Former First Lady Michelle Obama is set to release her new beauty book, ‘The Look,’ on November 4. The book, priced at $50, will feature over 200 photographs, including some previously unpublished images, capturing her most iconic fashion moments during her time in the White House. In an Instagram announcement, Obama shared her motivation for the project, stating that she wanted to reclaim her story after her looks were constantly dissected during her tenure as First Lady. ‘For a while now, I’ve been wanting to reclaim more of that story, to share it in my own way,’ she wrote, expressing her desire to reclaim her narrative and express herself freely.
Obama’s new book offers a behind-the-scenes look at her most memorable style moments and the meaningful events associated with them. It also introduces readers to her style team throughout the years. ‘The Look’ is about more than fashion; it’s about confidence, identity, and the power of authenticity,’ Obama emphasized in her social media post. She hopes the book will spark conversations about how society defines beauty. The publication follows her 2022 book, ‘The Light We Carry,’ which was well-received for its thoughtful reflections on personal and public life.
During her time in the White House, Obama’s fashion choices often became a subject of public debate. She has spoken out about the scrutiny she faced, particularly regarding her hair and clothing. In 2022, she revealed that she straightened her hair while her husband Barack Obama was in office, believing the American public wasn’t yet ready to accept her natural hair. ‘Let me keep my hair straight,’ she said, ‘Let’s get healthcare passed.’ This sentiment reflects her broader approach to navigating public perception during her time in the spotlight.
Obama’s decision to skip President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in 2021 was also partially attributed to her fashion choices. ‘It started with not having anything to wear,’ she mentioned on her podcast, ‘IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson.’ This highlights the significance of personal style in her public life and how it has influenced her decisions. The release of ‘The Look’ marks another chapter in her advocacy for self-expression and authenticity, continuing her legacy as a prominent figure in both fashion and public discourse.