The Obamas last state dinner

Tuesday night’s Italian state dinner, the last of the Obama administration, reflected that mood. Michelle Obama figuratively and literally let her hair down, and stepped into something less rigid. Her dress for the evening, a rose gold chain mail Atelier Versace, was more daring and glamorous than any of her previous gowns. There were no sleeves and no shawls; none of the trappings of formal attire of administrations past.

It wasn’t an easy room for a fashion standout moment — designer Giorgio Armani was present, along with his and several of his contemporaries’ high-end work. But the first lady remained the star.

“I don’t know when glamour is going to be back in the White House,” said designer Naeem Khan, a long-time favorite couturier of the first lady.

Her personal tastes were felt elsewhere, too.

Celebrity chef Mario Batali was happy to oblige the very Obama-centric theme, serving up her favorite dishes. Though there were plenty of vegetables from the White House Kitchen Garden, there was also steak and pasta. She’s a Shake Shack kind of girl, after all, with a side of kale salad.

Source: usatoday