WWD asked designers to sketch possible inauguration outfits for birthday girl Michelle Obama, and three of the twelve designers that participated (Bouchra Jarrar, Nanette Lepore, Chanel) also included some fun looks for Sasha and Malia Obama, whose much-discussed election night frocks have apparently made them fair game for the fashion industry. But one of the people consulted by WWD — Tommy Hilfiger — went a step further: skipping over the First Lady entirely, the iconic American designer focused all his efforts on the younger Obama set. You can see what he came up with above.
Hilfiger told WWD: “My designs for the first daughters are inspired by American spirit with bold pops of color in classic red, white and blue. Sasha’s cropped tux jacket over an A-line silk dress takes a youthful twist on her mother’s classic style. Malia has great style, and I thought it would be fun to see her in a fashion-forward tuxedo jumpsuit.”
His “tuxedo jumpsuit” is cool, but totally outside of the realm of possibility. Hilfiger designed something for a fashion plate — someone other than Malia Obama, a 14-year-old schoolgirl whose father just happens to be the President of the United States. It’s a little disturbing how easy it is for a designer like Hilfiger to envision a child like Malia as a luxury mannequin. I’d like to introduce you to fashion’s often distorted worldview, I don’t know if you’re acquainted?
