Michelle Obama's "Fashion Pets" Spring 2010-Pt1

In today's Washington Post Robin Givhan takes a look at Fashion Designers Buoyed by Michelle Obama. Following Robin's lead, I've pulled out the designer collections and reviews so far of the First Lady's designs from Style.com.

it's incredibly easy to get caught up in "la glamour" of being a Michelle Obama "fashion pet", but as Robin reminds us:

For all of them, the hurdles they ultimately face have little to do with succumbing to the typical Hollywood trilogy of reckless nightlife, booze and a to-do list of illegal substances. For fashion designers, their challenges are less likely to send them to rehab -- although some have certainly wound up there -- and more likely to plummet them into bankruptcy.

The minefield they must navigate is filled with such unglamorous challenges as meeting production demands, following up with on-time deliveries and not letting head-spinning critical acclaim lead them to believe that their every flight of fantasy is pure genius and should be stitched up and sent down a runway.

Here's a quick look at the runway collections of "Michelle Obama's Spring 2010 Designers to Date", reviews of their collections and some biz news, too.

As Robin reminds us, being a First Lady "fashion pet" (my word) hard means smooth-sailing for young or even more established designers. The best example of excellent designer/bad business karma is Niacisco Rodriguez. Let's hope his fortunes stabilize.  Anne

Jason Wu

Jason Wu Spring 2010, photos via Style.comSpring 2010 Runway Photos Style.com

Collection Intel Charming, light-headed, optimistic, modern American

More Reading:

Style.com Review Jason Wu

Wall Street Journal A Design Generation Rising (also covers Thakoon)

NY Times: The First Few Strides are Looking Good (includes Jason Wu)

Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez Sp 2010, via Style.comSpring 2010 Runway Photos Style.com

Collection Intel Body flattering; comfortable elegance, modern silk prints

More Reading:

Style.com Review Narcisco Rodriguez

RedTracker Narcisco Rodriguez Debuts on eBay

Wall Street Journal Narciso Rodriguez at Fashion Week

Fashion Wire Daily Minimalism in an Age of Less

Rodarte

Rodarte Spring 2010, photos via Style.comSpring 2010 Runway Photos Style.com

Collection Intel Warrior princess; arts & crafts; "It's about the condor."

More Reading:

Style.com Rodarte Review

ABC News Rodarte Creates Dramatic, Dark Fashion Show

Guardian UK Rodarte conjures high drama at New York fashion week (excellent closeups)

LA Times 'Fashiontainment' has reached a new level: Rodarte signs with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment

Thakoon

Thakoon Sp 2010, photos via Style.comSpring 2010 Runway Photos Style.com

Collection Intel 'Derivative' (not original); jarring femininity

More Reading

Style.com Review Thakoon

Wall Street Journal Thakoon: A Jarring Mix of Colors

Tracy Reese

Tracy Reese Sp 2010, photos via Style.comSpring 2010 Runway Photos Style.com

Collection Intel Sassy Smart; Architectural, Relaxed Definition, Crayola Brights

More Reading

Style.com Review Tracy Reese

Crain's New York Business Recession knocks some fashion designers off course