A navy blue knee-length dress, an off-shoulder gown or a floral dress - the First Lady of the US has worn them all. But on her forthcoming visit to India, desi designers wish she drapes different styles of the six-yard wonder - whether chiffons or traditional Benarasi weaves.
Michelle will accompany her husband US President Barack Obama to India Jan 25, a day ahead of the country's Republic Day. Indian designers are going all creative with sari styles she can try during her three-day stay here.
The power couple had visited the country back in 2010, but then, she mostly picked knee-length dresses and gowns for events and outings. This time, designers hope Michelle will endorse an Indian outfit, helping the country to showcase its crafts and handloom globally.
On Jan 26, the US president will attend the Republic Day parade as the chief guest. And designers have a long list of suggestions for his wife.
"She should wear something similar to what Maharani Gayatri Devi used to wear - chiffon saris. She had a very classic fashion sense and so does Michelle," designer Raakesh Agarvwal told IANS.
What kind of a sari would suit her?
"A simple chiffon sari in shades of gold and champagne with chikan work would look good on Michelle. Since she is a foreigner, it would be better for her to wear pre-stitched saris. They are easier to wear," he added.
She can complete the look with a pair of stilettos, and keep the jewellery minimal.
"An ear stud, a watch and a bracelet should complete her look," Agarwal said.
If reports are to be believed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to gift as many as 100 Benarasi saris and silk dress material. And considering that at several international events, the US first lady has flaunted Jacquard silk dresses by international names like Tracy Resse, Naeem Khan and Alexander McQueen, Michelle may choose to go ethnic with saris on her forthcoming Indian trip.
Veteran fashion designer Ritu Kumar would want her to use the opportunity to emphasise on India's USP - handloom.
"I would like to suggest a sari from my new collection, which is Benaras weaves. The traditional classical sari in deep burgundy and gold will look good on her. I don't think she will be comfortable in multi-colours," Ritu Kumar, one of the country's foremost designers, told IANS.
Ritu Kumar, who has been working tirelessly to support hapless weavers by providing them employment opportunities, as also sustaining forgotten crafts, also said Michelle could go for an ensemble in ikat weaves.
"This one can be in black and red, which are very sophisticated colours. A three-fourth structured blouse with a black and white jacket will be perfect," she added.
Since the saris of such weaves are rich in themselves, Ritu Kumar suggested the First Lady wear just a string of pearls with a simple gold bangle to accessorise it just right.
Designer Samant Chauhan, who promotes the Bhagalpuri silks via his high-end creations, also hoped for an endorsement of Indian fabric and design by the US president's wife.
According to him, she will look graceful in chanderi saris in pastel shades.
"A blouse with collar and sari in khadi or silk in beige colour will go well with her skin tone. Kolhapuri chappals are one of the finest crafts we have; so I would like her wear them with saris. If people see her in those chappals, it will attract attention," Chauhan told IANS.
But if she wants to fuse the sari with something western, designer Krishna Mehta had an option for her.
"Michelle Obama could wear something between a sari and a skirt if she doesn't want to go with a full sari. A silk sari that drapes well with a short constructed jacket and no frills on it is good to go as well. Sari colours like indigo, navy, olive and wine paired with high heels, ear studs and pearls will make her look very elegant," Mehta told IANS.
What about the slight chill in the air?
Designer Poonam Dubey suggested a Kanjivaram sari to beat the winter blues.
"The silk sari is slightly heavy and is perfect for winter. A black number with orange border will look lovely on her. She can even flaunt her back by wearing a choli. The sleeves can be three-fourths.
"I would suggest her to wear light necklace and long earrings. The sari's draping should be simple and neat," Dubey told IANS.
Whether Michelle's sartorial pick includes the sari during the visit to India is still unknown, but if she chooses to, she can surely take a cue from these designers.
