I can’t believe this is the Obamas’ last state dinner. Certainly they can host at least two more before the transfer of power? But no, they’re insisting that this is the last Obama state dinner, and last night they did a big, fancy shindig for Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi and Mrs. Agnese Landini. The biggest headline is obviously Michelle Obama’s dress. Michelle usually tries to wear a gown from a designer from the honored guest country, so she went with an Italian designer: Donatella Versace. This is a sparkly rose-gold Versace gown and it’s basically perfect.
While I’m not always 100% in love with what Michelle wears, I really, really appreciate the fact that she mixed it up so much in her eight years as FLOTUS. She did the high-low mixing, she wore emerging American designers, she rarely wore staid pantsuits and she always seemed like she was having fun with clothes. Compared to other first ladies – who usually just threw on an Oscar de la Renta gown and called it a day – Michelle has always been a breath of fresh air. And most designers loved her. I would imagine that Donatella Versace was beyond pleased that she got to dress FLOTUS for the final state dinner.
As for the rest of event… Mario Batali worked with the White House chef to create a special Italian-friendly dinner. The guests included… Roberto Benigni, Gov. Andrew Cuomo (and his girlfriend Sandra Lee), Giorgio Armani, Naeem Khan, Savannah Guthrie, Gayle King, Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld and… Gwen Stefani. Who brought Blake Shelton as her date. I imagine that was painful for a Trump supporter like Blake to be in the Obama White House.
Photos courtesy of Getty.
Hands down, my favorite dress of hers.
The color is just gorgeous on her
Perfect color on her – so flattering 👍 Home run with that choice!
I’m not a fan of the bangs, but omg the dress is perfection. Love love love it.
One of my faves as well. She was one of the classiest FLOTUS to grace the WH.
Don’t guys. Really don’t.
Don’t go! And if you simply must, then take me with you.
Are you kidding? She looks frumpy as hell like every other outfit she’s ever worn.
I don’t think almost everyone else on this thread is kidding. Your interpretation of frumpy seems an unusual one.
@Suzanne who hurt you?
She looks just like the magnificent person she is! And then there’s Gwen – LOL.
Suzanne – you need to look up the definition of “frumpy”. She is never frumpy. Perhaps not your style, but frumpy? And with that aggression, I’m guessing you’re a Trump supporter trolling Dem supporters….and what outfit would you wear to a State dinner?
I do not see her as FLOTUS. She is beyond that. She is simply amazing – classy, educated, funny, strong, she knows how to speak, she is by far the best thing that came out of the WH.
people may or may not like Obama, but MObama, how can you not love her? I do not even care what she is wearing,it is the way she wears things.
@Emmy, Ikr? I just laughed so hard at those 4 words.
Mine too! The dress is perfect in every way and she looks stunning!
Agreed. She looks divine – way to go out with a bang!
Perfection!
Gorgeous. Mrs Landini is pretty va va voom too.
Yes, she looks gorgeous. And frankly, I would rather have the intelligent, humane, and utterly decent Michelle as the next POTUS than either Hillary or the unthinkable Trump. She has more integrity than either of them, with none of the overweening sense of entitlement.
Yes, but the hair! The bangs trauma! Ugh…..
Simply Fabulous!!!
I can’t even tell if I like the dress. If Michelle Obama is wearing it, I assume the dress is awesome.
The First Lady is STUNNING!
I want one of those dresses. lol In my dream closet.
Gorgeous. She looks amazing.
Is that Gwen Stefani or Lady Gaga? Wow their faces look alike.
*sigh* So who’s going to bring the glam for us superficial people from now on??? Whoever comes next, they’ll look pretty dusty after the Obamas and Michelle Obama in particular.
Bill definitely will have to step up his fashion game!
LOL. Hey, he lost the chub, went vegan, started jogging. He’s no Michelle, but I bet there’s a ball gown or two in his future.
The Obamas will just have to be invited to everything again!
I think you’ve solved the problem, this never occurred to me.
I’m not a Trump supporter AT ALL, but Melania is pretty glam. I like her style.
Yes but it’s like cake next to a puddle of vomit. You’re not going to pay attention to the cake, you’re going to be too disgusted by the puddle.
Lol…littlemissnaughty…….personally I’d seriously rather bite the bullet and clean up the mess rather than have her near the White House.
If it’s glam you want, vote Trump! Money, sparkle, plastic surgery – all very glamourous. The Obamas on the other hand have true elegance and style – that can’t be bought.
And class.
If Trump has had plastic surgery, he needs to reconsider his choice of surgeons.
We will have to bring it ourselves.
Don’t love the hair in her face. But yowza, she looks like she’s going to the Oscars!
The guest lists for state dinners have always baffled me. So Hollywood-heavy.
This one is not even A list! Gwen Stefani? Gayle King? So weird.
I will miss Michelle Obama so much I could cry. She’s so graceful, smart, beautiful, etc, etc, etc. I would love for her to run for president or be my best friend. Either or.
Me too. FLOTUS can do no wrong.
Her dress is stunning. Bangs a bit heavy, but the way she carries herself brings everything to anything she wears. Truly one of my idols. She’s gorgeous, bur her confidence brings her beauty to a whole new level.
Are they actually Hollywood-heavy, or is that just who gets their pictures in the paper? I think they (meaning all administrations) usually have a decent balance. The magic of social secretaries!
I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re paying to be there – I.e. contributing to current Democratic campaigns or something similar.
You can’t hold a campaign fundraiser on federal property. So they definitely are not paying.
She was/is gorgeous, but the hair also bothered me, especially with her strength as a woman, it makes her seem, well, insecure, even Kate-esque. And that’s frustrating b/c nothing is further from the truth!!!!
I will miss her too (would love to see her run in the future), even though living abroad has meant I’ve missed most of the Obama presidency from the home turf. 🙁
Yes, the hair bugs me, too. Everything *but* the hair style is nearly perfect.
You can say wahtever about Versace, but when they get it right, it’s flawless.
Last night on the train home I read the NY Times tribute to Michelle Obama written by various other famous women. I started crying thinking of the Obamas, especially her, not in the White House anymore. They will be sorely missed no matter who wins the election.
She looks amazing and flawless.
I read that as well – man I am gonna miss her!
She looked beautiful, not just anyone can wear that rose gold color either!
Maybe it’s because I’m so sick of hearing about the election or because this political season seems especially dirty but I just feel like no matter who wins the upcoming election that neither one of them is going to have the class that the current POTUS/FLOTUS has, not even close!
I read that, too, and had the same emotions.
That article is amazing – it should be required reading.
I love her, and this dress, and she is flawless. But her posture though…! Why does she look o hunched over?
Possibly tall woman problems. I do the same thing, hunch over so badly. It’s a combination of being the tallest of my girlfriends and trying to shrink and not be so oddly noticeable, for me.
Yeah. The color, material and draping of the dress are stunning. She’s always hunched forward. I wish she would square her shoulders. She certainly has the body to be statuesque. Hair isn’t my favorite. I prefer when it’s fluffier and you can see more of her beautiful face.
On behalf of my country, I apologize for the italian prime minister and his wife.
He is the definition of douche and she is the definition of privilege. They should be ashamed of themselves.
Luckily they will be gone soon too.
Michelle looks banging. That’s how you finish with a bang.
Here we are, the usual Italian commenter bashing his own PMs representing the country abroad. Such a shame.
And why is your FL a privileged woman? She is a nice person, a mother and a working woman. She is still living in her hometown, same home, same friends, same habits. Jealous much?
Jelaous?
She is supposed to be a teacher and she never is at work because she follows her husband around the world still keeping her place in school instead of giving it up to a more deserving person
Renzi has fucked up even more our economy and them both have placed relatives in jobs they don’t deserve and they have no qualification for. The new addition is that now he is pushing for a referendum where he wants to have the right to modify the Constitution with new stupid rules that only benefit the politicians and never the tax payers.
Please shut up if you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Let’s see if you will be happy to have Trump to represent your country abroad, if he wins the elctions.
I have no idea of the facts behind this, but we tend not to say “shut up” here. Trump would be a disaster, but it would be no reflection on all the sensible, thoughtful people that contribute to the debate on here about Trump, and vote against him. Hopefully that won’t happen anyway.
Exactly the same way I felt when the Obamas came to Argentina a few months ago and hung out with our vile new President and his workforce abuser of a wife. On another note, the FLOTUS is indeed a vision!!
Well, since the Obamas have come out strongly against Trump- whom I loathe- it would be nice if they’d come out against Bill Clinton, who’s been accused for years of sexual assault. But I guess not. They hang out with some really shady characters. FLOTUS is a beautiful woman, no doubt about it. Great that she spoke so strongly about the predator named Trump and how people like him affect the way girls and women see themselves. Now perhaps they can stop pretending that Bill Clinton hasn’t been accused by multiple women for YEARS of similar behavior. We believe Trump’s accusers, Woody Allen’s accuser, and Cosby’s accusers. But we don’t believe Clinton’s?
She kept her hair and accessories very simple because the dress said it all. I love that dress and she was wearing the hell out of it. My FLOTUS is BANGIN’!!
There was a pic I saw of her in this gown looking down and laughing and President Obama is looking and talking to her and I had this moment of, this is real true fucking glamour. Their class, their appearance, their deep rooted respect and love for one another where you know they still hold hands together.
She nailed it with this gown. The colors are dreamy with her skin tone, the fit, the pinching at her waist, the cascadinf bustline, it all tied together perfectly.
I agree with everything you said, thank you. They’re an amazing couple and she’s beautiful inside and out.
It’s been so nice to have a President and First Lady who exude the meaning of class and culture and who are so articulate and even-tempered. I am so sad to see them go. So proud of them both for being such grand representatives of the U.S.
Do you think he ever just looks at her and goes, thank you universe. I don’t know what I did to deserve this woman, but thank you. <3
Every second of every minute of every hour of every day.
Lilac, is that you?
Ditto to all. She is dignity, grace and intelligence personafied.
Great dress, too.
Get you a woman who can do both.
Yes, yes, yes!
That describes his look for her accurately.
She looks fabulous and that dress amazing. On the other hand Gwen Stefani is scaring me in that photo..
Gwen’s face looks like it hurts. I’ll never understand sacrificing a few wrinkles if you end up like that.
😅😅
I always said I’d wear my wrinkles like the badges that wisdom and experience has awarded me.
She looks amazing! I am going to miss them so much! And I agree – how do they come up with the list of guests for these dinners? Why is Gwen there? But I do love that Blake has to see what a real president looks like up close.
Amazing woman and she just gets more and more beautiful! Michelle is a goddess.
Stunning! She has definetly upped the glam/sexy factor in the second term since she no longer has to appease voters
The glass case (with show room lighting) that I commissioned for Mrs. Obama is soon complete. Unfortunately though, I can’t seem to work out the logistics smuggling her into the Caribbean undetected. I welcome suggestions.
There will never be another First Lady like her; intelligent, stunning and genuine.
America, I <3 your Flotus
I’ll happily donate to your project if the details ever do get worked out. Wouldn’t it be awesome if she came either to Barbados or St. Kitts to vacation? Meeting them both is a dream of mine.
She slayed it. What an elegant woman. She didn’t stick with one designer like most First Ladies…she switched it up and always looked gorgeous. This was in my opinion one of the most classy, modern and “with it” First Families. There will never be another like them. Can they have four more years please. I know I know, Michelle is already probably packing her bags getting ready to get out of Dodge.
It looked awesome from the back too!
Love it.
That is a stunning gown and perfect on her.
I don’t usually love Versace stuff, but that is perfection.
She looks good and the color actually looks great on her, but it’s not my favorite- a little too pageanty or vanna white for my taste. I’m rarely a fan of head to toe sparkles, especially convinced with that front ruching. So yea, Michelle is pulling it off but I’m not impressed with versace here.
I am also going to miss the Obamas. But I hope they will be able to relax more once out of office, so I’m happy for them and their children.
I like it, but would have liked it even more if it was this color in a matte silk/satin with a little sheen instead of full-on Lamé. She can carry off head-to-toe sequins if she wants, but she doesn’t need it.
She looks gorgeous! Love the dress on her!
Nice cut on the dress, very flattering, love the off-the-shoulder part. Not crazy about the stiff hair she’s “hiding” behind on one side, but the overall look is lovely. Normally, if you said “Versace” and “chainmail dress” I’d be scared, but it’s gorgeous.
Gwen looks like she has stage make-up on. Mrs. Seinfeld could not have picked a less flattering dress to go with her super-unflattering blonde hair.
Because she performed at the dinner.
I think Gwen’s neckline is too plunging for a state dinner. But I confess I like Mrs Seinfeld’s dress. Just not on her.
http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2016/10/michelle-obama-state-dinner-gown#1
Here is a link to all her state dinner dresses. I love Naeem Khan and the only miss to me was Singapore.
I think the Naeem Khan was the best. I like last night’s Versace but didn’t think it was the best, it was just OK compared to the Naeem Khan.
The 2009 NK or the 2011? The 2009 is a little prom dressy to me with the wrap. But the 2011 white one was amazing.
One of my favorite of her outfits was the Michael Kors from the Vogue photoshoot in 2013. Not the clothing itself, really, but the photo of her against all of the paintings.
Looks like I’m gonna be the only one here saying that dress doesn’t suit her at all. I’ve seen her looking smashingly elegant before, but neither the color, nor the style, or the glitter-y fabric do her any favors. The hairstyle seems wrong as well, an updo of some sort would probably look better with this. I think she looks very heavy and muscular in this. Just my taste, but more simple lines and stronger colors seem to be a better choice for her. Sorry, but I don’t find this an elegant look.
I agree and the hair is terrible. She looks LAS VEGAS
I’m with you guys. I love FLOTUS, but this whole look is a miss for me.
Magnificent Michelle. Love this dress on her. A knock out.
I’m going to be bitchy for a moment and note that Jessica Seinfeld looks horrid. I really don’t think the hair color suits her at all. She needs to go back to her natural color and maybe do some golden highlights if she wants it lighter. Isn’t there someone in her inner circle who can be honest with her about this? Anyone?
I would agree, and her dress could be a little more “daring” too. It reminds me of 80’s-style Nipon office dresses on the top.
FLAMAZING. I’m going to miss them so much.
I’m going to miss them as POTUS and FLOTUS but I hope they can continue to do good work just as good people. They can still make an impact with their eloquent speeches and connections.
I love Michelle Obama but not a fan of this look. Just a few small tweaks would’ve made it amazing – if she pulled back part of her hair and lowered the neckline a tad lower. She’s a tall woman with broad shoulders who needs a cut that’s a little more suited for her.
I’m having trouble with the off-the-shoulder side. It is too harsh maybe, obviously there to hold the dress up instead of having better internal structure.
ArtHistorian, if you’re wandering around this thread. I’m thinking the outfit Crown Princess Mary wore to the Bambi Awards did this look better. The sparkly blue skirt and top combination. The off-the-shoulder part seemed more like a natural extension of the top’s design.
“I’m having trouble with the off-the-shoulder side.”
It’s her posture. Hunched forward shoulders.
Not what I’m talking about. The part that is on her left shoulder is designed to cling tightly to the rounded edge of her shoulder instead of being truly off the shoulder. It is a design element that looks wrong, like a mis-placed strap. Almost like Versace meant to make this a one-shoulder gown and changed her mind part-way through the manufacturing.
I’d like to congratulate us all for ignoring Suzanne the troll.
I’m ashamed to say I replied…
Lovely dress but the hair ruins the overall look. I like the dress worn by the Italian FL too.
She is effing gorgeous. I simply just love this woman and although I didn’t always agree with president Obama’s policies, I have no doubt that he is a man of integrity and class. Gawd how I’ll miss the Obamas.
Love the dress but I’m not thinking its a great dress for her. I’ve always liked her look better in strong jewel tones. That hair needs to be out of her face…….that’s a mess.
I really like the Obamas but im going to go against the grain too. I think her hair looks awful and the dress does her no favours. Makes her look heavy esp around the middle. Ive seen others where she knocks it out of the park. This is a fail for me. Sad to see them go though. Classy couple.
I think the colour of her lipstick is wrong, far too light. However, she has been a superb
FLOTUS, she will be missed.
She looks lovely, I love that dress on her and the color is fabulous!
The hair is not good. Should be up not covering some of her face. The dress does her no favors. Makes her look bigger than she probably is especially in the middle.
@ Linda…I agree. FLOTUS does get it right sometimes but this is not one of those times, IMO. The hair is not flattering, nor is the dress. A bit too flashy & makes her look larger than she actually is. She looks happy though, so carry on.
That is the best damn Versace dress I’ve seen in decades!
From the waist up, it’s beautiful. From the waist down, it makes her look clunky. The hairstyle doesn’t suit her at all either. The Italian First Lady looks beautiful. Gwen Stefani’s dress is totally inappropriate and Jessica Seinfeld looks ridiculous.
It’s a gorgeous gown. I would prefer both straps to be either up or down, though; having one up and one down bothers me.
Gwen looks completely inappropriate compared to the other women pictured here. What was she thinking?
I don’t remember a First Lady since Jackie Kennedy who was so fashionable. I kneel down in admiration for our lovely FLOTUS.
Love the dress, hate the bangs.
Beautiful, classy lady. I will miss her as FLOTUS.
I have to keep stopping myself from reading comments on the Daily Fail. The comments about this story – and Michelle Obama’s appearance in general – made me despair for the human race. I think the DM has become the last bastion for embittered, racist Trump voters.
It’s funny how “disrespecting” the president or FLOTUS overseas was a capital offence during the Bush era (Dixie Chicks, anyone?), but now it is A-OK for Americans to write disgusting, appalling comments about their president and first lady on foreign news websites.
I left a message tell them to stop being so repulsive and was rewarded with a flurry of red ‘down’ arrows.
Note to self: STOP READING THE DAILY MAIL – it only makes you depressed.
She looks fantastic in that dress… it’s gorgeous, like copper fireworks.
Oh God I don’t want them to go. The pics out of state dinners in particular always make me feel proud of their dignity and class and yeah, glamour. They’re the right kind of glamourous- the intelligent, sophisticated kind. snif mannnnn i love them don’t goooooo Obamas!! …. Feel like I’ll never be this happy about the inhabitants of the White House again.