Costume designers are crediting first lady Michelle Obama for inspiring today’s D.C.-based TV shows, like “Scandal,” “Veep,” and “House of Cards.” When it comes to some of your favorite fictional Washingtonians showing off their toned arms, wearing figure-flattering dresses and taking a trip on the wild side in bold colors and patterns, they all have Mrs. Obama to thank for that.
“[Mrs. Obama] has made D.C. a little more feminine and much more modern,” says “Veep” wardrobe designer Kathleen Felix Hager, who dresses Selina Meyers, the vice president on the popular HBO series. “She took risks.” Hager continued.
When it came to dressing the “Veep’s” Selina Meyers, costume designer Felix Hager says that ”Mrs. Obama’s use of color was an inspiration for us.”
But the women on “Veep” weren’t the only ones who took inspiration from Obama’s modern-day D.C. wardrobe. One of TV’s more popular dramas, “Scandal,” credits her as well:
“She did inspire us. There’s no doubt about that. No disrespect, but I don’t think there are that many women in politics today that dress like Olivia Pope. They all wear red, white, and blue — all the time. Thank God Mrs. Obama is changing that,” says “Scandal” costume designer Lyn Paolo, who is the woman behind the vision that is Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington.
“I was disgruntled by the whole reaction to Mrs. Obama showing her bare arms in her first official portrait, so that’s been one of my favorite things to do on the show — to show Olivia’s arms,”
“Mrs. Obama is a lot more casual than Olivia, except when she’s going to a beautiful gala or some kind of ball.” Paolo adds.
Pretty neat if you ask us. – ruthie hawkins/@ruubabie
