US First Lady Laura Bush may be ranked by People magazine as one of the 50 most beautiful personalities, but she’s about to undergo a makeover. American designer Arnold Scaasi has been commissioned to design a new wardrobe for Laura and update her “frumpy” image.
“We’ve really livened up the colour palette – there will be plenty of bright red, pink and raspberry,” says Scaasi. “I don’t want her to be so bundled up. She’s got a beautiful figure – great legs, a wonderful long neck, slim hips and waist that need to be displayed. You will definitely see some decolletage.”
In the past, Laura has been criticised for her demure, rather staid look, with one fashion critic even going so far as to call her both “dowdy and frumpy”. Some fashion insiders don’t think enlisting Scaasi was the best move, however.
“Laura Bush needs a designer who works with younger women, like Donna Karan or Michael Korrs,” says former Vogue fashion editor Maureen Lippe. “Scaasi is talented but from an older generation.” Scaasi also designed for Laura’s mother-in-law, former First Lady Barbara Bush.
“Laura Bush is a beautiful woman, but she hasn’t developed the signature style of a woman such as Jackie Onassis,” Lippe says. But then that may not be the First Lady’s goal.
“Fashion isn’t what defines Laura Bush,” says her spokesman. “She wants to be judged by her stance on education and issues, not her hemlines.”
Scaasi’s new creations are due to receive their debut in the next couple of months.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
