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...

Mr. Verreos Goes To Washington

Happy New Year!!!President and First Lady-to-be Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

It's January 2009 and the Presidential Inauguration is coming up of course. Recently, I got word that I would be going to Washington D.C. to the California State Society's Presidential Inaugural Luncheon and Fashion Show. Nick Verreos to host and show his Gowns at the California State Society Presidential Luncheon and Fashion Show

For several of the last US Presidential Inaugurations, The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM has showcased the designs of their top Fashion and Costume Design students at a fabulous fashion show as part of the illustrious California State Society Presidential Luncheon. It's like one of those Inaugural Balls we've all heard about--but with food, fashion and in the daytime! This year I was honored to be invited by FIDM to not only host the event but also showcase some very special gowns from my NIKOLAKI Collection, as part of the fashion show. An added bonus to the show, will be the one-time-only exclusive runway showing of Project Runway Season 5 Winner, Leanne Marshall's (a graduate of FIDM) Bryant Park Collection. Bryant Park to Washington D.C.: Leanne Marshall's Project Runway Season 5 Finale CollectionVIP Invitation: The California State Society Presidential Luncheon and Fashion Show Date: Sunday, January 18Th Location: Ritz Carlton Hotel

Washington D.C. is not necessarily a "Fashion Capital", the likes of New York, Milan and Paris. But it will be on Sunday, January 18th. Michelle Obama has become somewhat of a fashion icon herself and for weeks now, everyone has been a buzz about what she will wear for the Inauguration and all the Balls. I would love for Mrs. Obama to wear one of my designs, but I am sure I will have to fight Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Narciso Rodriguez and her favorite Chicago designer Maria Pinto. Lets just say every designer in the world is dying to dress the First Lady to be!

I am beyond excited to be going to Washington D.C. for many reasons. My father was a Diplomat working for the State Department and he lived in D.C. for a long time and spoke of it very fondly. My week in D.C. will be filled with fittings, rehearsals and doing press interviews for the event but I hope that maybe I will get to visit one or two of the historic Washington D.C. attractions, such as the Lincoln and Washington Memorials or the Smithsonian Museum or maybe get a photo of the White House.
Click HERE and HERE for great articles from the Washingtonian.com and The Faux Socialite regarding the event. Hope to see you there!