Michelle out-styles Carla

PARIS -- The French fashion world has dealt a new blow to President Nicolas Sarkozy's desire to upstage President Obama.

Elle magazine, the Parisienne's style bible, has proclaimed Michelle Obama more chic than French First Lady Carla Bruni.

The magazine's annual best-dressed list awarded first place in the category of "political chic" to Mrs. Obama, and second to France's premiere dame.

The Elle style jury said the emphasis this year was on strong personalities who shone with a distinctive style.

"Mrs. Obama resembles no one else -- her style is unique," said Elle. "She encourages young designers and has succeeded in imposing the waisted cardigan as official dress."

That was enough to knock Bruni, a career supermodel who as a political wife has developed a demure new Dior-dressed style, from the top spot. The Times of London