Although we loved and will continue to openly rave about Michelle Obama's State Dinner dress by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, designer Oscar de la Renta remains unimpressed.
He told WWD, "My understanding is that the visit was to promote American-Chinese trade -- American products in China and Chinese products in America. Why do you wear European clothes?" adding, "I'm not talking about my clothes, my business. I'm old, and I don't need it. But there are a lot of young people, very talented people here who do."
De la Renta made similar comments in April 2009, right after the first lady visited London. He told WWD at the time:
"American fashion right now is struggling. I think I understand what [Obama and her advisers] are doing, but I don't think that is the right message at this particular point....I don't object to the fact that Mrs. Obama is wearing J. Crew to whatever because the diversity of America is what makes this country great. But there are a lot of great designers out there. I think it's wrong to go in one direction only."
In the same article, he also knocked the outfit Michelle wore to meet Queen Elizabeth, remarking, "You don't...go to Buckingham Palace in a sweater."
Yikes! Well, one de la Renta has made it into Michelle's closet: the First Lady donned a shift by his son Moises two summers ago. Looks like Big Daddy de la Renta will just have to keep waiting.