Michelle Obama once again proved that fashion can be much more than an aesthetic choice.
During the celebration of the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, the former first lady paid an emotional tribute to her mother, Marian Robinson, by wearing a personalized skirt printed with a photograph of her.
The piece, designed by Acne Studios and specially adapted for the occasion, caught the attention of attendees and sparked an emotional reaction from Barack Obama, who did not know about the detail until minutes before the event.
Michelle Obama explained that the photograph printed on the skirt is her favorite portrait of her mother when she was young.
“I am so proud of my husband, Barack Obama. He is a mess, emotionally. I’m going to give him a little time because this beautiful skirt that my stylist, Meredith Koop, picked out for me is my favorite portrait of my mother. He didn’t know it existed until a few minutes ago,” she said during the ceremony.
Marian Robinson died in May 2024 at the age of 86 and was a fundamental figure in Michelle Obama’s life and family.
The former first lady used the event to remember how proud her mother was of Barack Obama and of the achievements reached over the years.
“Marian would be so proud; she was so proud of her son-in-law and the man he has been for our family, always dreaming big, but always making it happen. Thank you for doing this for the South Side of Chicago. I love you,” Michelle said.
The former president also dedicated a few words to his mother-in-law during the celebration.
Still emotional over the tribute his wife paid to his mother-in-law, Obama recalled the role Marian played in raising Michelle and her brother Craig.
“She gave Michelle and Craig a home, not with a lot of resources, but with a lot of love, hope, and perspective. To me, they represent the best of this country,” he said.
The tribute coincided with one of the most important moments for the Obama family: the official opening of the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side.
The complex, whose construction took more than a decade and required an investment of approximately $850 million, includes a museum, a library, community spaces, and programs focused on civic leadership and citizen participation.
Inside the museum, there is also an exhibition dedicated to Michelle Obama’s style, where some of the most representative dresses she wore during her time in the White House are displayed.
Barack Obama «is really messed up. I'm giving him some time because this beautiful skirt that my stylist Meredith Koop picked out that is my favorite portrait of my mom. He didn't know it existed until just a few minutes ago. I've had a few weeks to settle down» – Michelle Obama pic.twitter.com/YbjPXRy0OS
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) June 16, 2026
From Barack Obama’s presidential campaign to the present day, Michelle Obama has used fashion as a form of communication.
Her wardrobe choices have stood out for combining emerging designers, accessible pieces, and exclusive creations, often linked to cultural or personal messages.
The skirt created for the opening of the Obama Presidential Center now joins that list of memorable outfits, becoming an intimate tribute to Marian Robinson and one of the most emotional moments of the opening of the new complex in Chicago.
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SOURCE: El País / CNN
