Black Artists Association (BAA) co-founder Amnau Eele has been receiving death threats since she criticized First Lady Michelle Obama for not wearing clothes created by African American designers. The First Lady’s choice in fashion has been on everyone’s mind since she appeared on ABC’s “The View” wearing the black and white off-the-rack dress designed by white designer Donna Ricco sold at White House/Black Market.
Since, Obama has appeared in dresses by Thai-American designer Thakoon Panchigul during the Democratic National Convention; Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo during the day of the 2009 Presidential Inauguration; and Asian-American designer Jason Wu on the evening of the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.
According to WWD, Eel said, “It’s fine and good if you want to be all ‘Kumbaya’ and ‘We Are the World’ by representing all different countries. But if you are going to have Isabel Toledo do the inauguration dress, and Jason Wu do the evening gown, why not have Kevan Hall, b. michael, Stephen Burrows or any of the other black designers do something too?”
Earlier this month, designer b. michael interviewed with rolling out. He shared his excitement about designing inauguration day and evening wear for both the Inauguration Poet Elizabeth Alexander and D.C.’s First Lady Michelle Fenty.
Eele continues, “It’s one thing to look at the world without color but she had seven slots to wear designer clothes. Why wasn’t she wearing the clothes of a black designer? That was our moment.”
Obama’s choice in clothes may be a matter of taste. In a statement to rolling out, b. michael shares:
“For the record I would like to state that the statement made on behalf of the Black Artists Association does not represent my point of view. I understand their sensitivity and respect their right to express it. I personally believe it is an unfair expectation to place on the First Lady. Fashion is subjective and a matter of personal choice. As a designer of color I would encourage the fashion industry, editors and media to lead the way and be more inclusive. True change in America is going to be a collective effort. As an American designer I am excited that Mrs. Obama, in her role as the First Lady, will heighten the awareness of American style which resonates into business and jobs in the fashion industry. I applaud Mrs. Obama for her style and her choices. Most of all for wearing what really matters–dignity and grace.” –yvette caslin
