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Keeping the best for last! Michelle sizzles and shines at final state dinner

October 19, 2016 14:58 IST

United States First Lady Michelle Obama dazzled the crowd at her final state dinner as first lady, in a floor-length rose gold chainmail gown.

Bella of the ball: US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama wait to greet Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife Agnese Landini on the North Portico for a State Dinner at the White House in Washington. Photograph: Joshua Roberts/Reuters

It was a ‘bittersweet moment’ for the Obamas on Tuesday as they welcomed Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife for an official visit and the final state dinner of the president’s time in office.  

The US first lady, who has a tradition of wearing dresses to state dinners by designers representing the nation being honoured, chose Italian label Atelier Versace for the White House dinner.

Stunning beauty: The Obamas had promised they would save the best for last and Michelle Obama didn’t break her promise. She looked stunning in an Atelier Versace chainmail rose gold dress. Photograph: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

The sleeveless gown showcased Michelle’s famously sculpted arms and its draped design highlighted her figure. She enhanced the disco vibe of the sparkly dress with sleek, straight hair and side-swept bangs. 

The soiree for Renzi was the 13th and final state dinner for the US president, who leaves office in January.  It was also one of the largest of Obama’s tenure.

IMAGE: Agnese Landini, the Italian Prime Minister's wife, also sparkled in a floor length, silver and grey gown next to Michelle Obama's rose gold dress. Photograph: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

The president paid tribute to America's relationship with Italy during the dinner, offering a toast to the 'enduring alliance' between the two countries.

Obama said that American democracy has been graced by a touch of Italy, noting that both the Lincoln Memorial and the interior of the US Capitol dome were done by Italians.

IMAGE: US First Lady Michelle Obama and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi chat to each other as they walk into the state dinner. Photograph: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

He also praised his honoured guest Renzi as someone who represents the energy, optimism, vision and values that can carry Europe forward. 

And although it's his final state dinner, Obama quoted a famous Italian -- the late Yogi Berra -- in saying, ‘It ain’t over till it’s over’.

Umm, Mr Italian PM just where are you looking? Even Matteo Renzi looks distracted by Michelle's dazzling gown. Photograph: Shawn Thew - pool/Getty Images

IMAGE: US President Barack Obama offers a toast to Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi at a state dinner on the South Lawn of the White House. Photograph: Michael Reynolds-Pool/Getty Images

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