The first ladies of fashion: Michelle Obama and Sarah Brown set the style standard for the G20 wives

By Tamara Abraham
Last updated at 2:19 PM on 01st April 2009

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Fashion-forward: Sarah Brown in a navy dress by Britt Lintner with Michelle Obama in a cream embellished cardigan and gingham skirt by J Crew

Dressed in a cream embellished cardigan and green gingham skirt, Michelle Obama practically shimmered in the early morning sunlight today as she and her husband arrived at 10 Downing Street.

The Prime Minister was meeting US President Barack Obama for a morning meeting ahead of the G20 summit.

But the while the men were discussing the global economy, the women had their own agenda.

The itinerary included a visit to a cancer charity before Mrs Obama joins her husband at Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen this afternoon.

The US First Lady, who has been hailed by the fashion press as a modern-day Jackie O, was not clad in high-end designer labels as one might expect someone of her position to wear. Instead, the glamorous 45-year-old opted for a spring-like ensemble from American high-street favourite J Crew.

Classic pearls and elegant bracelets were the only accessories, the choice of low-heeled court shoes both appropriate for the formal occasions to come, while practical enough for all day wear.

By contrast, Sarah Brown's choice of attire seemed somewhat more austere as she greeted her American counterpart - a navy ensemble perhaps a reflection of the gloomy economic climate, and the serious matters to be covered.

It was not without interest though - the tailored dress by emerging designer Britt Lintner was nevertheless stylish, and flattered her svelte figure.

A pleated collar added a flash of fashion-forward sculptural detail framing her face, while subtle make-up and highlights made the most of her fair complexion.

A delicate silver chain and earrings, both from Astley Clarke were the only jewellery save her watch.

Patent round-toe Russell and Bromley shoes made for a polished finish. Like most British women, Mrs Brown seemed reluctant to part from her opaque tights, despite the sunny spring weather.

Sarah Brown's tailored dress flattered her slim figure - a pleated, v-shaped neckline added interest and framed her face. Michelle Obama's chic cardigan and pencil skirt were teamed with classic pearls and kitten heels

As their husbands had a breakfast meeting, the two women paid a visit to Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre at Charing Cross Hospital in Hammersmith, west London.

The charity, for which Mrs Brown is patron, was celebrating the centre's first birthday. Mrs Obama described the cancer centre as 'amazing'.

First Wives club: Sarah Brown plays host to Michelle Obama at 10 Downing Street. Both will attend a 'spouses dinner' tonight, prepared by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver

Left, the British First Lady make tea on a visit to celebrate the first anniverary of Maggie's Cancer Centre, for which she is patron. Meanwhile, Michelle Obama swaps make-up tips with patients

'This is pretty incredible. This is pretty amazing,' she said. 'It's an oasis – an oasis that's necessary for people who are struggling. The building actualises their journey in so many ways.'

The Obamas arriving at Stansted airport last night. Michelle wore an acid-yellow dress by Thakoon

Mrs Obama's arrival last night caused almost as much of a stir as her husband as she stepped off Air Force One - the US President's armoured plane - in a vibrant acid-yellow dress by hot American designer Thakoon.

The dress was teamed with a black cardigan, a studded belt making a feature of her slim waist, putting paid to rumours that she is expecting a third child.

Mrs Obama shot down the rumours in an interview with Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine. 'I was like, "baby bump?" As hard as I work on my abs?' she said.

This morning's slim-fitting skirts had keen observers guessing if the US First Lady's toned physique was down to more than just hours in the gym.

A crease in the iridescent fabric halfway up Mrs Obama's right thigh looked remarkably similar to the VPL caused by so-called 'magic pants' - the body-slimming underwear made famous by Bridget Jones.

While the G20 leaders get down to business, the politicians' partners will enjoy their own gathering tonight at a 'spouses dinner' hosted by Mrs Brown at Downing Street.

Guests will include Mexican President Felipe Calderon's wife Margarita Zavala, the country's only first lady to have served in its Congress.

Details of the other spouses expected in London have not yet been confirmed by Downing Street, but they are likely to include Sonsoles Espinosa, the opera singer married to the Spanish prime minister, Laureen Harper, the motorcycling wife of the Canadian prime minister, and Liu Yongqing, who is married to the Chinese president.

Model-turned-singer Carla Bruni, who married French President Nicolas Sarkozy early last year, is reportedly set to be a notable absence from the line-up.

Could the 'crease' halfway up Mrs Obama's right thigh prove she wears body-slimming 'magic pants'?

The two men who are married to G20 leaders - Joachim Sauer, the chemistry professor husband of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Nestor Kirchner, the husband and predecessor of Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner - are not expected to join their wives in London.

Veronica Lario, the wife of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who once issued the former actress a public apology for his comments about other women, will probably also be absent.

The food, to be cooked by chef Jamie Oliver and a team from his Fifteen restaurant, will be enjoyed by Mrs Obama and a host of guests including Harry Potter author JK Rowling, Olympic medalist Kelly Holmes and supermodel Naomi Campbell.

The menu is said to be a secret but word is guests will be enjoying a Devonshire crab salad followed by slow roast lamb with lentils and an anchovy pistachio dressing. In addition to cooking for the 'first wives club' Jamie will have plenty on his plate as wife Jools is due to give birth to their third child today.

Others to be invited to the event, aimed at showcasing the best of Britain's female talent, are broadcaster Emma Freud, internet entrepreneur Martha Lane Fox, film director Gurinder Chadha and Gavin and Stacey actress Ruth Jones.

'We have got so much going for us - British films, British fashion, British music,' said Mrs Brown. 'It's really important for our economic future that we do well in these areas.'

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