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

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

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ne 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 National Archives, it commemorates the start of their time in office but also carves out a sense of their identity and style.

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.

Writing in The Look, a new photo book released on Tuesday that documents her style throughout her time in the White House, Obama describes how the media and public’s “fascination” with her bare arms was used as a tool to “otherize” her.