Michelle Obama gets second Vogue cover

Obama will front the April edition, which hits newsstands March 26, in a shot by celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz.

She is leaning on a desk in a sleeveless blue dress by Reed Krakoff, one of her current favourite designers, her smile framed by her much-discussed new bangs.

This is her second time appearing on the cover of the high fashion glossy -- the first lady to have that honour.

The image accompanies an interview with Michelle and her husband -- who posed together in the White House's Red Room -- in which she spoke briefly about her look but focused more on her daughters, Malia, 14, and Sasha, 11, and her husband, whom Michelle said she has tried to teach "patience and calm."

"Ninety percent of our conversation is about these girls: What are they doing? And who's got what practice? And what birthday party is coming up?" she said, explaining their hope that the girls have as normal a childhood as possible.

Rebutting criticism that the Obamas don't spend enough time entertaining privately in the White House, Michelle said without hesitation: "Our job is, first and foremost, to make sure our family is whole.

"You know, we have small kids; they're growing every day. But I think we were both pretty straightforward when we said, 'Our number-one priority is making sure that our family is whole.'"

The fashion icon, who designers dream of seeing in their clothes, said she values comfort over style.

"I always say that women should wear whatever makes them feel good about themselves. That's what I always try to do."