Michelle Obama on Style & Substance with Farah Jasmine Griffin and Nina Garcia | The Look

This isn’t just about dresses or designers—it’s about identity, legacy, and the power of representation.

In the first episode of The Look (a limited series from IMO), former First Lady Michelle Obama sits down with Nina Garcia, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE, and scholar Farah Jasmine Griffin to discuss the evolution of Mrs. Obama’s style—from her South Side Chicago roots to the global stage. Together, they explore how fashion became a tool for self-expression, empowerment, and cultural storytelling.

From family seamstresses and prom dresses to navigating visibility as the first Black First Lady, this intimate conversation dives into the meaning of style beyond what we wear—it’s about who we are and what we represent.

[00:00:00] Opening montage & episode setup
[00:00:38] The host introduces “The Look” concept
[00:02:05] Guest introduction and early background
[00:04:20] How personal style started to form
[00:06:45] First big fashion influence and inspiration
[00:09:02] Breaking into the industry
[00:12:30] Lessons from early career setbacks
[00:15:40] Defining a signature look
[00:18:55] Behind-the-scenes of a major shoot
[00:22:10] Balancing authenticity with trends
[00:25:25] Collaborations that shaped their vision
[00:29:10] Style evolution through the years
[00:33:00] The role of confidence in fashion
[00:36:45] Navigating criticism and staying grounded
[00:40:20] Advice for aspiring stylists & creatives
[00:43:35] Favorite looks and what they represent
[00:46:00] Reflections on legacy and identity
[00:49:15] Closing thoughts and outro

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About IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson

Michelle Obama and her big brother Craig Robinson bring their unique experiences and candid perspectives to a range of personal dilemmas, from the everyday to the existential. Each week, they’re joined by a special guest to tackle audience questions with practical advice, terrific stories, and plenty of laughs. From dating and relationships to parenting and financial planning, IMO sees the iconic First Lady at her most relaxed and honest. This podcast will leave you laughing, reflecting, and feeling more prepared to tackle life’s challenges.

About Michelle Obama

Michelle’s passion for storytelling has set sales records, garnered awards and accolades, and earned her global acclaim. Her memoir, Becoming, spent over 130 weeks on the New York Times Bestsellers list, sold more than 17 million copies worldwide, and won a Grammy Award. American Factory, the first film produced by her and her husband Barack Obama’s media company Higher Ground, won the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 2020. Upon its release in 2020, The Michelle Obama Podcast was the most successful original in Spotify history, bringing in more women listeners over 40 than any other podcast. Through the Obama Foundation, she founded the Girls Opportunity Alliance, which supports adolescent girls' education and empowerment around the world.

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About Craig Robinson

Craig is the Executive Director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and host of the Higher Ground podcast Ways To Win with Hall of Fame coach John Calipari. From 2017-2020, he served as the vice president of Player Development and Minor League Operations for the NBA’s New York Knicks. Previously, he was a Division I head men’s basketball coach at Oregon State and Brown, and spent more than a decade working as a trader in the investment banking industry. Most importantly, he is a husband and father of four.

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About Higher Ground

Higher Ground was founded by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama in 2018 to tell powerful stories that entertain, inform, and inspire—while elevating new and diverse voices in the entertainment industry. Learn more at https://highergroundmedia.com/

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