First Lady of Fashion

Wow! Michelle Obama looks amazing in Alexander McQueen. Once again, the First Lady defies tradition by going for a non-American designer -- and for something bold and statement-making. The scarlet stunner was created by Sarah Burton, who took over at the label after Lee McQueen's death last year. It seems to be a variation of a gown from the line's recent resort collection. Red, of course, is a nod to China as the White House was hosting Hu Jintao, the "President" of China.

I love that she wears real fashion... major designers like McQueen, Alaia, Narcisco, Gaultier, Marc Jacobs; new fashion darlings like Thakoon and Jason Wu; and is not afraid to mix in some J.Crew and Gap!

It is so exciting that we are in a moment where strong female rolemodels embrace fashion. Michelle Obama runs in a pack of chic leaders' wives, including France's first lady, former model Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, who favors ladylike Dior. They don't mind showing up their husbands! (Although both Carla Bruni and Michelle Obama seem to wear flats or kitten heels most of the time, no doubt in an effort to not tower over their high-powered spouses).

British Prime Minister David Cameron's wife Samantha, the former creative director of Smythson of Bond Street and now an ambassador for the British Fashion Council, goes for a more casual look in Brit labels like TopShop, Paul Smith, Erdem and Osman Yousefzada.

And perhaps the chicest (and no doubt richest) of all is Queen Rania. She is certainly no stranger to high-end designer clothes!

Inspiring for the budding fashionistas out there...