Michelle Obama vs. Carla Sarkozy: Designer Duel

Michelle Obama vs. Carla Sarkozy: Designer Duel

It was a once-in-a-lifetime fashion event: MIchelle Obama met France's first lady, and former fashion model, Carla Sarkozy. See photos and size up their gear.

For many, the meeting of culminated a much-anticipated fashion showdown.

First, a little history: Michelle has wowed the nation with her classic style, grace and elegance. Already, she's compared to Jackie O. Carla Sarkozy, formerly Carla Bruni, was once among the highest paid fashion models in the world, modeling for the likes of Chanel, Versace and Christian Dior.

New York Magazine's Fashion camp dared to ask which fashion diva came out on top? Their scoring was based on an arbitrary point system.

They're both wearing pussy-bow collars and hemlines that fall just below the knee. Or maybe they think exactly alike, except where Michelle sees prints, Carla sees her favorite colors, gray and purple.

Carla, gets a "Plus 1" for color. Sure, it's just gray, but it photographs well and makes Carla stand out amongst all the dark outfits around her. Michelle gets "Minus 5" for the floral print. This is a matter of personal taste -- floral isn't our thing, but also a floral coat with a gathered neckline and pussy bow?

For Carla: "Plus 4" for tailoring. The bell sleeves are perfection. But "Minus 72" for the buttons-and-belt combo. We have no idea what Carla's wearing under there and we're dying to find out.

Carla: "Plus 4" for understated bling. She's got a tiny ring and small earrings. Michelle: "Plus 1" for the fresh manicure. It's not French, which would be cheesy.

Michelle's designer, Thakoon Panichgul, a Thai-born designer who grew up in the States. His label Thakoon launched in 2004. Carla's designer: Dior, of course. Actually, it's a velvet lambskin coat from his fall 2009 collection that costs about $6,000.

Michelle Obama: "Plus 2" for voluminous hair. The bouffant is in. Way to go, MO! Carla Sarkozy: "Minus 2" for hair. We appreciate her unfussy beauty routine, but we agree with Diana Ross when it comes to hair--go big or go home.

"Plus 12" for dress reveal! Underneath the coat Michelle's wearing a pink dress, similar to her coat in reverse. We like the slashed neck and the slinky but flattering cut.

After the meet-and-greet, and during their news conference, Obama praised France's help in Afghanistan. "I have not had to drag France kicking and screaming into Afghanistan," he said.

OK so we might not have given you the entire round up but according to New York Magazine's Fashion Critics, Michelle won round one, hands down. Stay tuned.

But the jackets did come off later in the day when Sarkozy and Obama chatted while their husbands held bilateral talks. Points to both the ladies for tailored dresses that shone with simplicity.

And in the evening prior to a piano concert and working dinner at the Kuhaus in Baden Baden, Germany, both women opted for every woman's basic wardrobe piece: a little black dress. Now, it seems, the fashionistas are tied.

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For many, the meeting of culminated a much-anticipated fashion showdown.

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