Michelle Obama, Oscar De La Renta Relationship Still Seems Tepid

Oscar De La Renta: I Would Absolutely Dress Michelle Obama

It appears that Michelle Obama and Oscar de la Renta's tense non-relationship is still in stalemate mode.

At the 92Y last night, the designer was asked yet again about his history with FLOTUS -- namely, the fact that he seems to be the only major American designer that she's never worn. Is it de la Renta who's got an issue with Obama, having criticized her fashion choices publicly in the past, or Obama who is shunning de la Renta?

The designer had this to say:

"Would I love to dress her? I would love to dress everybody! She’s a very good-looking lady and it’s her own right to wear what she wants to wear. But I was upset when the Chinese Prime Minister came to visit and she wore a foreign designer. What a lost opportunity to showcase our industry. I’m sure she didn’t do it on purpose, but she was not well-advised."

Again with the state dinner, Oscar? de la Renta made headlines back in 2011 after Obama wore a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown for a Chinese state dinner. At the time, he told Women's Wear Daily, "My understanding is that the visit was to promote American-Chinese trade -- American products in China and Chinese products in America. Why do you wear European clothes?"

He had previously criticized the first lady for wearing a J. Crew cardigan to meet Queen Elizabeth II in 2009. "You don't...go to Buckingham Palace in a sweater," he remarked.

Since that time, Michelle has worn nearly every major American fashion designer, from Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors to Diane von Furstenberg and Vera Wang. But she's never worn de la Renta, a favorite of past first ladies like Hillary Clinton.

But now we know that the ball is in her court. FLOTUS, Oscar is totally over the whole Buckingham Palace incident (and almost over the McQueen thing) and ready to dress you. Got any state dinners coming up?

No Oscar gowns here:

March 2005

49 Of Michelle Obama's Best Looks

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