It's an election year, and you know what that means? (Well, aside from mudslinging and pie-in-the-sky promises.) It means that, as their husbands battle for the votes, First Ladies–to–be battle for a place in the hearts of fashion watchers everywhere.

Rising to the challenge this week was Michelle Obama, whose speech at the Democratic National Convention in Denver was noted in the media as much for her ensemble as for her words. Indeed, the 44-year-old wife of Democratic nominee Barack Obama donned a teal dress and striking turquoise star pin that drew raves from critics. The unfussy lines of the dress were feminine and simple but neither girly nor dull. In fact, it was the pin that made the biggest statement, one both fashionable and patriotic (JCKstyle especially loved how she placed it, as a pendant might fall, right in the center of her chest).

The dress was designed by Maria Pinto and the pin was from Obama's own jewelry collection (we like her even more). Not the first time the striking lawyer has made waves for her jewelry choices, Obama often sported eye-catching necklaces on the campaign trail. In June, when her husband claimed the nomination, she made headlines for her vibrant, contemporary purple dress and black belt, punctuated by a strand of white pearls that seemed refined yet, unlike those donned by political wives of old, youthful.

Should Barack win the White House, the fashion (and jewelry) world will have its first statement-making First Lady in nearly five decades. If he doesn't? Well, we're staying tuned for the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis where next week it will be Cindy McCain (happily, another style maven) in the spotlight.

Weekly Gem
Calling all aspiring jewelry designers! The American Jewelry Design Council is accepting applications for its annual New Talent Contest. The winner is awarded a booth in the New Designer Gallery at the Jewelers of America show in New York in July. Deadline for submission is Jan. 15, 2009. For more information, visit AJDC.org.

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