A special edition of my Let’s Bring Back column, honoring the Obamas’ first state dinner tonight. The Kennedys touted the virtues of aspic, the Franklin Roosevelts scandalized the polite world with an all-American entrée, and George Washington gave new meaning to the phrase “no frills.”
Since moving into the White House, the Obamas have thrown poetry slams, hosted glittering galas, and planted a First Vegetable Garden. Michelle Obama in particular has ushered in new era of style and entertaining - and she’s chosen to include us in the fun. This special edition of Let’s Bring Back celebrates several of the White House’s most inclusive hostesses, including Lucy Hayes, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Many Americans are in a palpable frenzy to revive Camelot and cast Obama as a JFK reincarnate. But substance—not charisma—should determine how we vote in the upcoming election.
American women shouldn’t be hang those navy blue power-suits just yet. We’ve made many advances, but let’s not delude ourselves: the world still has very masculine associations with success and leadership.
Where is my generation’s collective counter-culture? Hmm, let’s see. Is it in our iPods? Nope, no counter-culture there. Let’s turn on MTV. I don’t see a lot of counter-culture there, either—but ooo, goody! Justin Timberlake is bringing sexy back!! This writer is disenchanted by the shameful lack of counter-culture during the Bush administration.
Surrogacy cases and advancing biotechnology are wreaking havoc on America’s legal system. This is an article detailing landmark fertility cases grappling with the legality and morality of enforcing contracts for the sale of human babies.
June 03, 2010
Taki magazine profiles Ms. Blume’s Dietrich-inspired style
March 03, 2010
Vogue documents Ms. Blume’s latest fashion statement
January 20, 2010
New book deal with Knopf!
December 04, 2009
Curiously attired, Ms. Blume turns up in Vanity Fair
September 21, 2009
Elle magazine spotlights Ms. Blume
Lesley M.M. Blume is an author, journalist, columnist, cultural observer, and bon vivant based in New York City, where she was born. Learn more about her after the leap.
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