Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States and bestselling author of Becoming and The Light We Carry, has announced her latest book, THE LOOK, to be published on November 4, 2025 by Crown Publishing Group, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
A deeply personal and visually stunning volume, THE LOOK explores the meaning and message behind the style choices that have made Obama a global fashion icon. More than just a chronicle of clothing, the book serves as a bold affirmation of how fashion can be a tool of empowerment, identity, and purpose—especially for women of color in the public eye.
A Visual and Narrative Journey Through a Style Icon’s Life
THE LOOK is richly illustrated with over 200 photographs, including never-before-seen images that trace Michelle Obama’s style evolution—from the early days of Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate campaign, to her historic tenure as the nation’s first Black First Lady, and into her current role as a cultural and civic leader.
The book offers rare insights into how she crafted her public image with both intention and authenticity, using fashion to tell stories, break boundaries, and amplify the values she stands for.
“I’m grateful that I’ve reached the stage in my life where I feel empowered and free to do what I want and wear what I want,” Mrs. Obama writes. “That’s part of why I decided to write this book now: it’s time for me to reclaim my story—what fashion and beauty mean to me—in my own words.”
Behind the Seams: Voices That Helped Shape Her Signature Look
More than a memoir, THE LOOK is also a behind-the-scenes collaboration with the creative team that helped shape Obama’s public presentation. The book features contributions and commentary from:
- Meredith Koop, her longtime stylist, who helped define Obama’s signature balance of high fashion and accessibility.
- Carl Ray, her trusted makeup artist.
- Yene Damtew and Njeri Radway, the hairstylists behind her most iconic looks—from sleek updos to symbolic natural styles.
- Prominent fashion designers, many of whom are people of color or emerging talents, who have dressed Mrs. Obama for major events such as state dinners, inaugurations, and global summits.
These voices add depth and dimension to Obama’s reflections, revealing the collaborative process and cultural impact behind many of her most memorable appearances.
Fashion as a Platform for Advocacy
In THE LOOK, Obama underscores how fashion can be a powerful means of self-expression and social commentary. During her years in the White House, her wardrobe choices were often dissected in the press—sometimes lauded, other times politicized. Rather than shy away from that scrutiny, Obama uses the book to address it head-on, reflecting on how she balanced elegance and relatability, while highlighting designers whose work told a broader American story.
From wearing J. Crew to connect with everyday Americans, to donning gowns by emerging Black designers to elevate underrepresented talent, Michelle Obama’s fashion was never incidental. It was always intentional.
A Message About Confidence and Identity
At its heart, THE LOOK is about more than fashion. It’s a meditation on how what we wear reflects who we are—and who we aspire to be. Obama writes powerfully about confidence, vulnerability, self-image, and the journey toward self-acceptance.
“Confidence cannot be put on,” she notes. “But when you’re wearing something that’s intentional or beloved, clothing can make you feel like the best version of yourself.”
Michelle Obama announced the news on her social media channels this
Academic and Cultural Praise
The book features a foreword by Dr. Farah Jasmine Griffin, a distinguished professor at Columbia University. She frames Obama’s fashion legacy not just in aesthetic terms, but as a cultural and political statement:
“She stood before us as a leader, giving us the charge to fight for a better and more just world… The look, like the woman, was bold, powerful, forward-looking, visionary, and empowering for everyone who dares to believe in the possibility of better tomorrows.”
Continuing a Legacy of Bestsellers
THE LOOK follows the immense success of Obama’s previous books:
- BECOMING (2018) — A global phenomenon translated into 50 languages, selling over 18 million copies worldwide, including 10 million in the U.S. It earned the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album.
- THE LIGHT WE CARRY (2022) — A timely reflection on resilience and hope in uncertain times, also a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestseller, translated into 40 languages and selling over 2.5 million units globally.
Given the cultural footprint of her earlier work, expectations are high for THE LOOK, which is expected to be a landmark title in the intersection of fashion, memoir, and social commentary.
Publication Details
- Title: THE LOOK
- Author: Michelle Obama
- Publisher: Crown Publishing Group
- Publication Date: November 4, 2025
- Formats: Hardcover, ebook, audiobook (narrated by the author)
- Official Website: www.michelleobamabooks.com
Fans and readers can follow updates via Michelle Obama’s social media channels, where she made the official announcement.
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