Mum's the Fashion Word in Desiree Rogers Michigan Avenue Interview

Michigan Avenue bagged the fashion credits for their August 2009 profile on Desirée Rogers, the high-profile Chicagoan turned White House social secretary. While WWD buzzed, the word from Chicago is that the feature's about Rogers, not her clothes.

With political matters getting downright dicey in D.C., among Dems and liberals who are wondering about POTUS, the West Wing wants no fashion flack clouding their own somewhat convoluted messages. President Obama's confusing position on a public health care option is upsetting a lot of people, putting major risk to his political credibility.

Politico's opinion piece this morning was a scorcher. See 8/19/09 HopeTracker.

Calling Rogers smart, glamorous and philanthropic, Michigan Avenue says she was the "it" woman in Chicago, long before the Obamas came calling.

Among her favorite charities is Polk Bros. Foundation. “I particularly enjoyed working with the talented staff at Polk,” she says. “We focused on the issues being tackled by many of the grassroots organizations in the neighborhoods of Chicago, including domestic violence, diabetes in the Hispanic community and housing issues.”

I'm not suggesting that Smart Sensuality women won't be talking about fashion, but I do believe the dialogue is changing quickly. In the same Michigan Avenue August issue, read "The Female Factor", with its Smart Sensuality message: For some women, engagement is all about receiving a ring; for others— including the six you’ll see on the following pages— ’tis way better to give. Yes, civic engagement is the call for these ladies, who we’re fondly calling our philanthropy-istas. Catchy labels aside, however, one thing is certain: These gals are on a mission, and Chicago is a better place because of it.

The trend is very "Town and Country".

You may have the most expensive wardrobe between New York and the Rockies, but an 'important' woman is defined by what she does for others in her life, not the clothes on her back. Increasingly, fashion is the backdrop for a well-lived life and not the main event.

Even when the recession improves, progressive women will not go back to the Vogue "I am defined by my closet" years. Anne

Comments

[Leo]

I think this woman is way too visible. She just needs to stick to her job.