Michelle Obama landed her third Vogue magazine cover this week within seven years.
It’s true, Obama has achieved much during her eight-year tenure at The White House, including delivering knockout speeches at the Democratic National Convention, transforming the way children view health and fitness, getting her eldest daughter, Malia, 18, off to college and more. It’s also important to note that she’s also graced the cover of the high-fashion publication more than any first lady in history.
Of course, the Chicago native is well aware of the legacy she is leaving behind, telling the mag, “I could have spent eight years doing anything, and at some level, it would have been fine. I could have focused on flowers. I could have focused on décor. I could have focused on entertainment. Because any first lady, rightfully, gets to define her role. There’s no legislative authority; you’re not elected. And that’s a wonderful gift of freedom.”
Also proud of her accomplishments (and understandably so) is her husband, the 44th and current president of the United States, Barack Obama: “Michelle never asked to be first lady … Like a lot of political spouses, the role was thrust upon her. But I always knew she’d be incredible at it, and put her own unique stamp on the job. That’s because who you see is who she is— the brilliant, funny, generous woman who, for whatever reason, agreed to marry me. I think people gravitate to her because they see themselves in her — a dedicated mom, a good friend, and someone who’s not afraid to poke a little fun at herself from time to time.”
As previously reported, Obama first graced the cover of Vogue in 2009, shortly after the Inauguration. Dressed in a pink dress by Jason Wu, she was the epitome of class and beauty. She talked about hoping to give her children a sense of normalcy, but Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour already knew things would be very different, writing, “Change was the clarion call of Barack Obama’s election campaign, though I don’t think any of us at Vogue initially realized that would include the difference that was going to be made by First Lady Michelle Obama’s wardrobe … It’s inspiring to see our first lady so serene and secure in her personal style.”
