Michelle Obama’s appearance at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago drew attention not only for her speech but also for her striking and very expensive outfit.

Mrs. Obama delivered a speech at the DNC emphasizing her parents' values of hard work and suspicion toward wealth, while donning a nearly $3,000 pantsuit designed by Monse, as Fox News reports.

The juxtaposition of her sartorial choice with the content of her speech sparked a mix of praise and criticism from various quarters.

In her address, Obama began by reflecting on the last time she was in Chicago, which was to memorialize her late mother.

She highlighted her parents' influence on her values, noting that they instilled in her a commitment to community service and a certain suspicion toward those who accumulated excessive wealth. "She and my father didn't aspire to be wealthy," Obama said, "In fact, they were suspicious of folks who took more than they needed."

Monse Pantsuit Draws Mixed Reactions at DNC

The designer outfit Obama wore during this speech became a focal point of discussion. The pantsuit, described by the New York Times as a "sleeveless recreation of the traditional pantsuit," was created by Monse, a small, independent fashion label. The jacket alone was priced at $1,690 and is available for pre-order, with an estimated ship date just after the upcoming election.

Monse, a brand led by designers Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim, who also work for Oscar de la Renta, is known for its edgy and innovative designs.

The Times commended Obama's choice, praising her and her stylist, Meredith Koop, for opting for a smaller, independent label over a more established luxury brand. The Times described the outfit as "both understated and edgy, kind of armorial," suggesting that Obama's attire was symbolic of the fight to get out the vote.

However, the choice of such an expensive outfit while discussing the modest lifestyle and values of her parents did not sit well with everyone. Critics, particularly from the Trump campaign and social media, were quick to point out the contrast between her message and her current lifestyle.

They highlighted her and her husband's substantial wealth, which is estimated to be around $70 million, as well as their ownership of luxury real estate properties. One social media user commented, "Getting really tired of multi-millionaires preaching about the evils of money and greed."

Praise for Smaller Fashion Houses Amidst Wealth Criticism

The outfit itself, a monochromatic ensemble consisting of a criss-cross jacket and tuxedo cuff trousers, was a notable departure from the more traditional attire often seen at such events.

The Times noted that the outfit’s design, coupled with Obama's speech, seemed to convey readiness for the challenges ahead, urging the audience to prepare for the upcoming election.

Monse capitalized on the attention, advertising the outfit worn by Obama as available for pre-order. Their promotional materials highlighted the "Resort 2025 Criss Cross Jacket" and "Resort 2025 Tuxedo Cuff Trousers" as seen on Obama during the DNC, likely anticipating a surge in interest following her appearance.

Obama's speech at the DNC also emphasized community service, a value she attributed to her parents.

She recounted how her mother volunteered at the local school, underscoring the importance of contributing to the community and ensuring that everyone around them could thrive.

Conclusion

Michelle Obama's appearance at the DNC highlighted both her continued influence in political discourse and the ongoing conversation about wealth and privilege in America.

Her choice of a nearly $3,000 pantsuit, designed by the small fashion house Monse, drew praise for its style and symbolism but also sparked criticism for what some saw as a contradiction between her message and her current lifestyle.

The event served as a reminder of the delicate balance public figures must maintain between their values and the perception of their personal lives.