In fashion terms the barbecue outfit is a niche sub-genre that can be very tricky to get right. The look needs to be upbeat and summery but at the same time involve an outfit able to absorb the odd splodge of tomato ketchup. It’s a difficult ask of a dress, especially when you factor in the glare of the world’s media looking to dissect the meaning of every last pleat and seam.
Last week at the barbecue at No. 10 Downing Street, London, Michelle Obama and Samantha Cameron took different approaches to the sartorial conundrum. Mrs O chose a crystal embellished black chiffon dress by the American designer Tracy Reese. The fabric and beading were arguably an odd choice, which left many commentators noting that the dress would have been more suitable for sundown rather than in the harsh midday light. But Obama demonstrated that much of her current status as an international style leader comes not from what she actually wears but from the way she wears it. Despite its cocktail-ready appearance Obama managed to look at ease in the dress — not an easy feat when you are simultaneously wielding salad tongs and wearing silk chiffon in front of TV cameras.
Cameron’s lighter choice provided a stark contrast to the monochrome of Obama. Her outfit was by the Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders.
Photo: EPA
The white and pale blue cotton dress with its sharp emerald belt was perfectly pitched for the almost cartoon-like choreographed event. The crescent dress has a meaty price tag at £895 (US$1,480) but Cameron’s choice was not profligate. It demonstrated her commitment to showing off the best of British design on the world’s stage.
Saunders was not an unexpected choice. The designer is having a storming season. His most recent collection at London Fashion Week in February was judged by many to have been the strongest show of the week both at home and internationally. In showcasing such a hot brand, Cameron was not seeking insider fashion approval — although she doubtless got it — rather she was underscoring her commitment to supporting the British fashion industry after the previous day’s choice of a dress by the lesser-known label Peter Pilotto.
Unsurprisingly neither woman opted to wear an apron over their clothes. For a recent barbecue US President Barack Obama managed to pull off wearing an apron with the US presidential seal sewn on it, but given the close scrutiny of both women’s wardrobes and the negative associations an apron can bring it was perhaps wise to steer clear of this option — no matter how practical.
Later in the day British fashion received a further boost. Before the visit it was almost a certainty that one of the first ladies would wear — or at least consider wearing — Alexander McQueen. It fell to Obama during her address to the students from the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School at Oxford University to break out what is now arguably the best-known of British fashion labels. Since the Duchess of Cambridge chose to wear McQueen twice on her wedding day the label has become the symbolic flag flyer for all that is good in British fashion. Obama’s decision to wear the label in Oxford will be read as a friendly nod of respect to brand Britain as well as to the fashion brand itself.
The white cotton tunic shirt and large Western-style belt were from the summer collection and were at the opposite end of the style spectrum to the royal wedding dress. More everyday than extraordinary, the shirt and slim black trousers radiated an easy warmth amid the intimidating atmosphere of the historic and grand surroundings. It was an approachable look that was in keeping with her signature style and also chimed well with her self-professed role as “Mom-in-chief,” something that she referred to during her inspirational speech.
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