It's a changing of the guard that will set more than a political tone, says Barb Atkin, vice-president of fashion direction for Holt Renfrew. "It's history in its making and a whole new voice of youth that is demanding authenticity." For her husband's big moment on Tuesday night, Obama chose the red and black dress by Narciso Rodriguez shown at left. Although many fashion-watchers (and questionable style pundits such as Fox News) have been critical of Obama's election-night ensemble, Atkin loved it.
"We know Narciso does simple, clean and minimal and I thought it was perfect. I thought the colourblocking was beautiful." Atkin points out that Obama chooses colour well - like that now-famous purple Maria Pinto dress; "always on a clean silhouette; she understands how to do it."
