Kate Betts Hits Michigan Avenue

Fashion writer, Kate Betts talks about her new book on Michelle Obama and the power of style

Saks Fifth Avenue and Today’s Chicago Woman welcomed fashion writer and editor Kate Betts, author of the new book “Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style” to Chicago on Tuesday, March 15. TCW founder Sherren Leigh interviewed Ms. Betts about the book, her definition of style and more for an audience gathered on the Designer Collections department of Saks Fifth Avenue Michigan Avenue. “I’m going to start calling Chicago ‘Chic-cago,’ now!” Ms. Betts announced.

“I watched Michelle Obama during the campaign and was mesmerized by her,” Ms. Betts, who previously held positions as editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar and fashion news director of Vogue, told TCW about her inspiration for penning the book. “But it was during the first trip to Europe, when Michelle and Barack met the Queen and the Sarkozy’s, that it was clear she was someone who had captured the world’s attention in a way that most people don’t.”

Personal style, more so than devotion to trends, interested the author. “I wanted to broaden the discussion on why style matters,” she says. “On a personal level, I wanted to look at how style matters to Michelle, and how it had carried her from South Shore of Chicago to the White House.” The prevalence of flat shoes, chunky accessories, broaches, belts and bold colors are all trends that can be traced to Ms. Obama’s style, according to Ms. Betts. Guests enjoyed cupcakes from Crumbs Bake Shop and flutes of prosecco during the evening.

To see video of the evening, visit www.TCWmag.com/video. For more photos from this event, visit www.TCWmag.com/pictures.