The buzz that follows Michelle Obama, and particularly what, or who, she wears has had an effect on designers but not the desired one.
Michelle's favourite designers, including Narciso Rodriguez, Maria Cornejo, Thakoon Panichgul and Peter Soronen, have noticed an increased interest in their labels since the First Lady has worn them but sales have not increased.
Soronen told WWD that the interest from Michelle has helped him maintain his business in hard times after special orders increased but major retailers haven't been in touch with orders.
The designers are benefiting from publicity though with Thakoon saying that the fact Michelle wore his clothes in Europe was like a free international ad campaign. International buyers are now making appointments that never would have done before and these could turn into sales.
The Obama effect has had financial benefits on Jason Wu though with retailers saying in sales are doing remarkably well now. Saks reported that shoppers are more interested in what he is doing and even Anna Wintour attended his AW09 show.
So it seems not even Michelle Obama can be a fairy godmother for the fashion industry.
Tagged in Michelle Obama Jason Wu