Where would American fashion be in 2017 without the Michelle Obama effect? Accomplished, compassionate and proud, she held the world’s attention as she defined the First Lady role in the era of social media and the 24-hour news cycle —then used her station to elevate some of our most promising emerging designers.

By trusting these talents in her most visible moments, Obama, pictured here in Naeem Khan, made young talents into household names, and promoted new and diverse voices at a time when many businesses were challenged to survive.

As she now exits the White House nearly a decade after making election night headlines in a Narciso Rodriguez stunner, we asked CFDA Members to reflect on the First Lady’s impact on their careers. Find out how it feels to see Mrs. Obama in your work, and how the designers expect her style to evolve out of the White House.

PRABAL GURUNG

Where were you when you first heard that Mrs. Obama was interested in wearing your work?

I was on the phone with my mother. We got the request, and I remember talking to my mom with such excitement. I had some incredible red carpet moments before; however, my mother always said to call her when I had dressed the First Lady. Luckily, I was already on the phone with her.

Tell us about the short- and long-term impact on your business.

Having the First Lady wear our designs always brings increased awareness to our brand. It has an incredibly strong impact on our business, both immediately and long term. Her faith in a designer like myself also brought us a credible voice and platform to continue to advocate for issues such as female equality and education.

How do you see her style evolving – or, what would you like to see – once she has left the White House?

I’d love to see her start powering up in elegant and sharp suits, and get ready to campaign for 2020.

As someone whose vision helped shape the way a First Lady was seen by the world, what have you said to her when you had the chance?

I’ve been fortunate enough to meet the First Lady on a few occasions, and every time I see her, I thank her for the glorious eight years she and Barack have given us, and I thank her for allowing me to be a part of this history.

TANYA TAYLOR

Where were you when you first heard that Mrs. Obama was wearing your work?

I was in my studio very late at night working on my CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund application. An image of her wearing one of my dresses popped up in my Instagram feed and I lost it with excitement.

Tell us about the short- and long-term impact on your business.

Interest in the brand has certainly increased, from both an awareness and sales standpoint. This has consistently been the case each time she has worn Tanya Taylor, but most importantly, she has helped us to understand the diversity of age, race and size to which the brand appeals.

What quality do you see in Mrs. Obama that draws people to her fashion choices?

She is a lawyer who has become a fashion icon. She has made fashion accessible to all,eliminated the fear of fashion, and shown the joyful, empowering possibilities that exist. She is experimental and shows the importance of confidence over trends.

As someone whose vision helped shape the way a First Lady was seen by the world, what have you said to her when you had the chance?

I have thanked her for making everyone smile in her presence, and leading the country with grace. She is exactly the woman I want my daughter to look up to.

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

Where were you when you first heard that Mrs. Obama was interested in wearing your work?

When I first heard that Mrs. Obama was interested in wearing something, I was in my studio, completely unprepared because I was about to have my wedding a few days later. We quickly put most things on hold to make that first Siriano dress, and I’m happy that we continued on to do others.

Tell us about the short- and long-term impact on your business.

It’s exciting to watch what can happen after one person supports your brand. It can really change it. The most impactful [moment] was at the DNC when she showed up in our cobalt blue cap sleeve dress and gave the most incredible speech I have ever heard. I knew it would change my career for the better, and it really was an honor. I had no expectations in any way after for our business, so everything that happened has just been a wonderful bonus.

What quality do you see in Mrs. Obama that draws people to her fashion choices?

She has become an icon not only for what she wears, but for what she believes in and what she supports. It’s also how she carries herself day-to-day. People love a hero and want to have someone to look up to. They want a person who says it’s OK to wear color and print and break rules. Fashion should make you feel good.

NAEEM KHAN

Where were you when you first heard that Mrs. Obama was interested in wearing your work? 

I was in New York when Ikram, then the stylist for Michelle Obama, called me to design the dress for the first State Dinner. It was three weeks before, and it was a hard task to execute, with such short notice, the dress I had in mind. We made it happen from New York City to India, with people working night and day. I was in Miami for Thanksgiving…and my dreams were realized when I saw her walk out in that gold strapless dress to greet the Indian Prime Minister. One of the happiest days of my life. I jumped with joy.

How did the relationship evolve from there? Who did you work with on her team and how did it differ from other “celebrity” clients? 

The success of the first dress set the standards and the confidence in our relationship. It fit and was appropriately designed for the occasion. The press was global and it let the world know of her love for fashion and style. Designing for the First Lady is different than designing for a celebrity. We worked with Meredith Koop very closely. Meredith is very efficient and a great stylist, a team player. We usually got a briefing. Sketches were presented, and after a few dialogues things were put into work. Pieces were sent to the White House for fittings and all corrections were made in our studios.

Tell us about the short- and long-term impact on your business.

The first dress had the biggest impact as it was the first State Dinner and the dress was loved around the globe. The majority of dresses for the First Lady were one-of-a-kind.

The impact of the First Lady is global. Stores across the world wanted our dresses, and that continues. Mrs. Obama has single-handedly put us on the map. We have continued to grow at a very healthy pace and have created a strong brand across the world.

As someone whose vision helped shape the way a First Lady was seen by the world, what have you said to her when you had the chance? 

I have loved and basked in the glory of her faith in and respect for my work. I have thanked her for believing in me and am honored to have been a part of this magical journey. She has put American fashion designers and the industry in the forefront across the world. We will continue to make her proud.

THOM BROWNE

What quality do you see in Mrs. Obama that draws people to her fashion choices?

Her confidence.

How do you see her style evolving – or, what would you like to see – once she has left the White House?

I hope her style stays the same. Because that is what was so refreshing about her. Her true sense of her own personal style.

As someone whose vision helped shape the way a First Lady was seen by the world, what would you say to her if you had the chance?

Thank you.

RACHEL ROY

Tell us about the impact that dressing Mrs. Obama has had on your business.

Mrs. Obama had a profound effect on not only the fashion industry but the creative and arts industry as a whole. Through her choices,she really put a spotlight on how the creative pursuits and the arts are important pieces of our society. It’s a great message that I think is important for our children to hear and understand.

What quality do you see in Mrs. Obama that draws people to her fashion choices?

There is an authentic warmth to her that is real and approachable. She spoke her mind but did it in a constructive and productive way. She opened her life and the White House to people. She wasn’t afraid to dance and have fun.  

How do you see her style evolving – or, what would you like to see – once she has left the White House?

I think she will continue to do what feels right to her and that’s why America loves her.

As someone whose vision helped shape the way a First Lady was seen by the world, what would you say to her if you had the chance?

Simply: “Thank you. You are an inspiration.”

MONIQUE LHUILLIER

Where were you when you first heard that Mrs. Obama was interested in wearing your work?
I was contacted by Meredith Koop for a dress for the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2013. It is such an honor to dress the First Lady and especially Michelle as she is so elegant and exudes confidence. I also liked that she was making a conscious effort to wear only American designers and promote Made in the U.S.A., as my atelier and factory are located in L.A..
This was a time when Michelle was evolving her look and taking more fashion risks. She chose a black fitted goddess gown with intricate matte jet black beading around her shoulders. I was in L.A. when I saw that she was wearing my design and literally jumped for joy.

How did the relationship evolve from there? Who did you work with on her team?
We always collaborated with Meredith Koop directly on all dressing opportunities. We always chose current designs from my collections that were customized to fit Michelle’s figure and needs.
The next dress Michelle wore was for the Kennedy Center Honors in 2014. It was a petal pink embroidered column dress off my runway that we customized for Michelle. She was radiant.
I then designed a dress for when Pope Francis visited the White House in 2015. We chose a midnight navy day dress with a Guipure lace bodice and a textured jacquard full skirt. As she was meeting the Pope, we added a sleeve in the Guipure lace. Having been raised Catholic, it was very impactful and meaningful to have Michelle wear my design for this milestone event.
How do you see her style evolving – or, what would you like to see – once she has left the White House?
Michelle knows who she is; she knows her body and what looks good. She always looked appropriate for the occasion and I believe she will continue to dress in the same way, but would imagine she will not have as many formal occasions to attend, so she can be a bit more relaxed in her choices.

As someone whose vision helped shape the way a First Lady was seen by the world, what have you said to her/would you say if you had the chance?

“I am so honored to have dressed you and love what you have done for American fashion. I hope that you will continue to wear my designs in the future wherever it takes you.”

MICHELLE SMITH, Milly

Where were you when you first heard that Mrs. Obama was wearing your work?
I was flipping through a magazine on an airplane and saw a photo of Mrs. Obama in a white jacket from one of my summer collections. I almost hit the ceiling in excitement. Fairly certain I spilled my Diet Coke on my lap too!

How did the relationship evolve from there?
Meredith Koop later reached out to me. I’ve since created some custom looks for Mrs. Obama and her daughters. It’s been my greatest honor as a designer.

Tell us about the short- and long-term impact on your business. Mrs. Obama’s support has definitely helped Milly. Women worldwide admire Mrs. Obama. She is the ultimate role model on all fronts. When she wears a designer, people take notice. In the short term, women flock to find the look she wore—there is often a spike in brand-awareness and sales when this happens. In the long term, I feel as though Milly is forever blessed for having dressed Mrs. Obama. She is a beautiful person, inside and out. There is no finer woman than her…and she has chosen to wear my clothes. I pinch myself over and over. I feel very grateful to her.

As someone whose vision helped shape the way a First Lady was seen by the world, what have you said to her/would you say if you had the chance?
My proudest moment was when she recently wore the Milly “Selena” dress on the cover of Essence Magazine.
The photoshoot was ground-breaking in my opinion, showing the First Lady in an intimate, tender moment with President Obama. The deep love, trust and respect between them is so evident in the photos—it’s truly magical.
I would say, “Thank you, Mrs. Obama, for including me in this special moment. Thank you for wearing Milly. Designing is my true passion, and you are the person I have most wanted to dress in my designs. Thank you for making my dream come true. I will miss you so much as First Lady, but I know you will continue to work hard to make this world a better place. You continue to be an inspiration to men, women and children everywhere. You give us hope.”

Photo courtesy of Naeem Khan