It's time for grown-up girl power: Globe and Mail

Quoted via Globe and Mail (Canada):

Michelle wears Liz Claiborne, volunteering at Miriam's KitchenIf fashion is about currency, the current nosedive of the economy would seem to threaten its very existence. Retail sales are so flat that luxury emporia are struggling to keep afloat, rather than launching anything forward-looking. And yet, much like the determined new players in the White House, two veteran fashion houses are finding fresh opportunity.

Both of these labels share a history that is inextricably linked with the political and economic advancement of women. And in a further parallel, they are taking inspiration from none other than the new First Lady.

Last month saw the reinvention of the mid-range, mid-life, middle-American Liz Claiborne. "Really, Liz Claiborne was one of my idols growing up," the label's new design chief, ex-Target darling Isaac Mizrahi, said in a phone interview. "What she contributed during her peak in the seventies and eighties - the way we shop today is her brainchild. I mean, she invented American sportswear." more

See also: Claiborne line takes on new look: Washington Times