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The White House Goes Glam
Michelle dared to bare in a strapless gown, India’s PM was fashion-forward in Lacroix-like periwinkle, and David Geffen and Katie Couric both arrived with younger men. VIEW OUR GALLERY of the White House State Dinner. Plus, Laura Bush's former chief of staff Anita McBride goes behind the scenes to share Michelle's etiquette secrets.
Hollywood glamour swept back into Washington on Tuesday night at President Obama’s first State Dinner, held in a chandelier-filled party tent on the White House lawn. Movie stars and producers turned out in force for the black-tie affair. Beautifully tanned gay couples strolled past the press line, and the first lady arrived looking camera ready—and more than a little like an Oscar statuette—in a shimmering strapless gold gown.
Click Image to View Fashions from the White House State Dinner
“This is a big time to call in your chits,” said Washington doyenne Sally Quinn, wife of former Washington Post executive editor Ben Bradlee. Ipso facto, anyone who didn’t show Tuesday night either didn’t have enough chits to call (Rep. Eric Cantor) or so many they thought it wouldn’t matter (cable queen Oprah Winfrey, who sent a gold-bedecked Gayle King in her stead).
• Anita McBride: Michelle’s Etiquette SecretsThe most anticipated moment of the evening came when a member of the White House communications team emerged around 8 p.m. to brief the press on Michelle Obama’s outfit. “It’s a gold strapless dress,” the woman said, gesturing to her décolletage. “By Naeem Khan. N-A-E-E…” Khan, an Indian-born designer who started his own label in 2003, having thus been blessed with the Mobama fashion seal of approval, must have had a pretty good night.
“Michelle Obama is not following type,” said Wall Street Journal columnist Teri Agins, who predicted the strapless gown hours in advance. “We’ve seen her wear cardigans to meet Queen Elizabeth. We’ve seen her wear walking shorts on Air Force One. We’ve seen her wear Target and the Gap and White House Black Market; she’s just all over the place. And I just kind of think: I wonder if this has now set a new tone in Washington.”
The answer, as of Tuesday night, was… not really, or at least not yet. The women came dressed in conservative gowns; the men in standard penguin suits. There were no Balmain buckles, no Alexander Wang-style cutout dresses, not even a one-shoulder number by Obama favorite Jason Wu. It was the evening’s honoree, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who arrived in the most fashion-forward garb, wearing a lovely periwinkle turban very much like the ones Christian Lacroix showed for his Fall 2009 collection. Singh and the president cut chic figures side-by-side on stage, when they kicked off the evening with a toast “to the future that beckons all of us.”
Anyone who spent Tuesday night reading a fresh copy of Going Rogue would have found no surprises (and many signs of a coming apocalypse) in the night’s program. Dinner was vegetarian, including homegrown mint leaves and lemon verbena plucked from the first lady’s backyard “kitchen garden.” David Geffen brought his handsome younger boyfriend; Katie Couric brought hers. Two Emanuel brothers came, along with lifestyle guru Deepak Chopra and welfare economist Amartya Sen. Yes, they served arugula. “White House Arugula,” according to the menu—one more confirmation that liberal elitism has been institutionalized.
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Paul Schrodt is a writer living in New York City. He has contributed to New York magazine, Radar, and Esquire.com.
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KarenF444
Not crazy about Michelle's dress; wish it was more covered up and she'd be just as beautiful.
Carole65
Au contraire, she looks absolutely stunning!
nightdragon09
You sound pretty excited about that Carole... those pictures of Michelle must have sent tingles up your legs!
cesspool
I wonder what the taliban were wearing last night?
shewolf884
Carole65, I agree totally, she was, as most, are a beautiful First Lady and someone we can be proud of. I have been proud of all the First Ladies, how about a bit of pride in our country instead of the incessant sniping and snarking. Be thankful for our beautiful country and the freedoms that are so precious and the people who keep them safe for us all.
Redhead5050
Our First Lady looks amazing in that striking gown. Very stylish!
cbilds
She does not look stunning. You don't have to be p.c. She's not a particularly attractive woman. I think the whole affair was grotesque. The Obamas are first-rate socialists, but they behave like the greediest capitalists when it suits their egos and desires (which is always...) - amazing hypocrisy. It's a bad joke.
StellaRay
I agree with those who think she looked stunning. Strong and beautiful.
And as for you Childs, no matter what the first lady wore, she wouldn't please you, because you've got your hate on, and you like your outfit the best.
diamondgirl
Michelle looks gorgeous all of the time. Loved the look last night. The few pictures I saw she did not look happy for some reason.
bobzaguy
Someone here (childs maybe?) is off-put that there was no invite in the mail. Speaking of grotesque, enough said.
gak001
I think she looked classy and wonderful. No need to put on a burqa.
lachica6
Yes, what a lavish affair. How much did the beautiful piece of cloth cost lady obama. Maybe she can serve the poor in her dress(drapes). Never mind the state of affairs. 10.2% and climbing unemployment, people still continue to lose their homes and states are sinking financially. Lets not forget our troops out on the battlefield without a country and commander in chief. The elite will live high on the hog, while taxpayers eat mac/cheese through recession. Oh goody.
Desertpenguin
There's a time and a place to be incredibly bitter, lachica6.
This isn't one of them.
roadhunter
Most of her gowns, just like gowns and jewelry worn by stars at the Oscars, has been donated by the designer for the publicity.
Troops on the battlefield without a country? WTF? You're bitter about the wealthy living well while the poor do not. Do you realize you sound like a Socialist?
shewolf884
lachica6, be so thankful instead. It is lots more fun than being bitter 24/7.
oaklynne
Stop sucking on lemons, lach, and remember that all First Ladies wear gowns to State Dinners -- even the GOP ones.
bobzaguy
yea, those uppity Indian Jindals, the celeb-seeking Powells, and whoever else of the immediately wasted Right wasn't in the photo essay.
Give 'em lemons, let's all have lemonade.
We finally have a millionaire President who spends his own money on his wife's dresses. Not like a certain HRH NR who stashed hundreds of "outfits" in her California closets.
gak001
Give it a rest. It's a state dinner - it's required. I don't recall anyone complaining when President Bush held equally "lavish" state dinners the previous 8 years as people were losing their homes and troops were dying on the battlefield.
winterparkmom
They didn't also too, complain about W taking vacation for 1/3 of his presidency on the taxpayer's dole, while the troops that HE sent to war were dying.
These Hypocrites try to rewrite history every single day. I'm waiting for one of them to say we got hit on 9/11 under Obama's watch.
dmloor
Uh, it was a "State Dinner", what part didn't you understand? The diplomatic niceties have been followed by every president, regardless of political affiliation. And pretty cheaper than any party thrown by Nancy "spend it if you got it" Reagan.
anghiari
lachica6...you would have more credibility if you had written this email to George Bush, who left office with us a Trillion in debt and our economy in the ditch...yet didn't see you whining that he walked out of the White House into a gated community...while Americans were losing there homes having been bamboozled by bad mortgages and fraudulent loans. Those troops on the battle field would be home with their families for the holidays if Frick and Frack (Bush and Cheney) hadn't decided to play war in Iraq. The elite have always lived high and taxpayers have almost always eated Mac and Cheese...the Bush have been part of the elite for ever...didn't hear you whining about Nancy Reagan's clothes.
Baddchild
who gives a flying rats ass what she is wearing... they are spending this country into oblivion and they are wasting millions on this crap while Americans are losing everything thatnks to this ass.. grow up "oh she is so stunning" "look at the arms on her" think of all the poor and needy just a few minutes away from where they gorge themselves like the days of Caligula and Caeser---- makes me wanna puke.
gracie99
Oh all first ladies dress up like that. Don't they get the clothes for free?
The Bushes and the Reagans entertained at least as lavishly.
Jimmy Carter's White House might have been the only one to throw low cost parties.
I don't like it either, however, and I doubt anybody does Obama's bidding just because they got invited to a big, fancy bash.
oldpunk
So in front of the world media you expect World leaders to wear a T shirt & jeans , then pop out and get them a Happy meal?
I guess the poor and needy just a few minutes away did not exist this time last year when Bush used to do the same thing ?
I wonder what administration screwed up the economy causing more homeless & jobless on top of the numbers who already existed?
Do you want fries with that??
gak001
He's not the one who got us into this mess, but he's working hard to get us out of it. Or did you think everything was rosy last October when President Bush was still in office?
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n--Y--cvillekidanghiari
Baddchild...produced a smiliar email written when Bush took us one Trillion in debt after slick Willie left us with a huge bankroll when he tiptoed out of office. I am so sick of you people crying about how Obama tries to clean up Bush's spilt milk! The cost is enormous because the melt down was enormous under the Bush administration. And I love Republicans crying about Obama's spending and saying not one thing about the Bush/Cheney spending binge. Are you aware that the war in Iraq costs us a billion a month? started by the boys of war Bush/Cheney?
tolatetocry
a tent? the WH wasn't grand enough? Arabs love their tents, don't they! Collard greens and cornbread in a tent in a rain storm in formal dress, sounds rather weird! and extremely expensive!
den123
Most Indians, from India, are Hindus. Just saying......
Collard greens, kale and other greens are extremely healthy. I believe it's that chlorophyll you know plus the vitamins.
Maybe not so healty, but I LOVE CORNBREAD.
Michelle looked beautiful and the dress was perfect.
Wow! So great to be an American. Everyone gets to express an opinion.
erdbeermund
Yeah, this person can't even differentiate between Hindus and Arabs even though one of the greatest security threats to the world is that India and Pakistan wouldn't mind blowing each other off the map and we're supposed to be persuaded by his racist rant about extravagant tents in fifty degree weather. Oh my god, it's almost like a wedding reception. I guess people should stop getting married when the unemployment rate goes above ten percent.
gak001
I love collard greens and corn bread; I also love mayonnaise and sauerkraut.
I didn't get to see the offending comment, but if one doesn't know the difference between Hindus and Arabs, one should not be commenting on foreign policy.
DANSHANTEAL
YOU IS SO RITE AND IT'S FUN, TOO. SHE LOOKED GREAT IN MY HUMBLE OPINION. I'M SURE THE ASIANS TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF OBAMA ON HIS TRIPS. WE SIMPLY RECIPROCATE. FROM NOW ON JUST CONCENTRATE ON JOBS.
gracie99
And a tent in LATE NOVEMBER?
erdbeermund
Late November? It's Washington DC, not Nova Scotia. It was fifty degrees for Christ's sake.
oaklynne
Heated, gracie. Chill out and stop being such a sour puss.
Lilithcat
The WH actually wasn't BIG enough. They used a tent so that they could have a larger guest list.
bobzaguy
and room for an orchestra. come on, what dining room in the WH has room for an orchestra and 200 guests?
Phoenixlady
Do you think they should just roll up the carpets at the White House, and give no State Dinners during their administration? Is that what the Bushes or the McCain's would have done? Or maybe they should have economized by having Applebee's cater the party, and Michelle could have bought something at Kohls to wear. Instead, they represented our country with elegance, grace and hospitality. They showcased American wines and talent, while including a broad cross section of Indian Americans to welcome these distinguished guests. Our president is tall and handsome, and the First Lady looked absolutely breathtaking. Jackie O would be proud of her. You people who snark at every single thing the Obama's do are truly sad and disgusting.
Redhead5050
I could not agree more!!!
djanimaequeen
Hear hear! Thanks Phoenix.
philosopher8
Hear! Hear! Grace under pressure! Never Let them see you sweat! Leave your troubles at the door! This is still the mighty United States of America no matter if our bright light is temporarily diminished. You certainly cannot blame the Obama's for our current situation. I think President Obama is trying to deal with a very complex situation. I wish him well. Our very existence depends on his success.
We all need to think more of those around us and begin the healing process. We have been so beaten down since the unfortunate events of 9/11. RIP
Just think of all of the struggles we have been faced with since that fateful beautiful early September day.
I was proud to see my President and First Lady looking so well, and proud of the unfaltering elegance of the American spirit and style portrayed. America might be a bit rusty, but she still got it goin' on!!! What have YOU done today to improve the circumstances of another?
aackc1
Maybe somebody should tell the breathtaking First Lady to keep her elbows off the table. Also its rude to speak while chewing with your mouth full. How does MO compare to Jackie O, please???
For the people that Praise Obama for talking and accomplishing nothing, you are truly sad and disgusting!!
winterparkmom
Oh no Phoenix, they'd be gushing all over how glamorous FLOTUS McCain looked as she presided over her 500 guests and how they had filet mignon and caviar. And not one of them would be commenting at the lavishness while our troops are dying.
Thank God the majority of America is sane!
tolatetocry
Jackie O would not be serving collard greens and cornbread in a tent on the South Lawn in November! The WH State Dining Room would be just fine for Jackie O! The Obama's are exhibiting a real sense of grandiose that is disturbing in times like these! Its pretty near a let them eat cake moment! Live it up, ONE and DONE!
How much do you think dinner and dancing for 400 people in a tent with electricity, heating and plumbing would cost? Wonder what the carbon footprint on that party would be! Michelle has way to much time on her hands.
den123
This is funny. I'm sorry, you probably mean to be very serious.
Who is that the has too much time on their hands?
nightdragon09
Obviously you do for reading and replying to all of tolatetocry's comments... just saying.
roadhunter
The State Dining Room would have been "good enough" for Jackie O, and you think, somehow, a TENT is grandiose in comparison?
tolatetocry
yea, building a tent/ballroom on the South Lawn and heating that thing in November when you live in an historic mansion is grandiose and really kinda weird! Was there a problem with State Dining Room? its been good enough for the other presidents. I'd really like to know how much that heated tent with chandeliers cost the American taxpayers. Live it up Obama's ONE and Done!
erdbeermund
Again, it's Washington, DC, not Nova Scotia. It wasn't even that cold outside. Like fifty degrees. It's also a little silly to try to evoke the French Revolution here since in that situation many people were starving to death because of lack of bread while in this country there is nobody who doesn't have access to bread, even if it might come from a food pantry or something. It's absurd to suggest that this country should host a dinner party for a foreign head of state and they should turn it into a Great Depression theme party. Just because Laura Bush usually looked like she was wearing the drapes doesn't mean that stuff came cheap. I think it's a really nice touch that the First Lady wore a dress by an Indian designer.
dcbooknurse
The State Dining Room was 'good enough,' it just wasn't big enough. In order to accommodate all the guests they moved it onto the lawn.
kristyglick
And where do you think all the money that was spent on that event went? To the people who set up the tent, wired the chandeliers, set up the tables, cooked the food, served the food, etc. It isn't as though that money was sent to a shady foreign government; it provided jobs for plenty of Americans living in a city which, although it is our nation's capital, is rife with crime and poverty. Good for them for getting some honest work!
aackc1
good thing he does not have to pay for it!
oaklynne
pathetic attempt at criticism by a bitter right wing extremist.
byersl
Are you insane?
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n--Y--cvillekidDogless
Wow. Some of you complaining that it was too fancy and others that it wasn't fancy enough.
You can't even decide what it is you hate about our President, can you?
You people wouldn't know class if it backhanded you across the face.
tolatetocry
very expensive, tacky!
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n--Y--cvillekidshewolf884
Time for stop beating about the bush. Just reply with "You hate our President and the First Lady". Nevermind the garbage that you are adding. One sentence...............done. See how easy that is. Stop being TACKY. ;~)))
laDivaG
At least we know the china service was top notch; Laura Bush spent a record $500000.00 on an unprecedented two sets of china last January on her way out of the White House.
martiniplaydate
Nice soundbite, but if you look at the facts, the White House has always had multiple full services of china for State Dinners. Wear and tear on those dishes can be tough over the years. At the time, the Clinton china was the only complete set that the White House had. And here's another little tidbit, private funds paid for the china. Michelle Obama, like all the other First Ladies before her, will get her chance to buy china as well and I'm sure she isn't going to go to the Lenox outlet to buy open stock.
laDivaG
Actually, you're right and wrong. Both of the Bush china services were paid for by private donations (just as Michelle's dress was donated by the designer). But only first ladies whose husbands sit 2 terms generally get to choose china. Time will tell if Michelle gets to pick china.
To clarify: My comment was mostly directed at those who are bitter about the show of wealth by the Obamas in general being in bad taste during relatively harsh economic times when the fact is that they always lay it on thick at state dinners. It's tradition.
Note that I say *relatively* harsh economic times? That has to do with the fact that even the poorest people in the US are fortunate compared to the vast majority of people in the world. If we are going to say that a show of prosperity is wrong because some people have it worse, or because they are having a tough time right now, then they should never have been showing prosperity at the White House during any administration.
In other words, we have to decide where the line is and stick to it.
patr2a
The great thing about free speech is it allows people to make cheap remarks.
Route360
Rebecca: Tom Friedman is a weird inclusion? Have you read The World Is Flat?
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n--Y--cvillekidDakLak
You either have it or you don't. And the First Lady definitely has it.
She is elegant and intelligent and she used the latter to select her dress designer to high-light the former.
cbilds
Elegant and intelligent compared to whom? Those a very subjective terms of which a lot of folks do not concur.
lordastral
We get it that you hate black people cbilds. You don't need to say anything else.
theonetruman
Thanks sycophant, what a complete suck job. Note to self: 17.5% unemployment & lavish state dinners with country who's main export is offshoring US white coller jobs,
F-ing priceless!
Womentoo
I dont envy Michelle but I wished she would choose a dress not so revealing because beauty is in the eye of the beholder.She has so many God given beautiful attributes the dress would only add even more of who she is to the world.
crymeariver
If you are REALLY a woman then you should know better than to try and tell another woman how to dress. There are things Mrs. Obama wears that I like, there are plenty that I don't. However, I respect her right as a woman to dress however she feels like without being judged by other women. Ditto with Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.
bemusedinflorida
Would you prefer fish sticks and mac and cheese in the private living quarters with no guests? Regardless of who is in office the brickbats will always fly.
erdbeermund
I think Michelle looks great but since when are prawns vegetarian? Perhaps a better description of the menu might be "mostly vegetarian" or something to that effect.
cbilds
I don't think you know the difference between vegetarian and vegan.
lordastral
I don't think you do either
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