Now in Fashion: Michelle Obama

(NEW YORK) Michelle Obama made as much a fashion statement as she did a political impression Tuesday night, when she arrived at Sikkema Jenkins & Co. in Chelsea for a special Obama for America fundraiser.

The 44-year old mother of two, whose husband Senator Barack Obama you already know well, arrived on the cool summer's night clad in a black front-wrapped cigar rolled jersey tunic and palazzo pants designed by none other than Isabel Toledo, which she paired with a statement Tom Binns necklace. Isabel, who attended the event with husband Ruben Toledo, was over the moon. "We almost fainted," said Ruben. "We knew that she was one of our clients that buys Isabel at Ikram in Chicago, but we never imaged she would wear it for a professional appearance. Most women wear their Isabel at home!"

Ruben had his own thoughts as to why perhaps Obama donned his wife's label for the occasion. "We love to think that Michelle chose to wear Isabel because she is still a small family-owned business and not a corporation--maybe it was a political statement," he added. "But maybe she wore it just because she looked so good in it! It's totally regal and White House worthy!" Even Thakoon Panichgul was bowled over. "It was totally surprising but totally appropriate at the same time!" he exclaimed in sheer awe.

Michelle was scheduled to host The View this morning. For the record, Senator Obama was at a speaking engagement in Taylor, Michigan, and thus unable to join his wife last night.

Organized by Vogue's Anna Wintour and André Leon Talley, as well as Shelby Bryan and Calvin Klein, the sold-out affair afforded attendees the opportunity to contribute anywhere from $1,000 (as an attendee) to $10,000 (for a Democratic White House Victory Fund dinner at Klein's West Village home afterward). At the festive cocktail reception, guests did their part to wear their support on their sleeves--literally. Lauren Santo Domingo affixed a specially made Obama pin to her floral Oscar de la Renta dress and clutch, while Zac Posen sported a "Yes We Can, Obama 08" T-shirt underneath his blazer.

After Talley, who sported another signature turban, introduced his friend Michelle, he promptly scooted off stage--inently taking the mic with him. "André, I need the mic," Obama said, gesturing with her hands.

Following an upstairs meet and greet, where she posed for photos with her adoring fans (only water and wine were served), including Tory Burch, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Grace Hightower, Deeda Blair, Eva Amurri, Cynthia Rowley, Julie Gilhart, Andrew Saffir and Daniel Benedict, Katie Ford, Amanda Brooks, Katie Lee Joel, Cynthia Nixon and Linda Fargo, Obama ventured downstairs at about 6:30 p.m. to speak.

In her speech, she spoke of her and Barack's belief that individuals can create change and, in fact, are the only real impetus for change. She spoke of the choices facing the public as a whole, as Americans, face today--the world as it is and the world as it should be. "I knew I would like her, I just didn't realize how much," said Lela Rose, family friends with the Republican Bush family, having recently designed bridesmaid dresses for Barbara Bush's nuptials. Obama's points hit home with much of the family-oriented crowd gathered, most of whom could identify with her words of wisdom in their own daily lives, from banning water bottles to bringing lunch to work. She instilled in her guests the reality that real change will likely take generations to materialize, but that the country's future will benefit greatly from efforts made today.

Obama also managed to inject some humor into the electric evening, joking that Barack, out of a deep love for New York, had wanted to take a "quiet: trip to the Big Apple and walk around with the kids and go shopping and just have a great day in the city.

"Her elegance and ease are what hit me first. She is so inspiring and empowering," said Rose. "I keep thinking of JFK's challenge: 'Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.'"

While Obama's office did not release the guest list, Fashion Week Daily has learned that among the 55 dinner guests were Iman, Tonya Lewis Lee and Spike Lee, Isaac Mizrahi, Marci Klein, Samantha Boardman and Aby Rosen, André Balazs, Harvey Weinstein and Georgina Chapman, Monique Lhuillier and Tom Bugbee, LL Cool J, Nicole Miller and LeBron James, the basketball star who graced the April cover of Vogue alongside Gisele Bündchen. Guests sat with platefuls of food on their laps as they listened to Obama speak. "Are you taller than Barack in heels?" Mizrahi asked. Lhuillier, however, bit her lip at not having had the opportunity to ask Obama her question. "What would the administration do to keep apparel manufacturers in the U.S.?" she pondered.
JIM SHI