Michelle Obama Reflects on Fashion, Legacy, and Life in the White House on Colbert
In a recent appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” former First Lady Michelle Obama delved into her experiences in the White House, her fashion choices, and her new book, “The Look.” A two-time Grammy winner and best-selling author, Obama reflected on her time as First Lady and how it shaped her identity and public persona.
A New Chapter: Life After the White House
As Obama noted, it has been nearly nine years since she left the White House, a period that has brought significant changes to her life. While she acknowledges that she is not the same person she was during her time in office, she considers herself a “new and improved version” of herself. “I carry the wisdom and joy of those eight years in my heart,” she shared, emphasizing the honor it was to serve in such a prominent role.
Reflecting on her experiences, Obama described her time in the White House as an opportunity to see America through a unique lens. “What I saw for eight years was a decent country with decent people who all want the same thing,” she said, highlighting the importance of recognizing the shared humanity that binds Americans together.
The Power of Fashion
One of the key themes of Obama’s book is the strategic use of fashion as a form of soft power. She explained that her fashion choices were made “carefully, thoughtfully, strategically,” understanding that her appearance could convey messages beyond words. “I learned a lot of lessons about what I had to look out for and how quickly people were willing to take my story and distort it,” she recalled, noting that she felt compelled to control how she presented herself to the public.
Obama discussed the significance of her appearances on magazine covers, particularly her historic Vogue cover as a Black woman in a position of power. She recognized the rarity of such representation and aimed to use her platform to inspire others. “I wanted to take advantage of the fact that as the First Lady, you can be smart, educated, beautiful, and a Black woman,” she stated.
Fashion as a Statement of Inclusion
Throughout her time in the White House, Obama made a conscious effort to support diverse designers. Her choice of Jason Wu for her inaugural gown was a deliberate statement to open doors for young and minority designers in the fashion industry. “It was a time to really open it up and give some young designers an opportunity,” she explained.
She emphasized that her fashion choices were not just about aesthetics but also about messaging and inclusion. “The dress was beautiful, but the story of Jason—a young immigrant—was part of that message,” Obama noted.
The Heart of the White House
Obama also reflected on the emotional landscape of the White House, contrasting the work-focused West Wing with the more personal East Wing, where she spent much of her time. “The East Wing was where life happened,” she said, recalling the joy of hosting children and pets and creating a warm atmosphere amidst the formality of the presidency.
She expressed her feelings about the White House as “the people’s house,” emphasizing that her family was there for a limited time and had a duty to maintain its legacy. “We always felt it was the people’s house,” she reiterated, voicing her concerns about the current state of norms and traditions in American politics.
Embracing Confidence and Saying No
In her conversation with Colbert, Obama touched on the theme of confidence, particularly for women. She shared how she has learned to embrace her power and the importance of saying no to things that do not align with her values. “Understanding my power and saying no frees me up to say yes to the things I want to do,” she explained.
At 61, Obama is more mindful of how she spends her time, recognizing the limited number of summers ahead of her. “I want to be mindful about those 30 summers,” she said, expressing her desire to slow down and savor life’s moments.
Conclusion
Michelle Obama’s appearance on “The Late Show” was a reflection of her journey, both as a public figure and as an individual. Through her fashion choices, she conveyed powerful messages about identity and inclusion, while also embracing the wisdom that comes with age and experience. Her new book, “The Look,” serves as a testament to her legacy and the impact she hopes to continue making in the world.
