Tracy Reese, the Designer Who Armed Michelle Obama With That DNC Dress

First Lady Michelle Obama’s speech Tuesday evening at the Democratic National
Convention received a number of rave reviews.

So did her outfit.

Mrs. Obama wore a custom-made sleeveless dress by Tracy Reese, showing off
her famously-toned arms. She paired the printed frock, in pink and gold with
blue-gray trim around the hem of its full skirt, with $245 J. Crew heels in “rhubarb.”

Ms. Reese, an African American designer who was born in Detroit and launched
her collection in New York more than a decade ago, is known for her use of
bright colors and flattering, feminine silhouettes. She is among the more
affordable designers selling in luxury department stores, with dresses running
around $350. She has dressed Mrs. Obama before, including for the First Lady’s
Ebony magazine cover in May.

“I was moved to tears by Mrs. Obama’s amazing speech. I knew she was speaking
from her heart and she touched mine,” Ms. Reese tells Speakeasy exclusively. “As
always I couldn’t be more proud to have the opportunity to dress her.”

Another topic of much discussion Tuesday evening: Mrs. Obama’s purple-gray
manicure. The on-trend choice for her tips had people frantically guessing the
specific shade on Twitter. (No official word yet!)

Mrs. Obama has infused a healthy dose of fashion into the First Lady role,
much to the joy of US-based designers. It began with the Narciso Rodriguez black
and red shift she wore on election day four years ago, and carrying through to
the white Jason Wu gown she donned for Election Day.

Ann Romney, wife of Republican nominee Mitt Romney, has been doing her
fashion part on the campaign trail as well. Last week, when speaking at her
party’s convention, she wore a cherry-red Oscar de la Renta dress and Stuart
Weitzman heels. Janna Ryan, wife of Republican vice presidential candidate, wore
a green Talbots shift on the evening of her husband’s speech.

Source: WSJ