"Looks Like Combat Uniform" Korean-American Designer Outfit Worn by Michelle Obama Sparks Attention

Speech at US Democratic Party Convention
NYT: "Highly Calculated Fashion"

Michelle Obama, wife of former President Barack Obama, has drawn attention for her outfit worn during a speech supporting Vice President Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago, USA. The outfit, described as looking like a 'warrior in battle gear,' was reportedly designed by a Korean-American designer.

Michelle Obama speaking at the Democratic National Convention held at the United Center in Chicago, USA
[Photo by AFP Yonhap News]

On the 20th (local time), Michelle gave a speech supporting Vice President Harris alongside former President Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. That day, Michelle wore a dark navy sleeveless top paired with ankle-length pants. A silver metallic belt was wrapped around the waist of the top, which fell in a straight line.

Foreign media including The New York Times (NYT) focused on Michelle's outfit, describing it as "a highly calculated fashion style from head to toe, including accessories," and analyzed that "the aggressive outfit hinted that this election will be a fierce 'battle'."

NYT fashion critic Vanessa Friedman commented, "The sharp collar of the top evoked military uniforms, and the arms were exposed to emphasize the biceps. It felt restrained yet sharp, like armor."

The outfit Michelle chose that day was a custom suit from the American luxury brand Monse. Monse is a brand founded by Korean-American Laura Kim together with New York designer Fernando Garcia, who is originally from the Dominican Republic.

NYT noted, "Coincidentally, Laura Kim recently formed an 'anti-racism group (Slay Asians)' with Asian fashion figures to combat anti-Asian hate," suggesting that Michelle's choice of Monse's brand also seemed to carry an intention to convey an anti-racism message.

As Michelle's outfit became a major topic, Laura Kim reportedly responded, "Mrs. Obama embodied the brand philosophy even better than we had planned." Designer Kim was born in Seoul, immigrated to the United States with her family, and graduated from the prestigious fashion school Pratt Institute in New York. She then entered the fashion industry working at Oscar de la Renta, known as the most favored brand among past American first ladies, and later launched Monse with Garcia, with whom she had worked for a long time.