Listen Live
KMJQ Featured Video
CLOSE

Ever the style risk-taker, the first lady chose this bold Alexander McQueen look for last night’s State Dinner.

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.

Photo by: Win McNamee/Getty Images