton stepped out on Day 1 in a white suit, the colorway subtly nodding to the 19th-century women's suffrage movement.

Gwen Walz in Carolina Herrera

Gwen Walz, right of Tim Walz, wore a floral Carolina Herrera dress on Day 1.

Ashley Biden in a Crisp White Suit

First Daughter Ashley Biden wore a white Gabriela Hearst suit on Day 1.

Mickey Guyton in Rebecca Vallance

Singer Mickey Guyton performed on the first day of the DNC, wearing a floral white gown by Rebecca Vallance.

Marcia Fudge in Black and White Florals

On Day 1, former US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge wore a black leather jacket covered in white flowers, known as a symbol of joy and hope.

On Tuesday, August 20, Michelle Obama took the stage at the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, IL to share words of inspiration and, above all, hope. Like the Democratic nominee she was there to support, Vice President Kamala Harris, the former First Lady used clothing to further communicate her powerful message.

Obama took the stage in a futuristic navy pantsuit by the brand Monse for a modern take on the traditional First Lady attire, as seen historically on Hillary Clinton. “Our fate is in our hands,” Obama said, looking energized and eager for what's to come. “In 77 days, we have the power to turn our country away from the fear, division, and smallness of the past. We have the power to marry our hope with our action.”

Staying true to theme, the Monse design felt utterly futuristic due to the sleeveless cut and criss-cross neckline, which was made of notched lapels. The former First Lady has a long-standing connection to the label, or at least it's founders. Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia are both creative directors at Oscar de La Renta, an American brand Obama has been wearing for years.

“You know what I’m talking about? It’s the contagious power of hope!” Obama continued. “The exhilaration of once again being on the cusp of a brighter day… America, hope is making a comeback.”

Obama merchandised the look with David Yurman hoop earrings, a silver-accented belt, and a pair of vintage-inspired Jimmy Choo heels topped with a dainty bow.

Thus far, the DNC has been quite the fashion event. For day one, VP Harris wore a tan Chloé suit that may or may not have been a dig at the Republican party. First Lady Jill Biden, meanwhile, took the stage in a Democrat-blue sequin dress and silver pumps. Politicians have used fashion to spread their message for years, but never before has it looked this good.

Celebrity culture is a fascinating thing. While it’s easy to get your fill by following various gossip blogs, scrolling endlessly on social media, and going down Wikipedia rabbit holes about your favorite actors, musicians, and other public figures, there’s nothing quite like hearing about the celebrity experience from the people living it. Enter the celebrity memoir. A very specific genre of both book and memoir, the best celeb memoirs not only give readers a peek behind the curtain—exposing the inner workings of Hollywood, Buckingham Palace, Washington, D.C., and beyond—but also offer up juicy, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking stories that even their most dedicated fans have never heard, painting a much more nuanced picture of a person previously only seen on a TV screen or magazine cover.

Read on for 45 of the best celebrity memoirs ever written—including a National Book Award winner, many New York Times bestsellers, and even newly published, must-read titles. Pro tip: If you’re an audiobook fan, most celebs narrate their own memoirs, making for an even more intimate and immersive reading experience; we've noted all those read aloud by their authors.

When your parents are as well-known and history making as Barack and Michelle Obama, it would be difficult for anyone to live in that shadow. The couple’s eldest daughter, Malia, has grown up in the glare of the spotlight—her father was elected President when she was just 10 years old—and, as she pursues her own career ambitions, is apparently deciding to use a stage name, E! News reports.

Keen to carve her own path and not rest on the high-powered Obama name, Malia has chosen to go by Malia Ann, her first name and middle name, for her newest film project, The Heart.

“Fans did a double take after Malia’s pen name was revealed in the Sundance Institute’s ‘Meet the Artist’ spotlight video, which introduced her as filmmaker Malia Ann, seemingly in an effort to distance herself from her powerful parents, who have also launched careers in entertainment,” E! News reports. 

As her parents move deeper into the film and podcasting space with their company Higher Ground Productions—which signed a multi-year contract with Netflix in 2018—they have produced feature films (Rustin, Leave the World Behind), television series (like Waffles + Mochi, a show for kids focused on healthy eating), documentaries (American Factory, Becoming), and podcasts (including “The Michelle Obama Podcast"). Even if the former President and First Lady hadn’t gone into the film industry, as Malia has chosen to do as well, the Obama name would receive accusations of nepo baby-ism; but, since Malia is in the film industry too, it makes sense why “Malia Ann” is her choice to go by professionally.

E! News pointed out that, when Malia made her red carpet debut at the premiere of The Heart at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, her parents weren’t there—likely because if they were, the attention would have shifted from Malia’s important work to the former First Couple. 

Malia described The Heart as “an odd little story, somewhat of fable, about a man grieving the death of his mother after she leaves him an unusual request in her will.” The film was produced by Donald Glover’s production company Gilga and marked Malia’s first time directing; she already has writing credits as a staff writer on Glover’s Amazon Prime show Swarm.

“She’s a very professional person,” Swarm co-creator Janine Nabers told Vanity Fair. “She’s an incredible writer and artist.” Glover agreed, adding that her parents didn’t play a role in how the Harvard graduate was treated on set.

“I feel like she’s just somebody who’s gonna have really good things coming soon,” he told Vanity Fair. “Her writing style is great. We can’t be easy on her just because she’s the President’s daughter.” 

Malia has shown an interest in film and television as far back as high school, when she spent the summer of 2014 and 2015 working in television studios in both New York City and Los Angeles. (She spent the summer of 2016 working as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain.) In 2017, Malia undertook an internship at The Weinstein Company film studio in New York City, about six months before she started at Harvard. She graduated from the Ivy League school in 2021 and worked on Swarm; she both wrote and directed The Heart.

Malia isn’t the first child of a celebrity to adopt a different moniker so as to differentiate themselves from his or her famous parents. Nicolas Cage changed his last name from the Hollywood powerhouse name Coppola, and Angelina Jolie too goes by her middle name, dropping her surname, Voight (most closely associated with her well-known father, fellow actor Jon).

Now is the time to re-examine power. The individuals we've named to this list are actors and authors, politicians and pop stars—even a professional race car driver—but they share one thing in common: power. Here, they share what they've learned about it. How they came by it. The ways they wield it. And what, in this moment, "power" means to them.

Kristen Kish: Chef, Author, Television Host

How do you define power?

Power means finding comfort within myself to just be me...It's about finding patience for myself and empowering others. When I was younger, I thought power meant having things, having ego, not asking for help. Now, power means being able to clearly define my weaknesses more so than my strengths.

You've been a contestant, guest judge, and now you are the host of Top Chef. What have all those roles taught you about power?

That it can come in all different forms. When I was a contestant, I did not trust myself at all. I was second-guessing myself as a person, not feeling worthy. As much as I am confident now in my role as host, I came to this incredibly insecure. But my insecurities are always going to be a part of me. What I can control is how I parlay them into being something helpful. Therein lies the power. The first five minutes of filming in Milwaukee [Wisconsin], I was incredibly nervous. There was an external pressure of replacing [former host Padma Lakshmi]. But she was her and I am me. There is also another definition of power in saying, 'I'm not meant to be anybody other than me.'

As the host of Top Chef you're more visible within the franchise. Have you thought about how that might change your actions because you have more power?

Power is, in a lot of ways, not changing at all. No matter what my job is, who I am remains the same. There is power in knowing I am a queer Asian woman, a Korean adoptee. That doesn't change. I don't need to tell myself, Now when this airs, you're going to do this. That's not how I think about it.

Michelle Obama: Former First Lady; Author; Cofounder of Plezi Nutrition

When I think about power, I don't just think about who has it, but who will have it—who should have it. That's why for most of my professional life, I've been working to lift up the next generation that will soon be leading the way in boardrooms, courtrooms, classrooms, and everywhere else.

But before young people can do any of that, they've got to have a sturdy foundation. Their bodies have to be healthy so that their minds and spirits can soar. That's what my Let's Move! initiative was all about when I was First Lady. And it's why, earlier this year, I cofounded a children's nutrition company called PLEZi Nutrition to push our food industry to produce better options for our kids. I'm out to prove good business can truly change the game when it comes to our kids' health.

And if we do that—if we make sure that every child is healthy enough to reach their fullest potential—we'll see a generation that's better equipped to rise up to whatever challenges come along. That's how we'll give them power—and I'm confident we'll see them use it in remarkable ways.

Susie Wolff: Former Professional Race Car Driver; Managing Director of F1 Academy

On finding power in a world that is traditionally male-dominated:
I don't worry that I am very different to those sitting around me. I don't get intimidated and I don't try to act like a man. Authenticity is key. You need to be authentic, because it's when you're not, you get called out very quickly.

Advice for the next generation about finding power:

I joined Formula E team as a principal and at my first media round table I was asked, "Did your husband get you this job? You've just had a baby, how are you going to manage travel?" That was the moment where I realized how much work there was to do, but also that the biggest way to change perceptions is to be successful, focus on the performance. I tell the younger generation, let the noise around your gender fade away because the minute you perform, everything else fades away. If you are really good at what you do, that naturally gives you power.

Jane Fonda: Actor; Activist

Lauren Chan: Fashion Model; Entrepreneur

If power is the ability to implement your will, you have to know what you want. And to know what you really want, you must know yourself. Do you? Forgive the invasive question; I only ask because I so did not.

To make a long story short: I realized I was gay in my 30s, then came out to the world in this year's Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. In hindsight, I believe I didn't fully know myself because it required extreme vulnerability—something I wasn't able to access until recently. (Shout out to my therapist!)

Here's my crash course in knowing your deepest self:

Don't assume that you do. We are made up of trauma responses, act reactively to those around us, and are shaped by societal norms. How much of what you think, do, or feel is influenced by forces outside of you?

Take time to be in your own mind. What was the last time you were zero percent distracted? To get in tune with yourself, try meditating, journaling, taking baths, getting massages—any activity where you can do nothing but think.

Do not judge or cut off your thoughts. Nothing bad will happen from thinking something privately in your own mind. This is where you'll find any buried feelings, which you'll then be able to reconcile.

Here's the kicker: When you're able to know yourself, you're able to be yourself, and your world will change to reflect you. Some people call this the law of attraction, others say manifesting, it's even considered quantum physics—in the simplest terms, it's harnessing your power. And trust me when I tell you that once you feel this alignment, every move you make will feel like a power move.

Selma Blair: Actor; Author; Advocate

Don't underestimate a woman who has gained clarity of strength. The great discoveries in my evolution have all come at the heavy price of chronic breakdown of spirit, mind, and body.

The first discovery was the breakthrough of my own knowing: the only true abandonment, I realized, was the one I had done to myself. It was the threatening whispers of my own fear and shame, overwhelmed by disease and alcoholism that silenced my self-loathing. It took a plummet to rise up past a crisis of faith, which had grown steadily in my aloneness.

To stop drinking, to share my story of sexual assault and finally the diagnosis of a long undetected life with multiple sclerosis, these unburdenings allowed grace. For years, I had been under attack: The nervous system, the brain, the spine, the emotional control, all that blur of hurt came into focus. I could feel a calm settle in as my own self-worth stretched exponentially. With the knowledge of the diagnosis, the potential for healing, the acceptance that my body and brain were in a real crisis was a gift. I gained a tribe of supporters and community to uplift me as I reflect this gratitude and love out to you.

Our disabilities shine light on disparity. My character has grown through essential love and support. The traumatized hold so much gratitude, love, and a hope to be free if given a map. I pray to be a map of character.

My superpower is what I found in support, community, faith, and tools of awareness. I gladly give it all right back to you all.

Kris Jenner: Media Personality; Producer; Entrepreneur

Power is: The ability to shape and control my life, enabling me to achieve both personal and professional goals.

Power over my image means: We believe in the power of storytelling and the power of our fans. There is very little that we do not share and there is power in that. It has become clear that our fans value that in us. Over the years, we've learned to tell each of our narratives together and separately while still maintaining our own values, aspirations, and the messages we want to convey. For us, our show and social media have allowed us to remain authentic and make sure our narrative reflects who we truly are, rather than leaving it solely to external sources.

The lessons on power I share with my family: I encourage my children to be self-reliant and confident—and we empower each other on a daily basis. We love and are supportive of each other no matter what and that is one of the most important lessons.

How my view of power changed: I recognize the influence that we have as a family, not only to each other but for others, and we do not take that lightly. Remaining true to myself has become more important as I've moved through my career.

The best piece of advice on power I've received: Never take no for an answer and dream big.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: United States Representative for New Yorks' 14th Congressional District

Sade Lythcott: CEO of National Black Theatre

So much of my perception of power is rooted in the sacred. I was raised by a village of witchy Black women that conjured a future from shards of the broken pieces of life they were handed, spinning them into something worth living for, something so sacred that each breath felt like a prayer.

They raised me to believe that power is not a singular, oppressive force but a dynamic, transformative energy that resides within each of us and the communities we build. That power is ignited and activated in the remembering and not the acquiring. Remembering that I am the embodiment of possibility, born out of impossible circumstances. Remembering the ancestral wisdom that we are always the altar and not the sacrifice. For me, power emerges when we come together, recognizing our interconnectedness and interdependence. It's not about hierarchy, but about synergy, and that is the most clear in the work I do.

As a theater maker and community organizer, I marvel at the power of storytelling. Storytelling is a portal to change, rooted in the ability to reclaim narratives that have long been silenced or distorted. Because of this, I believe it is the most powerful medium on Earth, recognizing that its true power lies in our willingness to be open, authentic, empathetic, and vulnerable. Who tells our stories and how we tell them helps heal and harmonize our communities; fostering a greater sense of belonging and well-being, creating collective experiences and narratives that become the catalyst for changing lives, social practice and ultimately a more humane world. What is more powerful than that?

Sophia Amoruso: General Partner at Trust Fund; Founder and CEO at Business Class; Founder of Nasty Gal

When I think of power in the post-Girlboss era, and what it means to me, I know the needle has moved [in that women have more power in the workplace], but that the needle hasn't moved enough. I coined a word that became part of the zeitgeist—and still is, whatever it means to you.

As a woman new to the venture capital industry, I've found myself in rooms mostly made up of balding white dudes. While the conversations around power, as it relates to gender, race, sexuality, ability, class, and age, have been updated, it's quite visible that the statistics are far from good.

To me, the most important power I can possess is unseen—power is integrity, honesty, boundaries, discipline, kindness, and wielding influence like a genuine human being, not a "boss."

The most surprising thing I've learned about power is its ability to affect change. I didn't know what would eventually happen when I stood akimbo on the cover of a pink book about shoplifting and working hard, but the 500,000 copies that sold prompted thousands of women to quit their jobs and take a bet on themselves—and if that's not powerful, I don't know what is.

Stacey Abrams: Chair for Race and Black Politics at Howard University; Senior Counsel for Rewiring America

Where do you find power when it feels like it's been taken away?

I grew up with a very clear understanding that power was not in the realm of possibility for me. If you have no expectation of power, you also have no limitation, which has allowed me to respond to defeats or challenges not by feeling vanquished, but by recognizing that if I wasn't supposed to have it in the first place, I might just have to find another way to get there.

You've had many different career paths as not only an attorney and a politician, but also as a romance and thriller novelist. How does doing things outside your "lane" give you power?

I am driven by concerns of poverty and disadvantage, and who doesn't have access. That core driver has never wavered but I have always been fascinated by the different ways I could tackle it. What, to other people, looks like me getting out of my lane is more the fact that I've always existed on a multi-lane freeway. I'm always traveling in the same direction. Part of writing is narrative building, telling stories, shaping vision. That's the responsibility of the writer but also an effective leader. Whether it's starting a company or writing a book or running for office or fighting for democracy, it all comes back to my core mission that we serve those who are disadvantaged and marginalized.

The old adage is that too much power is a bad thing. But you also need power to do good in the world and enact change. How do you find the balance between those two ideas?

If all you're doing is hoarding power, that is a problem. I see the acquisition of power as a shared opportunity. What I get, I should be able to then multiply by spreading to more people. In almost every facet of my life I begin my work by thinking about who else I can bring to the table. I worry less about hoarding power and more about sharing power.

Sheryl Lee Ralph: Actor; Producer

As an artist and a public figure, it's not just a privilege but a responsibility to use my platform to shed light on issues that matter to me and the world. Speaking up about important issues, even when it's not the popular narrative, is a testament to one's commitment to social justice and the well-being of communities worldwide.

In 1981, I had just made my big break starring in the original production of Dreamgirls on Broadway. Simultaneously, AIDS was growing into an epidemic. My friends would be sick one day and dead the next. Even when people told me to shut up, I risked my career for a cause that was impacting the communities that meant so much to me. I spoke out by creating The Diva Foundation to fight stigma and bring awareness to transmission prevention of HIV/AIDS.

For me, channeling power comes from a deep sense of conviction and genuine desire for positive change. It's about amplifying voices that often go unheard and being a catalyst for meaningful conversations and action. So, in a way, I find strength in knowing that my single voice can make a difference. I encourage others to use their voices to speak up for themselves and their community because when you speak your truth, and stand up for what you believe in, you not only empower yourself but also inspire others to do the same.

Kim Petras: Singer-songwriter

Power to me is being on stage. These songs really pick me up before I perform every night. They make me feel like I am strong enough to face anything.

Go Off, Doja Cat

Not Fair, Lily Allen

Alien Superstar, Beyoncé

Bad Girls, M.I.A.

Who Do You Think You Are, Spice Girls

I'm The Best, Nicki Minaj

Bitch Better Have My Money, Rihanna

Strong Enough, Cher

brrr, Kim Petras

Faith, George Michael

Eva Longoria: Director; Actor; Activist

You've been producing your own work for years. How did moving behind the camera give you power over your own career?

As an actor, I would go into work, stand on my marks, say my lines, and go home. I want to not only have more control over the final products but also to create my own opportunities. I don't want to sit back and wait for the universe to deliver an opportunity to me. Having control to create opportunities for other people, other women, people of color, Latinos, that was important to me.

I like to think of power as when you have the ability to influence culture, people, and events. If I can influence the media or how women or Latinos are portrayed, that's powerful.

What did being in the director's chair for the major film Flamin' Hot teach you about power?

There is no greater position of power than giving opportunities to department heads and executing your vision. That position of hiring is sacred to me. I used that moment to hire from a different talent pool to build a pipeline of talent who can get that next job because I gave them their first job.

You're incredibly active in politics. Where do you find power in that space?

The biggest myth is that politicians hold power. They don't. Citizens hold power. I don't speak for women or the Latino community. I encourage them to speak for themselves, to speak up, to pay attention, to look at what's going on, research their candidates, and get educated. I want others to feel empowered on their own.

Michelle Buteau: Comedian; Actor

As you gain more fame and attract more attention, how has your relationship with power changed?

Being powerful isn't about what restaurant you can get into. It's knowing that you have a platform and people are listening. Be mindful. How are you using it for good? For me, it's in the form of allyship—having a voice for people who don't have one.

Your brand of comedy often goes hand in hand with kindness and open-heartedness. How does that type of humor translate to power?

You hear phrases like "killing with kindness" and that's what it is. I can still kill it but not be an asshole or disparage a whole community. It's lazy when comedians say, "We can't say anything anymore." You can still say lots of things but the world is different, and thank God.

Noor Tagouri: Journalist; Producer; Founder of At Your Service Media

Power to me is being fully present in my body, being fully here right now, feeling all of my feelings all the way through every time, and alchemizing those feelings into art and love and service. Power for me is being aware of the choices that I get to make in life and my ability to rethink those choices. Power is using my body and my spirit and my heart to protect another person's space so that they can go on their own life journey and step into their power. Power is giving myself the space to be and also giving other people space to be.

In my head the image of power feels like an Amazonian woman, a really strong, grounded being that is tied to and connected to the earth, that is connected to themselves, and that is connected to the oneness of everyone.

I truly believe that real power, true power, is understanding that there is no separation, that we are all one, that my story is interconnected with your story. That's why we need to know ourselves, and we need to know each other, because until we have investigated ourselves and understand who we are, and why we are, we can never fully be in our power.

Emma Grede: Cofounder and CEO of Good American; Founding Partner of Skims; Chairwoman of the Fifteen Percent Pledge

Power is the courage to challenge norms and embrace the unknown. This rings true in everything I do throughout my businesses, investments, and in my non-profit work as a board member of Baby2Baby and chairwoman of the Fifteen Percent Pledge. Since day one, I've had the mindset of pushing boundaries and challenging perceived societal norms. Good American is a great example of a business that was built on these principles, redefining how clothes are made and marketed. Inclusivity has never just been a buzzword for me, it is at the core of everything I do and build.

I look at the power and ability to achieve purpose and affect meaningful change. There is unique power that comes from working alongside talented and diverse individuals who share a vision and are willing to take risks to achieve it. The synergy of diverse talents, working and thinking together, makes the difference and improves the way you do business and, more importantly, the results. If I can influence others to think about inclusivity, representation, and diversity as valuable principles to what we're creating in all areas of business and beyond—that, to me, is power in action.

Bethann Hardison: Luxury Brand Consultant; Fashion Advocate

I've felt most powerful when: I wrote letters to each council of fashion from New York to London to Milan to Paris saying that if you continue to use one or two or no models of color consistently season through season, no matter the intention, the result is racist. That took a lot of consciousness.

My power move: When you feel powerful is when you're feeling your most joy because the freedom of that is so wonderful. I'm most joyful when I'm dancing. When I was coming up as a model, I would go to [now defunct NYC dance club] Palladium to hear salsa. You'd get this feeling that lends to your spirit.

The biggest lie about power: That everybody has it. That's not true. You can't just meditate or say the right words and have power. It's a rare commodity and it doesn't happen to many. They tell kids that everybody's a winner, there are no losers here. But that's not true and it's not helping. It creates an illusion.

Whitney Cummings: Comedian

My power playlist:

Still D.R.E., Dr Dre featuring Snoop Dogg

This song never fails to trick me into thinking I'm way more confident than I am.

Supermarine, Hans Zimmer

It's very corny and embarrassing to admit, but triumphant anthems help inspire me to pretend I'm a superhero that needs to save the day, and by save the day, I mean I return the email.

Circle of Life, The Lion King soundtrack

The nostalgic innocence takes me back to a time when I was more hopeful. It reminds me why I started.

My Chick Bad, Ludacris featuring Nicki Minaj

I play this song when I'm feeling insecure—it's very good if you need a delusional amount of confidence.

Crystallize, Lindsey Stirling

Lindsey's music taps into some ancestral wisdom and energy.

Free Your Mind, En Vogue

This song is a legit bop but also has a profound message. It taught me that you can make something mainstream but also say something real.

Take Me or Leave Me, Idina Menzel and Fredi Walker

Look, I'm a Rent head. This song always puts me in a playtime mode, every since I couldn't afford to pay my own rent.

Ready or Not, Fugees

Duh.

Dancing On My Own, Robyn

This always makes me feel clear, inspired, and not ashamed to do things alone.

Jessica Knoll; Author: Screenwriter; Producer

All too often, victims and survivors don't get justice. At the end of the day, all you have that's within your control is the story of what happened. In my case, that story had been hijacked from me. It was easier for [my high-school classmates] to go along with a story that a girl got really drunk at a party and hooked up with three guys than a girl got really drunk at a party and was gang raped by three guys.

[In writing Bright Young Women, a novel that centers fictionalized versions of the victims of Ted Bundy], I felt that if I could just strip him of the unearned qualities that we remembered him having—his intelligence, his charm, his good looks—then what we were left with was a woman's story. The things she hoped for, the things she wanted for herself.

The power in storytelling is not just the realization that my voice matters, but that it's valuable to people, that my input and creative instincts are valuable. The more I'm in the adaptation world the more I learn that so much of it boils down to trusting people.

I trust other people because I respect their instincts and choices. Feeling that the respect is reciprocated makes me realize I can stand in my own power and call the shots.

Aminatou Sow: Writer; Interviewer

We do not all have the same degree of power but I believe that power, however you define it for yourself, is available to everyone. I keep this note in my phone for when I feel defeated. It's a reminder that even in the most challenging of circumstances, there are still choices to be made:

Power is knowing: "There is difference and there is power; and who holds the power decides the meaning of the difference." —June Jordan

Understanding that: "Generosity is more than just 'giving up.' Generosity generates its power from the gesture of letting go. Being able to give to others shows us our ability to let go of attachments that otherwise can limit our beliefs and our experiences." —Sharon Salzberg

When: "We can join together to effect a future the world has not yet conceived, let alone seen." —Audre Lorde

Being fully self-expressed: I am disciplined in my language, mindful of the words I speak and the words I read or listen to. Words hold so much power. Their meaning crystallizes perceptions that shape our beliefs, drive our behaviors, and ultimately, create our world.

Courage: A lot of courage. This is not time to be feckless.

Remembering that: If you are lucky enough life is a long game and your power is forever expanding.

Hunter Harris: Journalist; Screenwriter

You often write about celebrities and notable figures. What has the experience taught you about power?

A lot of people conflate being famous with having power and that has never felt the same to me. A lot of famous people are really vulnerable and insecure, and a lot of regular people are extremely powerful and secure. That sort of disconnect between being visible and actually being empowered is the public friction that I think readers of my newsletter really like.

In what instances do you feel like you have power?

When I'm angry. Rage is a very powerful emotion for me. It's clarifying. I feel powerful when I'm writing; not because I'm writing from a mountaintop, but just sitting at my desk and feeling in control of myself, like I know exactly what I'm thinking.

What's the best piece of advice you ever received on power?

I interviewed Usher and he said, "If you live by the applause, you'll die by the boos." I've always felt that. There's pressure to be very visible showing your accomplishments online. I'm working all the time on things people can't necessarily see and there's power in that. The most powerful people I know are the ones who disappear for a while and come back with something astonishing and thrilling.

Bethenny Frankel: Entrepreneur; Philanthropist; Host of the Podcast Just B

As someone who has been in the public eye in many different contexts and roles, how do you view the connection between power and criticism?

If using your voice to do the right thing was easy, everyone would be doing it. You have to have a certain level of courage to walk a tightrope with no safety net.

What's the biggest misconception about power?

That is lacks vulnerability and is impenetrable. To use your power effectively you have to be malleable and open to change and evolution.

How are you trying to redistribute power with your reality TV union effort?

I don't think I am redistributing power, necessarily. I am, however, guiding people towards a media world where they can control their own story and content, versus the archaic world of a network deciding how your intellectual property is distributed and digested. This new world order is very scary to the dinosaurs who are on the verge of extinction.

Allyson Felix: Seven-time Olympic Gold Medalist; Cofounder and President of Saysh

These quotes reassure me of the many different ways power looks and feels. I find myself glancing at these in moments of adversity.

"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up." —Babe Ruth

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." —Arthur Ashe

"You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated." —Maya Angelou

"It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent." —Madeleine Albright

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." —Nelson Mandela

"Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." —Winston Churchill

Alix Earle: Content Creator; Host of the Podcast Hot Mess

Ziwe: Comedian; Author of Black Friend: Essays

Power means nothing if you are not able to use your access to help other people. For some that means using your voice to boost the voiceless, but it is just as important to open doors for those who otherwise wouldn't get opportunities.

When I think of all of the people I look up to, I realize they are kingmakers. They are the geniuses credited with discovering some of the world's best talent. They are less interested in helping themselves and more interested in serving community.

I hope that every day I am on this Earth I can crack open a door or a window or a chimney shoot for someone to squeeze in behind me. That's what power means to me.

Megan Fox: Author; Actor

Laphonza Butler: United States Senator from California

MLK is quoted as saying, "Power at its best is love implementing justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love."

Twenty-first century power must be a power that includes the hopes and the fears of everyone hurt by the power of the past. Urban and rural, varied economic backgrounds, people and communities who never got the love of being seen, supported or encouraged to thrive.

I've lived that experience being raised by working-class parents in a small town in Mississippi. As a U.S. Senator from California who is only the third Black woman to serve in the chamber and who has been to all 58 counties in our beautiful state, I have heard many of these hopes and fears. I carry these stories in my heart and am determined to be power at its best on their behalf.

Amanda Nguyen: Civil Rights Activist

Power is about agency, the freedom to be. The freedom to choose the life you want to live. If we examine our daily lives, how many of our choices are directed by conditions?

Let's take an example, a quaint one, of walking down the street. Ask a woman late at night if she is doing the calculations of how to be safe. Is she thinking about keys in her hands? Is she thinking about who to have on speed dial? Is this mundane task that millions of women go through every day free from those conditions? The answer is no. It is my wish that all women have power. The power to be safe. To not only survive but thrive.

The most powerful thing that we all have is our voice, and so I used mine to stand in my authenticity and truth. I think each of us was born with power beyond our imagination. It is our life's purpose to recognize the light that is already within us. No one is powerless when we come together, no one is invisible when we demand to be seen.

Under a clear blue California sky, in a soccer stadium usually home to Natalie Portman’s Angel City Football Club, Michelle Obama gathered election experts and executives, political pundits and pop stars, NBA legends and newspaper reporters, and high school heroes and Gen Z influencers to address the gathering clouds threatening American democracy.

“I'd love to be able to tell you that everything is as it should be, …clear my throat and say the state of our democracy is strong. But you and I, we all know that I can't say that right now,” Obama, founder of When We All Vote, told the crowd at the non-partisan civic organization’s first ever Culture of Democracy summit in June. Obama cataloged the long list of America’s challenges, including alarmingly frequent mass shootings, climate change, Georgia’s restrictive voting laws, the January 6 insurrection, and how lies about the 2020 election threaten the fairness of future elections.

“I want every one of you right now to think about what you are uniquely able to do to protect our democracy,” Obama said. That might mean brainstorming service ideas with your friends over brunch, employers giving their employees time off to vote, and screenwriters writing stories promoting voting and equality, she suggested. (Girlfriends and The Game executive producer Mara Brock Akil took the brunch idea one step further, telling me after her own on-stage discussion: “Make the brunch volunteering, and caring, and understanding the issues.”)

Figuring out where to start your journey to saving democracy can be overwhelming, so practical advice was a recurring theme of the summit. Here are some additional tips from the former First Lady’s star-studded pals, who also took the stage that day, from those who helped run the country to those who run the media, entertainment, and sports worlds:

1.  Pledge to vote in the 2022 midterms and every local election.

Selena Gomez, When We All Vote Co-Chair: “This November, in the midterm elections, we will decide who serves in all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 of 100 seats in the Senate, and countless elected officials on the local and state level. But we can’t ignore that a lot of people don’t vote in the midterm elections. We’re here…to change the culture around voting and increase participation in each and every election.”

2.  Get your employer in the fight for reproductive rights.

Alexis McGill Johnson, CEO of Planned Parenthood: “The C-suite needs to hear from their people [about abortion rights]. A lot of corporations are telling me… ‘We know this matters to our people, but we're not hearing it.’ …[Employees] need to be clear that people want to work for companies that align with their values, people in those companies can organize with each other.”

McGill Johnson suggested employees go through their employee resource group, and, if they need a template for how businesses can support reproductive rights, look to actions taken by companies like Salesforce and Lyft.

3.  Choose the democracy battle that’s right for you.

Nikole Hannah-Jones, Pulitzer Prize–winning creator of the New York Times's 1619 Project: Hannah-Jones pointed out that one person can’t tackle all the problems. “Ask yourself, What’s most important to [me]? What is the thing that [I'm] most worried about? And then find an organization that's already working on that. …I promise you, if it matters to you, there's someone who is already working on it.”

“Another way to think is where do you think you can have the most impact? …What impacts your life the most is what's happening in local city councils, your local school board, and in your state house. It's much easier to have influence there than anywhere else. So you're concerned about these anti-history laws? Start with your local school board. Are you concerned about women's reproductive rights? States can pass laws that make sure women have access, or they can restrict access, to abortion.” 

4.  Start local, take it one step at a time, and take care of yourself.

 Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama: “Change happens on the ground. I started my career in public service, working at the local government in Chicago. And I appreciate that there's no room for partisanship on the ground. You just want to make the lives of the people in your community better. … You don't have to focus on what seem like insurmountable problems. You can focus on what you can do, and then when you get that done, do something else.” She pointed to WhenWeAllVote.org as a starting point to find local organizations and  opportunities to volunteer in  your community.

Jarrett also urged Marie Claire readers to ask themselves: What do you need to make the fight for justice a marathon, not a sprint? “Change happens too slowly, but it does happen if you are indefatigable. So you just have to restore and replenish yourself. … Self-care is an important part of being a leader,” she said. (A quick self-care idea? Consider embracing McGill Johnson’s move for getting her day going: blasting Mary J. Blige’s Good Morning, Gorgeous.)

5.  If you see something, say something.

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers, whose post-game commentary on the treatment of Black Americans has gone viral on multiple occasions: “If it’s wrong, then you should say something about it. … Pick your spots, but be consistent and be loud. If you’re morally right about an issue, if you don’t speak up about it, it creates more issues than if you do.” (The Real co-host Jeannie Mai Jenkins, provided a funny but useful example of saying something: She supports labor unions by posting on social media and tagging companies mistreating their workers. “I’m into dragging people to make them do right.”)

• In a video Q&A, Dwyane Wade's 13-year-old daughter, Zaya Wade, interviewed her "idol," former first lady Michelle Obama.
• "I'm meeting an idol. I'm literally meeting an idol," Zaya gushed during the interview, in which the two women discussed the young reader version of Obama's best-selling memoir Becoming. "[I've been] preparing for this moment for so long."
• Zaya asked Obama for her advice for teen who "want to be themselves and thrive" and both women urged viewers to push themselves out of their comfort zones.

Zaya Wade is everything. All on her own, the 13-year-old, who is the daughter of NBA star Dwyane Wade (and, of course, stepdaughter of the amazing Gabrielle Union), is the kind of human you just naturally look up to, even if she's multiple decades younger than you. Seeing Zaya encounter one of her own role models, though, is next-level.

On Thursday, the teen shared a virtual Q&A she recorded with former first lady Michelle Obama, about the young reader version of her memoir, Becoming. And spoiler alert: It was adorable. 

"I'm meeting an idol. I'm literally meeting an idol," Zaya gushed at the start of the interview. "[I've been] preparing for this moment for so long."

Zaya didn't spend the entire conversation in fangirl mode, however (just another reason to look up to her—how many adult humans could keep their cool in a conversation with Michelle Obama?), and dove into some serious questions for her hero.

"What advice do you have for teens who want to be themselves and thrive like you have and currently are?" Zaya asked.

At this point, Obama rightly pointed out that Zaya, who is already doing a great job of being true to herself, is a great role model for other teens. "Well, like you have and currently are," Obama replied. "I am just so proud of you, you know, being just an amazing role model and embracing your truth."

Obama did eventually get into her own advice for teens looking to find themselves and embrace who they're meant to be.

"It does take time to know what yourself is, for young people. So, my first piece of advice is be patient with yourself, No. 1," Obama shared. "At your age, or in the teenage years and probably through your 20s, you're gonna be experimenting with so many versions of yourself, right? All young people are trying on different versions, different voices, they're learning more about their intellect, they're learning about what they love, what they're good at, what they like. This is the period of exploration."

During the Q&A, the women also discussed the importance of pushing yourself out of comfort zone and Zaya dropped the following bit of pure wisdom: "We all think we that we thrive with people who are just like us. Getting a different perspective from someone else who isn't like you really helps. And that definitely helped me in becoming me and defining my truth."

We would watch a full-length movie that was just Zaya Wade and Michelle Obama talking. Who's with us?

Fashion icon and former First Lady Michelle Obama attended the Biden-Harris inauguration on Wednesday, showing her support for the new administration's highly-anticipated and historic day. When it came to her outfit, Obama did not disappoint donning a magenta-colored jacket with matching monochromatic turtleneck sweater and wide-leg trousers. She completed the chic look with a gold belt, black leather gloves, a simple Christy Rilling black silk mask, and suede block-heeled boots by Stuart Weitzman; she wore her hair down in bouncy curls for the occasion.

Obama's outfit was designed by Sergio Hudson, a Black designer from South Carolina who also dressed the Vice President-elect on Wednesday. Hudson explained on The Bakari Sellers Podcast that Obama's outfit was inspired by a look from his Fall '20 collection.

"We did the pants instead a dress, and we did the top as a sweater instead of a dress," he said. "And, it’s pretty much the exact same look and we dropped the coat to the floor just for a little bit more drama, and that’s how we got where we got."

Purple was clearly the color of the day, with Vice President-elect wearing a bright violet jacket paired with her signature pearl necklace and purple gloves. Former Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton donned the color head-to-toe wearing an inky purple pantsuit, while Sen. Elizabeth Warren tied a lilac scarf around her neck. Purple is typically meant to represent bipartisanship—a clear cornerstone of the new administration after four years of divisiveness.

\Meanwhile, incoming First Lady Dr. Jill Biden stood out in blue for the big day, opting for a wool tweed coat and dress by American designer Alexandra O’Neil of Markarian.

People were thrilled to see the Obamas there alongside the Bidens (who, of course, served as the Vice President and Second Lady during their years in the White House).

Obama's tenure in the White House was marked by her flawless style which focused on up-and-coming American designers—J.Crew and Jason Wu were favorite of the former FLOTUS. For her husband's first inauguration in 2009, Obama wore a custom Isabel Toledo dress and coat.

Obama's stylist Meredith Koop took to Instagram the day after the inauguration to reveal more about the decisions behind the outfit and to celebrate the success of the look. "When MO returned afterwards, she said, 'I was so comfortable!' Literal music to my ears," Koop penned on social media. "I have learned to respect her consistent sense of practicality and pragmatism (Capricorn) dressing her in pieces she can live, move and inspire in." (Koop and Obama have worked together since 2010.)

Koop revealed that she immediately knew she wanted pants for the day: "Ah, the liberation of pants! No skirts, no dresses. Practical beautiful pants." And because she wanted to channel "sleek, chic and modern" she opted for dark, jewel tones and blacks and grays instead of brighter hues.

She dubbed the First Lady's outfit as "wineberry plum" and then revealed that it wasn't a political statement to opt for "bi-partisan purple" as many outlets had assumed.

"That’s a cute story, but it wasn’t the intention," she wrote.

Koop also explained that she had first considered styling Obama in matching plum-dyed shoes, mask, and gloves but decided "last minute" to go with black accessories. "It felt modern and more how women tend to dress," Koop said.

While the stylist offered up plenty of praise to Hudson for his "exceptional" designs, she also gave most of the credit for the look to Obama herself, saying that the clothes simply allowed the former FLOTUS to stand out and represent who she is to America.

"This particular outfit is about the woman wearing it more than anything," Koop wrote. "She is powerful and she needs to move. She is stunning and she represents what is possible. She is relatable and she is aspirational. She has consistently articulated over the years what has been in the hearts and minds of so many. She has taken a look at the rule book and turned the page. She leads, she inspires and she slays."

Michelle Obama—fashion icon, beauty inspiration, and all-around hero to all—shone during the 2021 inauguration, thanks to her bouncy curls, gorgeous purple outfit, and chic smokey eye. To get an inside look at the former First Lady's beauty routine, look no further than her makeup artist, Carl Ray. Below, he breaks down the products he used on Obama, as well as his inspiration for her look.

MC: How was Michelle's skin prepped prior to the makeup?

CR: The former First Lady already has amazing skin and takes care of it, so it's easy and not much prep on my end. She is ready to go and I start directly with makeup application, which makes my job a lot easier!

MC: What was the inspiration for the makeup look for the inauguration?

CR: My inspiration was one of strength and confidence. Yesterday was a moment in history not only for America, but for women everywhere. I really wanted to honor that in the look I gave her, but also celebrate the day. I wanted an impactful smoky eye for the event. I was going for a dramatic glam eye that would really play well to the camera. For TV, we really need to make things a little more dramatic so her eyes shine.

MC: How do face masks affect the makeup look you did for Michelle?

CR: The mask allowed me to get creative with this look and really play up the features that I knew were going to be visible. I really focused on making her brows, eyes, and lashes pop. For underneath the mask, I recommend a stain or matte lip so it wont smudge. 

Shop Michelle's Inauguration Beauty Look

Happy Inauguration Day! In honor of this great—and historic—day, three of the most influential women in the country chose to wear the same, very significant color: purple. Soon-to-be Vice President Kamala Harris, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are all wearing the historically important hue. Even Senator Elizabeth Warren chose a purple scarf!

So why is purple so significant? For one, it represents bipartisanship: the literal mix of red, for the Republican party, and blue, for the Democratic party. This could be interpreted as a symbol of Harris's point of view as she starts this next chapter, and perhaps her desire to unite both sides of the aisle.

Second, it's a color of the suffragette movement. "Purple is the color of loyalty, constancy to purpose, unswerving steadfastness to a cause. White, the emblem of purity, symbolizes the quality of our purpose; and gold, the color of light and life, is as the torch that guides our purpose, pure and unswerving," according to a line in a newsletter from National Woman’s Party in the United States. Harris chose to wear white back in November to deliver her victory speech after the election was officially called for Biden-Harris, so it feels apt that she wore another suffragette color on this occasion.

Harris, the first Black, South Asian woman to be sworn in as vice president, chose purple designs from Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson—two Black, American designers—plus her signature pearls, which are an ode to her Alpha Kappa Alpha sisterhood, and have inspired girls and women across the country to put on their own pearls in solidarity and celebration. CNN's Abby Phillip also noted that the color is a nod to Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress, who Harris has honored before.

Hillary Clinton also chose purple for her memorable concession speech back in 2016 (designed by Ralph Lauren, who also made the suit she's wearing today), sending a powerful message as she spoke to millions of disappointed women who had donned pantsuits to vote for her, hoping they would be electing the first woman into the White House.

• Michelle Obama responded to Wednesday's breach of the Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters.
• In a statement shared on social media, Obama said she "hurt[s] for our country" after the breach, comparing the brutality inflicted on peaceful Black Lives Matter protestors by law enforcement with the mild treatment of the pro-Trump rioters.
• "Yesterday made it painfully clear that certain Americans are, in fact, allowed to denigrate the flag and symbols of our nation. They’ve just got to look the right way," Obama wrote.

Michelle Obama said she "hurt[s] for our country" after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building on Wednesday, condemning the "infantile and idiotic" outgoing president and comparing the brutality inflicted on peaceful Black Lives Matter protestors by law enforcement with the mild treatment of the pro-Trump rioters.

"I woke up yesterday elated by the news of Reverend Raphael Warnock's election victory," Obama began a statement shared on social media. "In just a few hours, though, my heart had fallen harder and faster than I can remember. Like all of you, I watched as a gang—organized, violent, and mad they'd lost an election—laid siege to the United States Capitol."

"The day was a fulfillment of the wishes of an infantile and unpatriotic president who can't handle the truth of his own failures," she continued.

"It all left me with so many questions—questions about the future, questions about security, extremism, propaganda, and more. But there’s one question I just can’t shake: What if these rioters had looked like the folks who go to Ebenezer Baptist Church every Sunday? What would have been different?" Obama wrote.

"I think we all know the answer. This summer’s Black Lives Matter protests were an overwhelmingly peaceful movement—our nation’s largest demonstrations ever, bringing together people of every race and class and encouraging millions to re-examine their own assumptions and behavior. And yet, in city after city, day after day, we saw peaceful protestors met with brute force. We saw cracked skulls and mass arrests, law enforcement pepper spraying its way through a peaceful demonstration for a presidential photo op."

"And for those who call others unpatriotic for simply taking a knee in silent protest, for those who wonder why we need to be reminded that Black Lives Matter at all, yesterday made it painfully clear that certain Americans are, in fact, allowed to denigrate the flag and symbols of our nation. They’ve just got to look the right way," the former First Lady continued.

"All I know is that now is a time for true patriotism," Obama wrote, calling for Trump voters to "forcefully rebuke" him and for social media platforms to permanently ban Trump from their platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter temporarily locked his accounts after the Capitol breach, while Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg subsequently said he would be barred from Facebook's platforms until the end of his term.) "And if we have any hope of improving this nation, now is the time for swift and serious consequences for the failure of leadership that led to yesterday's shame."

Obama said she found hope in the victories of Reverend Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the Georgia runoff elections, adding, "I pray that every American, especially those who disagree with them, will give our new Congress, President-Elect Biden, and Vice-President-Elect Harris the chance to lead us in a better direction."

"But make no mistake: The work of putting America back together, of truly repairing what is broken, isn’t the work of any individual politician or political party," Obama concluded. "It’s up to each of us to do our part. To reach out. To listen. And to hold tight to the truth and values that have always led this country forward. It will be an uncomfortable, sometimes painful process. But if we enter into it with an honest and unwavering love of our country, then maybe we can finally start to heal."

Read Obama's full statement here.

On Friday evening, the Wall Street Journal published an op-ed criticizing First Lady-elect Dr. Jill Biden's use of the title "Dr." before her name, calling it "fraudulent, not to say a touch comic" because she isn't a medical doctor. To be clear, Dr. Biden earned her doctoral degree, as well as master's degrees—the author simply decided it wasn't up to his standards.

People expressed their anger and frustration on Twitter, calling the op-ed "a disgusting display of misogyny," as well as sexist and disrespectful. Today, Michelle Obama has something to say about it as well. On Monday morning, the former first lady posted a message on Instagram praising Dr. Biden's accomplishments and asking us, "Is this really the example we want to set for the next generation?"

Read her full response below:

"For eight years, I saw Dr. Jill Biden do what a lot of professional women do—successfully manage more than one responsibility at a time, from her teaching duties to her official obligations in the White House to her roles as a mother, wife, and friend. And right now, we’re all seeing what also happens to so many professional women, whether their titles are Dr., Ms., Mrs., or even First Lady: All too often, our accomplishments are met with skepticism, even derision. We’re doubted by those who choose the weakness of ridicule over the strength of respect. And yet somehow, their words can stick—after decades of work, we’re forced to prove ourselves all over again.

Is this really the example we want to set for the next generation?

Dr. Biden gives us a better example. And this is why I feel so strongly that we could not ask for a better First Lady. She will be a terrific role model not just for young girls but for all of us, wearing her accomplishments with grace, good humor, and yes, pride. I’m thrilled that the world will see what I have come to know—a brilliant woman who has distinguished herself in her profession and with the life she lives every day, always seeking to lift others up, rather than tearing them down."

Amen to that.

• During a recent interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, former President Barack Obama opened up about the toll that running for president took on his marriage. 
• When he first approached Michelle Obama with his plan to run for president, she shot the idea down directly and, even though she eventually "sort of changed her mind," she never fully forgave her husband for putting her and their daughters through the difficult campaign process.
• The interview was part of Obama's ongoing press tour promoting his new book, A Promised Land, which also delves into his marriage to Michelle. 

Running for president isn't just hard on the person vying for the job—just the process of a campaign is draining and difficult for the candidate's family, too. That's why, when Barack Obama first approached his wife, Michelle Obama, with his desire to run for the top political office in the U.S., she was clear that she didn't want him to do it.

"Her initial response was 'No,'" Obama explained during a recent interview with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show while promoting his new book, A Promised Land. "What I said to her, 'We still need to think through all the different elements of it and if at the end of that you still say no, then it's a no.'"

Obviously, Obama did end up deciding to run for president—and Michelle only kind of got on board with the decision, apparently. 

"And she sort of changed her mind, kind of," Barack continued. "But, what is absolutely true is—and I've never fully got out of the dog house for this—is that I put her and our kids through an extraordinarily stressful, difficult sequence in deciding to run for president, right after I had just gone through a tough race."

The impact of that decision followed the couple and hung over their marriage for Obama's entire eight-year tenure in the White House.

"Michelle stayed angry at me about it," he admitted, adding that "it would flare up every so often, but she stayed mad about it through all eight years."

Watch Obama's interview with Colbert below:

Nine days after Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election, President Donald Trump has yet to formally concede and welcome the Biden's to the White House. The president seemingly has no plans to do so, continuing to make false claims that he won the election and that the election itself was rigged. (There is currently no evidence of this.) Despite this, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have moved forward with the transition process, creating a formal website that outlines their immediate priorities amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed more than 245,000 U.S. lives.

As the days continue to pass, people are urging the nation's leaders, specifically Republican allies of the president, to encourage a smooth transition of power for the sake of the country. One of those people is former first lady Michelle Obama. In an Instagram post published on Monday afternoon, she opened up about her experience welcoming then-President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, to the White House in 2016 after Trump made racist comments about her husband, President Barack Obama.

"I have to be honest and say that none of this was easy for me," she wrote. "Donald Trump had spread racist lies about my husband that had put my family in danger. That wasn’t something I was ready to forgive. But I knew that, for the sake of our country, I had to find the strength and maturity to put my anger aside."

The post is an urgent reminder that regardless of differing political ideologies or personal beliefs, the state of our democracy depends on a peaceful transition of power. Read her full post, below:

Michelle Obama opened up about how she first navigated the White House and the importance of the friendships she made during those first months in the fifth episode of The Michelle Obama Podcast. The former first lady sat down with three of her close friends Denielle Pemberton-Heard, Dr. Sharon Malone, and Kelly Dibble to have the ultimate power chat.

Dr. Malone, who previously was on Obama's podcast to discuss the importance of women's reproductive health, spoke about the first time she was invited to lunch with her. "You were staying at the Hay Adams, and I get this call, and someone says, 'Uh, I'm whatever, and I'm from Mrs. Obama's staff,' and I was like what? And she says, 'Would you like to have lunch,' and I was like, 'I think I can make that work.'"

The two have a friendship going back to Obama's early White House days. Dr. Malone is married to former Attorney General Eric Holder, who served during Barack Obama's presidency and ultimately was an inspiration to her during her time in Washington.

Obama explained to her friend that those lunches helped her "understand Washington," but when she met Dr. Malone, something clicked, saying that when they finally met up for lunch Obama felt strongly towards her new friend remarking, "it was just like, this is another me."

"You had been in this world for so much longer than I had been, and you were a professional in your own right," said Obama. "And that was something that I saw, I was like okay this is a woman who still has a career, who is raising kids, whose husband is a big deal, but she's an even bigger deal, in her own right."

The Becoming author detailed how inspired she was by her new friend, saying, "What really drew me to you is just your attitude, about this place, you were unimpressed, but you cared deeply. It was that you were straddling that fence that I so often straddled as the wife of a politician, in a world, where women are just sort of, uh, accessories. You were not an accessory."

Uh, friendship goals much? You can catch a preview of the episode below and tune in tomorrow to listen to the full episode when it goes live on Spotify.

• Meghan Markle appeared at voter registration event "When All Women Vote," staged by Michelle Obama's When We All Vote organization, on Thursday.
• Meghan spoke about voter suppression targeting women of color, urging viewers, "We all have to be out there mobilizing to have our voices heard."

Meghan Markle delivered a crucial speech urging women to utilize their vote and mobilize against voter suppression, during the livestreamed "When All Women Vote" event staged by Michelle Obama's When We All Vote organization Thursday. Speaking at the virtual voter registration event, as Elle reports, Meghan told viewers, "We can and must do everything we can to ensure all women have their voices heard."

Thursday's "Couch Party" was organized to "honor the 19th Amendment, celebrate the women of color who have fought to make the promise of the 19th Amendment a reality for ALL women, and highlight the need to expand voting rights for marginalized communities," according to the event's website. During her speech, Meghan addressed the obstacles to voting still faced by many women of color, saying, "Even today we are watching so many women in different communities who are marginalized, still struggling to see that right [to vote] come to fruition. And that is—it’s just simply not OK."

She continued, "We look at the attempts of voter suppression and what that's doing—it’s all the more reason we need each of you to be out there supporting each other, to understand that this fight is worth fighting and we all have to be out there mobilizing to have our voices heard."

Read Meghan's full speech, as reported by Elle, below:

Well, hi everybody! This is exciting! I’m really thrilled that you asked me to be a part of this. I think this is such an exceptional time. [I'm] so happy to be here for my friend Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote and to kick off the When All Women Vote Couch Party. I think—look, if we’re looking at what’s happening here and the work that you’re doing here at the United State of Women, it is fair to say we are all very grateful for that work because we need it now really more than ever.

So as I was thinking about this a little bit, I thought, when I think about voting and why this is so exceptionally important for all of us, I would frame it as we vote to honor all those who came before us and to protect those who will come after us, because that’s what community is all about, and that’s specifically what this election’s all about. We’re only 75 days away from Election Day, and that is so very close, and yet there’s so much work to be done in that amount of time because we all know what’s at stake this year. I know it. I think all of you certainly know it, and if you’re here on this fun event with us, then you’re just as mobilized and energized to see the change that we all need and deserve. So I’m inspired to see all the work that you’re doing in your communities as well as for your communities.

As you just mentioned earlier, this week we are recognizing the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which of course gave women the right to vote—but not all women, and specifically not women of color. And as we look at things today, though it had taken decades longer for women of color to get the right to vote, even today we are watching so many women in different communities who are marginalized still struggling to see that right come to fruition, and that is—it’s just simply not OK. And we look at the attempts of voter suppression and what that’s doing, it’s all the more reason we need each of you to be out there supporting each other, to understand that this fight is worth fighting, and we all have to be out there mobilizing to have our voices heard.

So you know it’s interesting, we are obviously faced with a lot of problems in our world right now, both in the physical world and in the digital world. But we can and must do everything we can to ensure all women have their voices heard. Because at this juncture, if we aren’t part of the solution, we are part of the problem. If you aren’t going out there and voting, then you’re complicit. If you’re complacent, you’re complicit.

And I think when we are looking at all the different ways we can engage, we can support one another. It doesn’t necessarily matter what the issue is that speaks to your heart. Maybe it’s the environment. Maybe it’s the rights of women. Maybe it’s the rights of children or maybe it’s healthcare. Whatever it is, we can make the difference in this election and we will make the difference in this election.

You know, as I continue to think about the rest of this day and all the amazing work you’re going to be doing texting eligible voters, making sure that they are registered, making sure that they can have the impact that we all need and really want, then I think that it’s an exciting day because it is the countdown to the change that we would all like to see for the better for our country, and watching all of you do your part in whatever way to just encourage each other to have your voices heard. So I appreciate the work you’re doing.

I thank you so much. You know, in the fraught moment right now that we find our nation in, exercising your right to vote isn’t simply being part of the solution, it’s being part of a legacy. So thank you for being part of that legacy with us. Take good care of yourselves and of each other, and I can’t wait to see what we can all accomplish together. Thank you!

• Meghan Markle is teaming up with Michelle Obama's voter registration organization When We All Vote, which aims to "increase participation in every election and close the race and age voting gap."
• Meghan will take part in a virtual "Couch Party" this afternoon, August 20, to mark the 100 year anniversary of the 19th amendment.
• The Duchess of Sussex will appear alongside Valerie Jarrett, Yvette Nicole Brown, DJ Diamond Kuts, and Samantha Barry.

Major Meghan Markle news this morning! The Duchess of Sussex is teaming up with Michelle Obama's voter participation initiative, When We All Vote, founded in order to "increase participation in every election and close the race and age voting gap." This afternoon, August 20, Meghan will appear in a livestreamed "Couch Party" titled "When All Women Vote," to commemorate the centennial of the 19th amendment. Want to virtually attend? RSVP here.

The 19th amendment, ratified on August 18, 1920, prohibited states from denying women the vote—though voter suppression tactics were still broadly employed against Black and Latinx women, as Treva B. Lindsey writes for CNN, while Native American and Asian American women were denied citizenship, preventing them from voting.

Meghan will appear alongside Obama senior advisor and When We All Vote board chair Valerie Jarrett, actor and activist Yvette Nicole Brown, Glamour editor-in-chief Samantha Barry, and DJ Diamond Kuts. The virtual event will "honor the 19th Amendment, celebrate the women of color who have fought to make the promise of the 19th Amendment a reality for ALL women, and highlight the need to expand voting rights for marginalized communities." Viewers will learn how to use the When We All Vote texting tool, OutVote, and text voters nationwide to encourage them to register.

Earlier this month, Meghan opened up to Marie Claire about why she'll be using her vote in November's election. "I know what it's like to have a voice, and also what it's like to feel voiceless," she said. "I also know that so many men and women have put their lives on the line for us to be heard. And that opportunity, that fundamental right, is in our ability to exercise our right to vote and to make all of our voices heard."

"One of my favorite quotes, and one that my husband and I have referred to often, is from Kate Sheppard, a leader in the suffragist movement in New Zealand, who said, 'Do not think your single vote does not matter much. The rain that refreshes the parched ground is made up of single drops,'" Meghan added. "That is why I vote."

Michelle Obama, too, spoke to Marie Claire about why she votes. "I'm voting for two reasons," she said. "First—it's something I do every election. I grew up seeing my father, who had multiple sclerosis, vote in every election no matter what. He knew just how important it was to make his voice heard and to do his part to ensure we have competent leaders in office. I'm not just talking about president of the United States; I'm talking about about mayors, governors, senators, county supervisors, and everyone else."

"We need them all to have our best interests at heart. These folks make decisions that affect our daily lives—from how our schools are run to how our neighborhoods are policed to how our tax dollars are used," Obama continued. "And voting is how we make sure the leaders in office reflect our values."

"When we all vote, we take our power back. And that's the other big reason I'm voting: because this election could not be more important, especially at a time of such uncertainty and upheaval. The truth is, a lot of folks are hoping we start questioning the power of our votes. So we've got to get registered and turn out—in person or through our mail-in ballots. It's the surest path to achieve the changes that we seek."

Former First Lady Michelle Obama opened up alongside 99 other influential women, including Meghan Markle, Madeleine Albright, and Ava DuVernay, to talk to Marie Claire about why it's so important to vote in the 2020 election. This is a cause that's particularly close to Obama's heart: She's co-chair of When We All Vote, a nonprofit that aims to close the race and age voting gap. In what could be the most influential election of our time, she has important words about showing up at the polls or through the mail.

"I'm voting for two reasons," she explains. "First—it's something I do every election. I grew up seeing my father, who had multiple sclerosis, vote in every election no matter what. He knew just how important it was to make his voice heard and to do his part to ensure we have competent leaders in office. I'm not just talking about president of the United States; I'm talking about about mayors, governors, senators, county supervisors, and everyone else."

"We need them all to have our best interests at heart. These folks make decisions that affect our daily lives—from how our schools are run to how our neighborhoods are policed to how our tax dollars are used. And voting is how we make sure the leaders in office reflect our values."

"When we all vote, we take our power back. And that's the other big reason I'm voting: because this election could not be more important, especially at a time of such uncertainty and upheaval. The truth is, a lot of folks are hoping we start questioning the power of our votes. So we've got to get registered and turn out—in person or through our mail-in ballots. It's the surest path to achieve the changes that we seek."

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, joined Michelle Obama, Gabrielle Union, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Hillary Clinton, and 95 other influential women in speaking to Marie Claire about why she'll utilize her vote in the November 2020 elections. Sharing a powerful quote from New Zealand suffragist Kate Sheppard, Meghan reflected on her own experiences of having her voice both heard and ignored, and paid tribute to the many civil rights activists who risked their lives to win others the right to vote.

"I know what it's like to have a voice, and also what it's like to feel voiceless," Meghan said. "I also know that so many men and women have put their lives on the line for us to be heard. And that opportunity, that fundamental right, is in our ability to exercise our right to vote and to make all of our voices heard."

"One of my favorite quotes, and one that my husband and I have referred to often, is from Kate Sheppard, a leader in the suffragist movement in New Zealand, who said, 'Do not think your single vote does not matter much. The rain that refreshes the parched ground is made up of single drops,'" Meghan continued. "That is why I vote."

Some exciting news to start off your morning: A Michelle Obama podcast is officially coming to Spotify. It's the first project released through Spotify and Higher Ground Productions, the production company founded by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, in a multi-series and multi-year partnership.

"The Michelle Obama Podcast" will premiere for free on Spotify on July 29, 2020, and "will bring listeners the former First Lady’s most candid and personal conversations, showing us what’s possible when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, to open up, and to focus on what matters most," according to a Spotify press release. The former First Lady is expected to talk about everything from the pandemic to racism, and hopes to spark important conversations with loved ones.

"My hope is that this series can be a place to explore meaningful topics together and sort through so many of the questions we’re all trying to answer in our own lives," Mrs. Obama stated in the same press release. "Perhaps most of all, I hope this podcast will help listeners open up new conversations—and hard conversations—with the people who matter most to them. That’s how we can build more understanding and empathy for one another."

Guests of the podcast will include friends, family, and colleagues like Marian and Craig Robinson, Conan O’Brien, Valerie Jarrett, Michele Norris, and Dr. Sharon Malone MD. You can listen to Mrs. Obama introduce her podcast here or directly below.

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One of the most iconic women in American history, Michelle Obama has many accomplishments under her belt. An advocate for childhood health and education, she’s known for investing her efforts into the future generation. Along with her selfless nature, the former First Lady is known for her tact, elegance, and overwhelmingly big heart. Michelle has also been a champion for American designers: Thakoon, Brandon Maxwell, and Cushnie et Ochs are just some of the brands she's thrust in the spotlight. She set the fashion bar high when she attended the Inaugural Ball in 2009 in a Jason Wu stunner, and has not let us down since. This is my love letter to Michelle Obama: former First Lady of the United States, a staple to and for charities, style icon, and forever American royalty.

The former FLOTUS sported a bold purple belted suit designed by Princeton alum Sergio Hudson.

This Stine Goya embellished pantsuit is a stunner.

On her book tour, Obama wore this two-piece set from Fe Noel.

We've never seen these Balenciaga boots worn so well.

Michelle donned a glittery pinstripe suit for the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Obama was interviewed by Robin Roberts in a custom pinstripe suit by Jonathan Simkhai.

Obama sported a white belted dress and pointed-toe pumps to the Today show.

The former first lady wore a Preen mixed plaid print dress to speak at the Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago.

Michelle donned a Cushnie et Ochs dress to the the 2017 ESPYS.

Michelle opted for this luminous rose gold piece from Atelier Versace.

Michelle Obama stunned in a gilded Naeem Khan dress at the Phoenix Awards Dinner at Walter E. Washington Convention Center

The former FLOTUS donned a cheery Narciso Rodriguez dress at the State of the Union Address.

Michelle stunned in a Vera Wang gown at the state dinner at the White House.

The FLOTUS wore a corset-inspired dress by Zac Posen to the BET Black Girls Rock special.

Michelle Obama attended the grand opening of the Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a dress by Naeem Khan.

Michelle donned a gorgeous Marchesa gown at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.

Michelle Obama sported a hot-pink Michael Kors dress to a town hall presidential debate at Hofstra University.

First Lady Michelle Obama attended a campaign event in a dress by Chris Benz styles with a thin chain belt.

In the spirit of the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, Obama went with this fun look from Wes Gordon.

Michelle Obama mixed high and low at the Tonight Show with Jay Leno in a Michael Kors top and J. Crew skirt.

Michelle Obama wore a Tom Ford gown and opera length gloves to the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace.

The First Lady arrived at the Inaugural Ball in Jason Wu. 

For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter (subscribe here).

• Since we all envy Kate Middleton's glowing skin, we should all pay attention to her apparent face cream recommendation to Michelle Obama (Biotulin's Supreme Skin Gel).
• Supreme Skin Gel offers itself as a Botox alternative, relaxing your features for up to 24 hours.
• We've gotten tiny glimpses of Kate's beauty products throughout the years, and she (and her team) really seem to know their stuff.

Kate Middleton has gorgeous skin—you and I both know it, partially because I've been poring over pictures of her pretty face for ages. (It's for work, I swear!) According to Just Jared, we have more details on the cream she uses, thanks to a recommendation she once gave First Lady Michelle Obama. If it's good enough for those two, then you'd bet that I'm 100 percent in.

In an excerpt from the original post, Obama's makeup artist Carl Ray reportedly said, "Michelle Obama has been using this organic Botox gel regularly on the recommendation of Kate Middleton," and added that "the effect is unbelievable." It looks like he might have said that a few years ago and I haven't seen him confirm this directly on his Instagram, but he's pretty prolific about his work with Obama in general.

The main ingredient of Biotulin Supreme Skin Gel is spilanthol, which is "a biological local anesthetic that is derived from the extract of the plant Acmella oleracea, and it is said to work by reducing muscle contractions and relaxing your features." Unlike Botox, which is injected, this cream is just dabbed on the face and neck. As such, it's not long-lasting, but apparently will work for up to 24 hours.

Not everyone was totally on board: Dr. Maryam Zamani told Get The Gloss that she was "skeptical" that a cream could block muscle movement, but did add that the moisturizing component could potentially be helpful.

Biotulin has apparently garnered a lot of fans, including J. Lo, Madonna, and even Kim Kardashian herself, so it's celeb and duchess-approved.

Here's a closeup of Kate's face as of this past March (lookin' great, Kate!):

And Obama always looks incredible (seen here in December):

Guys, should I try this? I think I should...

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