We really had to break that mold. Highlighting designers from diverse backgrounds with varying levels of success and exposure became an important part of my role." Meredith Koop

Jaiyeorie October 17, 2016

Meredith Koop,35-year-old Missouri native who served as FLOTUS’ fashion and wardrobe advisor. She worked as a sales associate at the Chicago boutique Ikram. The store’s owner, Ikram Goldman, introduced Meredith to Mrs. Obama, who was a client of Ikram at the time

"In the beginning, designers used the phrase 'first ladyish' to describe a certain traditional look,” said Meredith. “We really had to break that mold. Highlighting designers from diverse backgrounds with varying levels of success and exposure became an important part of my role."
When Mrs. Obama takes international trips, where she’s going is always in the mind of Meredith when selecting her ensembles.
"We always take into account where we are going and that country's cultural norms," says Meredith. "The goal is to pay tribute to each place we visit [while] never losing the spirit of the United States."
Needless to say, Meredith has done an exceptional job. "She trusts me, and I don't take that for granted,” she said.