Michelle Obama cements her role as America’s new fashion icon by gracing the cover of the March 2009 edition of Vogue magazine.

On her upbringing: “We learned in our household that there was nothing you couldn’t talk about and that you found humor in even some of the toughest times. I want to bring that spirit of warmth, openness, and stability to my task.”

On daughters Sasha and Malia: “I’m going to try to take them to school every morning, as much as I can. But there’s also a measure of independence. And obviously there will be times I won’t be able to drop them off at all. I like to be a presence in my kids’ school. I want to know the teachers; I want to know the other parents.”

On criticism of her fashion choices: “I’m not going to pretend that I don’t care about it. But I also have to be very practical. In the end, someone will always not like what you wear — people just have different tastes.”

The first lady is absolutely stunning — her classic take on beauty gives her an approachable presence.