Michelle Obama’s book details how the media’s fixation on her arms was used to ‘otherize’ her

<p>The Look, a new photo book, aims to offer insight into how the former first lady used fashion as a tool for visibility and representation</p><p>One of the most powerful images of the first lady of the United States is her first official portrait. Released by the White House and housed in the <a href="https://www.whitehousehistory.org/galleries/first-lady-portraits">National Archives</a>, it commemorates the start of their time in office but also carves out a sense of their identity and style.</p><p>Now, 16 years since Michelle Obama appeared in hers wearing a black sleeveless shift dress from the American designer Michael Kors, the former first lady has spoken about the particular outrage caused by her bare arms.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/04/michelle-obama-fashion-look-photo-book">Continue reading...</a>