Season’s blessings! On Tuesday, November 23, Michelle Obama made a surprise (and very glamorous!) visit at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City in honor of the Christmas window reveal.
Meredith Koop dressed the 57-year-old former first lady, who wore a Christopher John Rodgers glittering ensemble that included high-waisted, wide-legged slacks and an ankle-length trench coat.
She paired the look with a Wolford leather turtleneck. She accessorized with a pair of black pointed boots and oversized hoop earrings. Her hair was fashioned in large, bouncy curls, and her makeup was glowing as all got out.
Obama’s collaboration with the company, though, extended beyond a simple guest appearance. Saks Fifth Avenue has joined forces with her nonprofit, Girls Opportunity Alliance, to “empower girls through education.”
Saks has not only committed a $1 million gift to the group, but they have also established a job shadowing opportunity and a digital campaign in favor of it. In addition, Saks has devoted a particular storefront to the charity.
The company has also released a multi-vendor merchandise selection, with things ranging from women’s ready-to-wear to beauty items and incredible accessories.
Furthermore, every item purchased from the collection will have 100% of the earnings contributed to the organization. With labels like Oscar de la Renta, Phillip Lim, Posh Peanut, and NEST New York participating, you can not only get a great Christmas present but also know that your money is going to a good cause.
“In the spirit of the season, Saks is making a wonderful gift that will benefit so many adolescent girls throughout the world,” Obama stated in a press statement shared with Us Weekly. “This commitment to the Girls Opportunity Alliance will assist these girls to attain their full potential — which is especially crucial since the epidemic threatens their education, which would put us all back in the next years and decades.”
“I’m delighted to witness the impact of this beautiful donation from Saks and how it can assist the world of the girls’ Opportunity Alliance all around the world,” she concluded.
Marc Metrick, CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue, agrees. “The Christmas season is a vital time for Saks to engage with our consumers in a meaningful way via distinctive and unforgettable experiences,” he said in a statement. “Our support of the Girls Opportunity Alliance is the ideal way to capture the spirit of the season, and we look forward to continuing this unique, one-of-a-kind initiative with our consumers through all Saks Fifth Avenue platforms.”