First Lady Michelle Obama Steps Out in Lanvin $540 Sneakers, Creating Furor for Some as Recession Continues

First Lady Michelle Obama has taken casual to a haute new level with her trainers from French design house Lanvin. Even Matt Drudge has this prominently displayed on his website, The Drudge Report -- RECESSION WEAR: MICHELLE'S TENNIS SHOES COST $540? I think what is conveniently missing from the whining by some folks is that the Obamas are wealthy and can afford these shoes. What does Suze Orman wear? Keds? Better yet, what did Laura Bush wear when she was first lady? I am pretty sure she didn't shop at J. Crew. So this latest furor over Mrs. Obama's shoes is hogwash.

According to the NY Daily News, while volunteering Wednesday at a D.C. food bank, the First Lady sported her usual J.Crew cardigan, a pair of utilitarian Capri pants and, on her feet, the trainers that go for $540. These sneakers - suede, with grosgrain ribbon laces and metallic pink toe caps - are made by French design house Lanvin, one of fashion's hottest labels. They come in denim and satin versions, and have been a brisk seller all spring. (NY Daily News).

Obama was photographed shovelling dirt at a tree planting while wearing the line's chiffon tank, much to the chagrin of her critics. Other celebrity fans of Lanvin's sneakers include Ellen DeGeneres and Kanye West, who has blogged about his faves. Again, who cares? Personally, I think they are very overpriced. This will backfire because some people will go out to purchase these shoes. This is free publicity for Lanvins. The New York Daily News, Matt Drudge and all the other haters are making much ado about nothing.