8 times US first ladies sent a message with their fashion choices, from Michelle Obama’s armour gown to Melania’s pussy-bow and Jill Biden’s show of support for Ukraine
- Michelle Obama chose an armour-like gown after Donald Trump made derogatory comments about women, while Jackie Kennedy’s pink Chanel suit marked a tragedy
- At the State of the Nation, Jill Biden wore a sunflower dress to show support to Ukrainians as war unfolds – but what about Melania Trump’s famous pussy-bow blouse?
A woman’s outfit can speak volumes. And naturally, US first ladies get a lot of attention when they wear something, with speculation rife and scrutiny high on the hunt for hidden meanings.
While Jackie Kennedy’s bloodstained pink Chanel suit marking the end of an era – following her husband’s assassination – wasn’t exactly a planned statement, Michelle Obama’s armour-like gown, which came after Donald Trump made disrespectful comments about women, probably was. Here are some outfits that have sparked debate and may carry hidden meanings.
1. Jackie Kennedy’s tragic bloodstained pink suit
One of Kennedy’s most iconic looks is unfortunately symbolic because of the dark events tied to it. On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was shot in Dallas, Texas, while riding in the presidential motorcade alongside his wife, who was later seen covered in her husband’s blood.
After being advised to clean up after the tragic event, Kennedy said, “Let them see what they’ve done”, according to The New York Times.
The first lady knew the image of blood smeared on her pink Chanel suit was powerful and jarring: The stained suit symbolised the end of an era.
2. Michelle Obama wore “pearls you have to deal with” on the 2008 campaign trail
