Although she left office in 2017, Michelle Obama made a major style impact in 2022 during the unveiling of her official White House portrait.
: For the ceremony, she wore a pleated, ombre-effect custom gown by Sharon Sever for Galia Lahav , signaling a shift toward more adventurous and edgier designers.
: Her 2022 appearances set the stage for her later book, The Look (2025), where she detailed the high level of intention behind her fashion choices and the messages she aimed to send. Historical Context: Jackie Kennedy's "Golden Standard"
Discussions of First Lady style in 2022 still frequently referenced , who remains the "golden standard" for the role. Her influence persists in the modern era, with current and former First Ladies often drawing inspiration from her iconic pillbox hats and sharply tailored suits. First Lady Melania Trump Champions U.S. Fashion Leadership