Everyone knows that when Michelle Obama wears something in public, it's either going to sell out or cause a controversy. What everyone doesn't know is that there is plenty of behind-the-scenes drama among the women who dress her.

While the First Lady has long been linked to boutique owner and stylist Ikram Goldman, it's now becoming clear that their relationship isn't as close as it used to be. Obama has a White House employee, 29-year-old personal assistant Meredith Koop, looking after her style, procuring her garments, and setting up arrangements with designers for custom-made pieces. To make it into a mini-soap opera, Koop started her career working at Goldman's boutique, Ikram, in Chicago and was dispatched to Washington when the First Lady took up residence in the White House. Now the student may have replaced her teacher.

No one is talking much about it, though. Michelle won't address the rumors and neither Goldman nor Koop will give interviews. Still, Jason Horowitz tries to get to the bottom of the situation in the Washington Post, but only finds a world that's as glamorous, secretive, and exclusive as the fashion industry itself. His in-depth story reads like an espionage novel—but all about clothes. What does Michelle have to hide and why is the making of a style icon so damn mysterious?

[Image via Getty]