Dressed in a red petal print silk organza gown by Alexander McQueen, Michelle Obama stopped high-profile traffic Wednesday night at the White House State Dinner for the Republic of China. The brilliant red color is a symbol of luck in Chinese culture, but there was more to her designer choice than just diplomacy.

The first lady's unofficial stylist Ikram Goldman, a Chicago boutique owner who commissions many of the looks worn by Mrs. O, is an admitted fan of the avant garde designer who died a year ago. Mrs. O wore McQueen originals twice last year, but this is the first time she's modeled a gown in his name.

The red dress was made for the 2011 resort collection by Sarah Burton, and was altered slightly at the sleeves to show off Obama's famously toned arms. Despite a focus on politics at the White House dinner, the guest list boasted icons of the fashion world like Vera Wang and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. But all eyes were on the first lady, whose impact on the global fashion industry is unrivaled.

Her leverage comes with credentials; over the past two years Obama's selection of designer gowns for political events has been bold, thoughtful, and spot-on.

She always looks awesome. Love the colour too.

I loved her in this dress. Love every single thing about it. She looked just awesome.

[Edited 1/20/11 9:57am]

Why does Vera Wang always look like a sad wet underfed puppy to me? For her to make such beautiful gowns she always looks a disheveled mess

[Edited 1/20/11 9:43am]

SCNDLS said:

Barbra's looking a mess.

James Brolin could so get it, though.

Efan said:

SCNDLS said:

Barbra's looking a mess.

James Brolin could so get it, though.

That man and his hair get BETTER wit time, don't it??? He's sexier than his son to me.

Michelle been doing big thangs for this state visit

Another runway look

Some more guests . . . look like they trotted out every Chinese American celeb in the free world. Under what other circumstances would Michelle Kwan and Jackie Chan be at a state dinner?

SCNDLS said:

Michelle been doing big thangs for this state visit

Another runway look

...and people on the web have been bitching and moaning about how much her wardrobe must be costing the American taxpayer. Pisses me off that we can't even involve her in fashion columns without everyone politicizing it and making her out to be some kind of grim reaper with an evil plan to rip off the American people through her fashion choices. People forget she was rich and fashionable before she became first lady.

Anyway, I think she was on her fuckin' A-game this week, period. Keep doin' the thang, Michelle

how did she fit the sleeves into a blazer?

SCNDLS said

[Edited 1/20/11 9:57am]

BABBBBBBBBBBBBS! Girl, what are you doing????

Okay, where do we begin with the hot mess-ed-ness?

1. This Donna Karan circa early-nineties; it' an altered version of a suit from one of the collections and was created specifically for Streisand for her formal public appearances (that she has in every color): concerts, political functions, etc. It's a really iconic look for her-for that era and I wanna throw a rock at her head for dragging this out of her closet, again. Donna is one of her best friends, and I don't understand why she didn't have something sent over instead of doing this. . In all fairness though, Barbra being as Barbra is, probably is unaware of just how deeply the innernetz has impacted the public spectrum for stuff like this, and actually believed nobody would notice...notice that she's worn this for I dunno how many concerts...state functions...fund raisers... every bris since 1993...

oy.

2. She's lost a lot of weight recently and the damn thing doesn't fit. Poor fit means I have to pull the yellow foul card. My soul hurts because she is my idol, but I can't forgive the slouchiness in this state dinner recycle. What she going to wear to the next state function, the white suit from a Star is Born?

Ottensen said:

SCNDLS said

[Edited 1/20/11 9:57am]

BABBBBBBBBBBBBS! Girl, what are you doing????

Okay, where do we begin with the hot mess-ed-ness?

1. This Donna Karan circa early-nineties; it' an altered version of a suit from one of the collections and was created specifically for Streisand for her formal public appearances (that she has in every color): concerts, political functions, etc. It's a really iconic look for her-for that era and I wanna throw a rock at her head for dragging this out of her closet, again. Donna is one of her best friends, and I don't understand why she didn't have something sent over instead of doing this. . In all fairness though, Barbra being as Barbra is, probably is unaware of just how deeply the innernetz has impacted the public spectrum for stuff like this, and actually believed nobody would notice...notice that she's worn this for I dunno how many concerts...state functions...fund raisers... every bris since 1993...

oy.

2. She's lost a lot of weight recently and the damn thing doesn't fit. Poor fit means I have to pull the yellow foul card. My soul hurts because she is my idol, but I can't forgive the slouchiness in this state dinner recycle. What she going to wear to the next state function, the white suit from a Star is Born?

I think it's nice she is recycling!

ZombieKitten said:

Ottensen said:

BABBBBBBBBBBBBS! Girl, what are you doing????

Okay, where do we begin with the hot mess-ed-ness?

1. This Donna Karan circa early-nineties; it' an altered version of a suit from one of the collections and was created specifically for Streisand for her formal public appearances (that she has in every color): concerts, political functions, etc. It's a really iconic look for her-for that era and I wanna throw a rock at her head for dragging this out of her closet, again. Donna is one of her best friends, and I don't understand why she didn't have something sent over instead of doing this. . In all fairness though, Barbra being as Barbra is, probably is unaware of just how deeply the innernetz has impacted the public spectrum for stuff like this, and actually believed nobody would notice...notice that she's worn this for I dunno how many concerts...state functions...fund raisers... every bris since 1993...

oy.

2. She's lost a lot of weight recently and the damn thing doesn't fit. Poor fit means I have to pull the yellow foul card. My soul hurts because she is my idol, but I can't forgive the slouchiness in this state dinner recycle. What she going to wear to the next state function, the white suit from a Star is Born?

I think it's nice she is recycling!

I do too! But she's been photogrpahed/filmed in that outfit at least three times for public broadcasts and photo-ops (including White House events), and I want her to retire this ensemble for no-media access family events!

Ottensen said:

ZombieKitten said:

I think it's nice she is recycling!

I do too! But she's been photogrpahed/filmed in that outfit at least three times for public broadcasts and photo-ops (including White House events), and I want her to retire this ensemble for no-media access family events!

I also agree it looks awful on her, and I am soooo glad I'm not in the public eye

Ottensen said:

SCNDLS said

BABBBBBBBBBBBBS! Girl, what are you doing????

slyly stickin' out that leg for the camera before the flash goes off is what 1st comes to mind

and Michelle looks impeccable from head to toe in that red dress

Rayan said:

Ottensen said:

BABBBBBBBBBBBBS! Girl, what are you doing????

slyly stickin' out that leg for the camera before the flash goes off is what 1st comes to mind

and Michelle looks impeccable from head to toe in that red dress

Barbra said "let me show yo what 68 year old leg looks like, Baby!

I guess if I was married to James Brolin, I 'd be tryin'ta sneak my Golden Girl Retirement Home legs out at every chance, too. I just wish she would have done it in a different dress

Btw, has anyone else noticed that her husband is FINE as hell!? Goodness, that's an attractive man!

Ottensen said:

SCNDLS said:

Michelle been doing big thangs for this state visit

Another runway look

...and people on the web have been bitching and moaning about how much her wardrobe must be costing the American taxpayer. Pisses me off that we can't even involve her in fashion columns without everyone politicizing it and making her out to be some kind of grim reaper with an evil plan to rip off the American people through her fashion choices. People forget she was rich and fashionable before she became first lady.

Anyway, I think she was on her fuckin' A-game this week, period. Keep doin' the thang, Michelle

Girl, I made the mistake of reading some of the comments on the original story. Frightening! Those kinda vile, racist comments have never been uttered about any other First Lady. It's fucking ridiculous. And by this point I'm sure they've figured out a way to defray the costs of her wardrobe but these nuts still tripping. This family is truly made of strong stuff.

Ottensen said:

SCNDLS said

[Edited 1/20/11 9:57am]

BABBBBBBBBBBBBS! Girl, what are you doing????

Okay, where do we begin with the hot mess-ed-ness?

1. This Donna Karan circa early-nineties; it' an altered version of a suit from one of the collections and was created specifically for Streisand for her formal public appearances (that she has in every color): concerts, political functions, etc. It's a really iconic look for her-for that era and I wanna throw a rock at her head for dragging this out of her closet, again. Donna is one of her best friends, and I don't understand why she didn't have something sent over instead of doing this. . In all fairness though, Barbra being as Barbra is, probably is unaware of just how deeply the innernetz has impacted the public spectrum for stuff like this, and actually believed nobody would notice...notice that she's worn this for I dunno how many concerts...state functions...fund raisers... every bris since 1993...

oy.

2. She's lost a lot of weight recently and the damn thing doesn't fit. Poor fit means I have to pull the yellow foul card. My soul hurts because she is my idol, but I can't forgive the slouchiness in this state dinner recycle. What she going to wear to the next state function, the white suit from a Star is Born?

I thought it was me cuz I KNEW I'd seen this shit before. Babs is just one of them ol, rich biddies who's gonna hang on to e'ry last penny. She just strikes me as cheap and doesn't believe in spending money on fashion. Even tho she could definitely get free clothes from all the best designers. Sad thing is she's looking alright, not as good as James, but she hanging on.

SCNDLS said:

SCNDLS said:

Ottensen said:

BABBBBBBBBBBBBS! Girl, what are you doing????

Okay, where do we begin with the hot mess-ed-ness?

1. This Donna Karan circa early-nineties; it' an altered version of a suit from one of the collections and was created specifically for Streisand for her formal public appearances (that she has in every color): concerts, political functions, etc. It's a really iconic look for her-for that era and I wanna throw a rock at her head for dragging this out of her closet, again. Donna is one of her best friends, and I don't understand why she didn't have something sent over instead of doing this. . In all fairness though, Barbra being as Barbra is, probably is unaware of just how deeply the innernetz has impacted the public spectrum for stuff like this, and actually believed nobody would notice...notice that she's worn this for I dunno how many concerts...state functions...fund raisers... every bris since 1993...

oy.

2. She's lost a lot of weight recently and the damn thing doesn't fit. Poor fit means I have to pull the yellow foul card. My soul hurts because she is my idol, but I can't forgive the slouchiness in this state dinner recycle. What she going to wear to the next state function, the white suit from a Star is Born?

I thought it was me cuz I KNEW I'd seen this shit before. Babs is just one of them ol, rich biddies who's gonna hang on to e'ry last penny. She just strikes me as cheap and doesn't believe in spending money on fashion. Even tho she could definitely get free clothes from all the best designers. Sad thing is she's looking alright, not as good as James, but she hanging on.

Those look stilettoes like they gotta a little bit of a platform on 'em so at least she did spring for some new shoes (in the last 2 years); you know Babs usually only rock a plain pump !!!

SCNDLS said:

Dressed in a red petal print silk organza gown by Alexander McQueen, Michelle Obama stopped high-profile traffic Wednesday night at the White House State Dinner for the Republic of China. The brilliant red color is a symbol of luck in Chinese culture, but there was more to her designer choice than just diplomacy.

The first lady's unofficial stylist Ikram Goldman, a Chicago boutique owner who commissions many of the looks worn by Mrs. O, is an admitted fan of the avant garde designer who died a year ago. Mrs. O wore McQueen originals twice last year, but this is the first time she's modeled a gown in his name.

The red dress was made for the 2011 resort collection by Sarah Burton, and was altered slightly at the sleeves to show off Obama's famously toned arms. Despite a focus on politics at the White House dinner, the guest list boasted icons of the fashion world like Vera Wang and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. But all eyes were on the first lady, whose impact on the global fashion industry is unrivaled.

Her leverage comes with credentials; over the past two years Obama's selection of designer gowns for political events has been bold, thoughtful, and spot-on.

Stunning!

Ottensen said:

SCNDLS said:

I thought it was me cuz I KNEW I'd seen this shit before. Babs is just one of them ol, rich biddies who's gonna hang on to e'ry last penny. She just strikes me as cheap and doesn't believe in spending money on fashion. Even tho she could definitely get free clothes from all the best designers. Sad thing is she's looking alright, not as good as James, but she hanging on.

Those look stilettoes like they gotta a little bit of a platform on 'em so at least she did spring for some new shoes (in the last 2 years); you know Babs usually only rock a plain pump !!!

Chile please, those been in the back of her closet since the 70s.

How did I miss this thread!

Alright I have to say that I'm not a fan of the First Lady's style. The clothes themselves are often lovely but not suited for her frame. She is a very tall woman with athletic arms, a belly, and a large bottom. Many of her dresses either make her look bigger than what she is or they draw attention to her flaws.

Babs....that woman has always dressed rather homely which is strange because she's dedicated to Donna Karan and Calvin. Again, it may be a matter of physique. Many designers just don't have the over 40 and average female figure in mind. Clothes for woman who are no longer slender, or women who have a lot of curves, need to be more forgiving and need to play up the hour glass figure or slim it down.

This is why me are so lucky. They're built straight up and down; not much room for fashion errors.

HotGritz said:

How did I miss this thread!

Alright I have to say that I'm not a fan of the First Lady's style. The clothes themselves are often lovely but not suited for her frame. She is a very tall woman with athletic arms, a belly, and a large bottom. Many of her dresses either make her look bigger than what she is or they draw attention to her flaws.

Babs....that woman has always dressed rather homely which is strange because she's dedicated to Donna Karan and Calvin. Again, it may be a matter of physique. Many designers just don't have the over 40 and average female figure in mind. Clothes for woman who are no longer slender, or women who have a lot of curves, need to be more forgiving and need to play up the hour glass figure or slim it down.

This is why me are so lucky. They're built straight up and down; not much room for fashion errors.

I agree, everything she sports isn't golden. But, you really don't like THIS dress on her?

SCNDLS said:

HotGritz said:

How did I miss this thread!

Alright I have to say that I'm not a fan of the First Lady's style. The clothes themselves are often lovely but not suited for her frame. She is a very tall woman with athletic arms, a belly, and a large bottom. Many of her dresses either make her look bigger than what she is or they draw attention to her flaws.

Babs....that woman has always dressed rather homely which is strange because she's dedicated to Donna Karan and Calvin. Again, it may be a matter of physique. Many designers just don't have the over 40 and average female figure in mind. Clothes for woman who are no longer slender, or women who have a lot of curves, need to be more forgiving and need to play up the hour glass figure or slim it down.

This is why me are so lucky. They're built straight up and down; not much room for fashion errors.

I agree, everything she sports isn't golden. But, you really don't like THIS dress on her?

Nope. The dress makes her look plump and there's too much draping. The color is off- not a fan of bright tomato red on chocolate skin and those splashes of black don't help. This is how it appears on my screen anyway.. Mrs. Obama should have worn a darker red floor length fishtail type of dress. Something slender in the hips/thighs. She could have worn spanks underneath to trim down her tummy. A one shoulder dress would be nice to accentuate her great shoulders. She has the advantage of height so a slenderizing dress would give her a more youthful and modelesque appearance. The President is still young and hot looking so it is her duty to either compliment or outshine him. Also I prefer her hair down. Updos seem to age her.

HotGritz said:

SCNDLS said:

I agree, everything she sports isn't golden. But, you really don't like THIS dress on her?

Nope. The dress makes her look plump and there's too much draping. The color is off- not a fan of bright tomato red on chocolate skin and those splashes of black don't help. This is how it appears on my screen anyway.. Mrs. Obama should have worn a darker red floor length fishtail type of dress. Something slender in the hips/thighs. She could have worn spanks underneath to trim down her tummy. A one shoulder dress would be nice to accentuate her great shoulders. She has the advantage of height so a slenderizing dress would give her a more youthful and modelesque appearance. The President is still young and hot looking so it is her duty to either compliment or outshine him. Also I prefer her hair down. Updos seem to age her.

Good points.

Efan said:

SCNDLS said:

Barbra's looking a mess.

James Brolin could so get it, though.

I've loved this broad since I saw her special on TV back in the 60's, but she should BURN THIS DAMN SUIT! She looks like she could accompany one of the Hasidic's walking in the diamond district. Hell, all she needs is the big hat, the side hair curly-ques and that apron and she'd be set! No disrespect intended to our Hebrew friends...

Adore the updo! Love the color on her skin... love the dress FROM THE WAIST DOWN.

The top looks like its being worn off the shoulder in a wrong way. The fabric looks like its being tugged to the left to accomidate the off the shoulder look. Should it even be off the shoulder? It makes her shoulders look sloopy and accentuates her sloped shoulder line from certain angles which is NOT a good thing.

I give this look a B.

Kudos on her make-up... its flawless for this look.

Jackie Chan... dude what were you thinking? Tuck in your damn shirt, you need to elongate those short ass legs as much as possible. No more fashion tips from Chris Tucker's stylists for you!

Michelle looks stunning in the Alexander McQueen , but she looks like she's wearing 3 or 4 different outfits with the Roksanda Ilincic. And the Marc Jacobs dress is so unremarkably accessorized that it may as well have come from some off-brand discount formalwear wholesaler.