Michelle Obama kicked off her latest glam moment in a black dress that fused elegance with just the right amount of edge, featuring a long-sleeved black design built around a strapless, sculpted bodice and a sharply cinched belt.
What might have been a classic silhouette became something far more intriguing thanks to sheer mesh panels tracing her chest and arms, apart from the center zipper running straight down the front, adding an edgy twist to the look.
She paired the ensemble with one of her now-signature post-White House hairstyles, a high braided updo that showed off a pair of oversized, abstract hoop earrings nearly grazing her shoulders.
The photo of the look was shared by her longtime makeup artist, Carl Ray, who gave her a stunning beauty look, including a silver-gray smoky eye, bold arched brows, sculpted cheekbones, and feathery lashes.
The result was polished, confident, and expressive. Makeup artist Carl Ray has been a constant in her orbit for years, shaping the soft, refined looks of her White House tenure and continuing to push her aesthetic into bolder territory.
On the hair side, Yene Damtew and Njeri Radway have helped guide the evolution of Obama’s most closely followed beauty signature, her hair. Damtew, who has worked with the Obama family for nearly two decades.
"He is truly an artist," Michelle recently wrote. "Every time he picks up a brush, he brings vision, precision, and care, making sure I show up looking my best every time I’m in the spotlight. I’ll always be so grateful for his incredible talent, his calming presence, and his loving heart."
Meanwhile, Damtew and Radway discussed Michelle’s evolution during an interview with Purewow. "I learned, Michelle is not a celebrity, she doesn’t have a bob and then a bust down the next day. Everything she says is realistic to the everyday woman, and I think that’s what makes her journey unique and relatable," Damtew said.
"Her wearing braids now is more so about freedom; whether it’s swimming or playing tennis or just exercising in general, it’s one less thing she has to worry about," Radway added.