Red Carpet Minute: White House Correspondents' Dinner--Best Dressed

Dinner Dress Up

Last night Hollywood and Washington DC collided--and colluded--in the 98th Annual White House Correspondents' Association Dinner. The White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) is an organization of journalists who cover the White House and the President of the United States. The actual intended purpose of the White House Correspondents' Dinner is to "acknowledge award-winners, present scholarships, and give the press and the president an evening of friendly appreciation". But in recent years it has become an event where the press and Hollywood get to hob nob with each other. Members of the media/press are allowed to "invite" Hollywood stars to be at their tables, therefore paying for their First Class travel and Five-Star Hotel accommodations, in exchange to sit with them and yes, get some press. It's also a chance for some "Red Carpet Critiquing". There were some MESSES last night (in a later post, darlings, don't worry) but let's start with some Good Ones (and "OK's") of the night:

First Lady Michelle Obama in Naeem Khan Spring 2012: Mrs. Obama chose a printed silk gown from one of her favorite designers, NY-based Indian-born Naeem Khan. It's from his Spring 2012 Collection and on the runway (as you can see above), it was shown with a one-shoulder drape. As we all know, the First Lady has some AMAZING shoulders and intelligently knows that they should be showcased. Therefore the one shoulder over-drape was removed for Mrs. Obama. I think she looks great. I love the "ethnic" feel of the mixed print and it is very ON TREND with what is happening in prints.

Elizabeth Banks in Antonio Berardi Fall 2012: Banks wore a lipstick red strapless gown with peplum detail; (very NOW ladies!!) from British designer of Sicilian descent Antonio Berardi. Originally, the designer showed this style in a gunmetal sequined fabrication (as seen on the runway photo above). I like this dress on Elizabeth Banks. The shape is fabulous and fits her really well and to top it off, her hair, make-up and  jewelry are just right.

Kate Hudson in Jenny Packham: let's start from the top: LOVE the bun!! Usually we see Hudson in a very "Carefree California Girl" 'do but here she "bumped"-up (sorry for the pun) her hair quotient. It's very "Miss Universe" meets my Mom in Caracas in 1975! The dress: love the color, fabrication and the fit. I assume she was styled by her pal Rachel Zoe and well, kids, she did (as usual) a FABULOUS job.

Elle Macpherson in Romona Keveza: Let's begin with the fact that it helps to have Elle "The Body" Macpherson wearing your dress. Designed by Romona Keveza, who is better known for her very popular wedding gowns. This black satin gown features a folded-and-pleated top section with an asymmetrical peplum (yes, kids, it's a MAJAH trend!). Elle looks pretty amazing and let's not forget: she is showing Angelina Jolie how its done...in terms of how to walk and pose with a high slit. How do you say "Atta-Gurl" in Australian slang?

Ivanka Trump in Naeem Khan: Kids, THIS is how you do PLUNGING! Period. It's flawless on Ivanka. She's wearing a gown by "Designer of the Night" Naeem Khan--a silver sequined gown with cap sleeves and yes, that plunging neckline. It is "inspired" by a dress from his Fall 2011 RTW collection as seen in photo above. Finally kids, I need to add as a "PS": THE ONLY WAY for the Trumps to recover from last year's "Donald Roast" is to send Ivanka looking stupendous!

 

Reese Witherspoon in Monique Lhuillier: she looks great! The black gown by LA-based designer Monique Lhuillier is elegant, very "Old Hollywood Glamour", draped beautifully. I also like the pop of turquoise in the earrings and side-swept hairstyle. Hard to tell she is even pregnant!

Charlize Theron in Emilio Pucci by Peter Dundas: One word: wow. Again, you really can't go wrong when you begin with a stunner like Charlize. The lace over nude lining fitted gown, features a scalloped boat-neck and long sleeves. It's such a busy lace that she chose wisely to finish it off with a simple and elegant center parted chignon.

Good But Not Great:

Dakota Fanning in Prada: this light plum sequined gown is just "OK" for me. There are several "Not Sure's" here. The keyhole seems odd-especially since the neckline already has such a nice "V" shape; the front length is odd, looks too short and the shoes, they look a bit "Grandma-About-To-Play-Mahjong-In-Boca" (which, incidentally, is SOOO Miuccia Prada!). I wanna know what YOU guys think here? Help me!!

Eva Longoria in Marchesa Fall 2012: I think the top section of this white Marchesa Fall 2012 dress is fantastic and right on trend with the drop-shoulder/cap sleeve detail as well as the original applique. It's the odd multi-cowl draped skirt section that troubles me. I have to say that somehow it looks a bit "puffier" and with more volume on Eva than on the runway model, and this I do like.

Kim Kardashian: Kim K. went for a more "demure" and less "Va-Va-Boom" Kim at last night's White House Correspondents' Dinner. She wore an emerald green silk velvet floor length sleeveless bias-cut gown with "peek-a-boo" back and sequined shoulder and waist trim. From far away, it's pretty great but then...

Close-up, the top looks wonky; I know that it's bias and therefore it is stretching...but I still have the urge to go up to her and get some pins and pin out about 1" excess from the top shoulder area (sorry, it's the draping instructor in me!).

Sofia Vergara in David Meister Signature Collection: Again, it's "OK" for me. It is a great shape for her--accentuates her tiny waist, hides the "cha-cha" hips, and so on, but...this would be great if she was going to an afternoon wedding in Connecticut. But the White House Correspondents' Dinner?? I'm a little disappointed. She should have stolen Viola Davis' gown...speaking of Viola Davis...

Viola Davis in Amsale Spring 2012 Bridal: Ethiopian-born fashion designer, Amsale, is very well known for her wedding dresses. In fact, this gown on Viola is from Amsale's Spring 2012 Bride Collection (originally shown in white on the runway as seen in photo on the right). It's a one-shoulder ziberline gown with a fit-to-flare princess seamed shape and folded-and-pleated top detail. It's a stunner of a gown. However, I just have to take issue with the "I'm about to have a Janet Jackson Wardrobe Malfunction" side-breast spillage (almost) occurring as a result of how scooped that side is on the underarm/neckline section. There needs to be about 2-3" of extra fabric up in there. Other than that: Fab!

White House State Dinner: Michelle Obama in Marchesa and Samantha Cameron in Alessandra Rich

The Blue Belles...

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama host British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha Cameron

Last night, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama held a State Dinner in Washington D.C. at the White House (of course) for British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha. This was the sixth state dinner of the Obama Presidency. The entertainment of the night: John Legend and Mumford and Sons. The international guest list for this black tie gala ranged from diplomats, government officials to the world of entertainment and fashion. VIP guests included George Clooney, Virgin Mogul Richard Branson, billionaire Warren Buffett, Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, Harvey Weinstein and his gorgeous wife, Marchesa co-designer Georgina Chapman, Charlie Rose, actors from PBS' "Downton Abbey", as well as the reigning king of golf, Northern Ireland's Rory McIlory , to name a few. Now onto the FASHION...

First lady Michelle Obama wore a teal blue gown from the American design firm of Marchesa (designed by two Brits, including Project Runway All Stars Judge, Georgina Chapman, who was a guest--and is British of course). The gown is from the Marchesa Resort 2012 collection. The original gown features a draped and pleated off-the-shoulder top section and a "high-low" peplum train which for Mrs. Obama was removed (good call!). The shoulder draping was stitched down (Good Call Part Deux!).

The First Lady looked elegant and statuesque and I think it was great to expose her fabulous shoulders and great arms--and to wear her hair up as well! Although, I'm not 100% sold on the necklaces. I get what she was going for and I love chunky jewelry, but it was a bit overwhelming for that dress and distracted a bit from the beautiful neckline. But there is no denying that this gown was made-to-order and fitted on her to a "T". Notice the perfection of the back and that mini-train:

Finally, here's the British Prime Minister's wife Samantha Cameron and her State Dinner Fashion Statement:

She wore a royal-and-navy blue appliqued lace gown from British designer Alessandra Rich. The gown featured and thin belt accentuating her tiny waist and a neck tie. Both her and the U.S. First Lady complimented themselves in different shades of blue. And yes, kids, this was not by accident. This was all pre-arranged and pre-coordianted via their corresponding Social Secretaries, trust me. Lovely to see FASHION with a Capital "F" at the White House. Thank you ladies!

What did you guys think? Which First Lady wore FASHION best at last night's State Dinner? Michelle Obama or Samantha Cameron? Let me know.

Michelle Obama Visits UK: The Fashion Edition

Fashionista First Lady...

The First Lady of the USA has been abroad on a State Visit to the United Kingdom (as well as accompanying her husband to the G8 Summit in France), and well, let's just say, she has been GIVING some Fashion with a Capital "F". Her suitcases were PACKED kids! I can only imagine. Hope she took her assistant or her 'people" put together Polaroids of each outfit and what went with what. From looking at these photos, I have a feeling, they did. Not one detail was missed.

Michelle Obama attending the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in Tom Ford

Here are some highlights: First (above photo) Mrs. Obama stunned the guests and the world press with a halter neck criss-cross shirred chiffon ivory gown by US Designer Tom Ford, Opera-length gloves (love those!) and clutch.

Michelle Obama arrives at Stansted Airport in Peter Som Fall 2010. On their way to a G8 Summit

Then, on the way to the G8 Summit in Deauville France, she wore another US Designer, Peter Som--a purple sheath dress with bateau neckline (she loves her boat necks!) with a matching ombre purple coat, highlighted by a center front neck brooch.

Michelle Obama disembarking Air Force One in Preen Fall 2011

Upon disembarking Air Force One, she wore Preen Fall 2011 turquoise blue cropped coat, matching pencil skirt and metallic lame/top. I love how she had the jacket customized so it opens in the front and we get to see more of that fabulous printed blouse. She is seriously competing with Victoria Beckham as THE Best Dressed Woman seen coming out of a Plane!!!

Michelle Obama in Ralph Lauren Fall 2011.

The First Couple hosted a dinner for the Queen--that's Queen Elizabeth II--at Winfield House, the residence of the Ambassador of the United States of America. Mrs. Obama wore an off-the-shoulder black gown by All-American Designer (who LOVES all things British incidentally!) Ralph Lauren, from his Fall 2011 Collection. The gown fitted her impeccably and she finished it off with clean side swept hair and a STUNNING statement making necklace. Her "people" (Press Secretary, Stylist, whoever...) is surely working OVERTIME and earning EVERY penny of their salary huney! I give them an A+.

Michelle Obama at the Buckingham Palace State Visit wearing Barbara Tfank Resort 2011

While visiting Buckingham Palace for a daytime function during their UK State Visit, Michelle Obama opted for a bateau (told you she loved that neckline!) neckline A-line silhouette printed dress with box pleats and a contrasting waist sash; finished off with a rose-pink bolero jacket, jeweled pin and pointy metallic heels. Very Lady-Like. I approve.

Michelle Obama speaks at the University of Oxford in Alexander McQueen Resort 2011

When Mrs. Obama spoke at Oxford University during her visit to the UK, she wore (appropriately enough!) an Alexander McQueen Resort 2011 ensemble of a "high-low" band-collared white shirt and black skinny pants--and a FABULOUS waist-cincher of a belt. It was modern, fresh and yes, British.

Michelle Obama serving food to members of the Military at a Barbeque at 10 Downing Street wearing Tracy Reese Pre-Fall 2011

Finally, for a "Photo-Op" while serving food to members of the Military at a Barbeque at the Prime Minister's Home (10 Downing Street), the US First lady decided to don a black-and-white zig-zag applique dress with beaded waistband. It seemed a bit dressy for the occasion, but she looked fabulous none the less.

All in all, Mrs. Obama gets an "A" for bringing the FASHION across the Pond. And at least, for looking fresh, directional, and (Thank Goodness) somewhat fashionable. Cheers Mrs. Obama!

Michelle Obama Wears McQueen at White House State Dinner Honoring Chinese President: Fab Or Not? I think AMAZING!

First Lady In Red...

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, in Alexander McQueen Resort 2011, State Dinner for Chinese Presdient

Last night was the White House State Dinner in Honor of the President of the People's Republic of China. The First Lady, Michelle Obama stunned the audience--and me sitting inn my living room 2700 miles away--by wearing a STUNNING red printed silk organza STATEMENT-making Alexander McQueen Resort 2011 gown. Tell me when was the last time you saw a US First Lady so chic, modern and wearing such a directional gown for a State Dinner...and it wasn't one of the First Lady "usual Fashion Designer subjects" such as Oscar de la Renta (First Lady Laura Bush's Fave).

Making an Entrance: Alexander McQueen Resort 2011

But we have come to know that Michelle Obama is definitely NOT going to follow the First Lady "Fashion Rules" set before her by other First Ladies. And I for one, LOVE that!
The gown--which features an asymmetrical neckline and folded architectural draping--was designed by the House's Creative Director, the late Alexander McQueen's successor (following his tragic and untimely death), Sarah Burton. The choice of color, I'm sure was a nod to China, in that it signifies happiness and prosperity.

Fashion Diva: US First Lady Michelle Obama last night at State Dinner for Chinese President

I think she looked AMAZING--so chic! Move over Carla Bruni, Queen Rania, Sheikha Mozah of Qatar...there's another woman in town! Now, in comparing the top photo, of Mrs. Obama wearing the gown--and the one from the McQueen Look Book, the gown was altered for the First Lady: Originally, it featured puffy sleeves and as we can see, these became wide straps on Mrs. Obama. Also, look closely at the hem--there seems to be an "addition" of about 2 inches:
It looks like a band of satin fabric was added to compensate for the First Lady's statuesque height (see above close-up). It doesn't look as if that same band is in the original gown. First Ladies aren't allowed to "borrow" dresses like many A-List actresses so possibly after the gown was purchased and/or ordered from her favorite boutique (Ikram), it still needed a little extra length. I may be wrong (and I'm sure my readers will let me know!) but if I'm not, it's very interesting...