It is time for a White House major red carpet fashion event - the first State Dinner, where President Obama and the First Lady will welcome Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and his wife, Gursharan Kaur.
First Lady fashion observers are likely speculating on who and what Lady O will wear to Tuesday's State Dinner. Like previous State Dinners, this will be another inaugural ball-type fashion event with Washington's elite and Hollywood celebrities walking the White House "red carpet."
No matter who shows up, there is sure to an abundance of politics and fashion. Fashion observers will keenly scrutinize who and what Lady O and her celebrity guests wear. Lady O is not afraid to take fashion risks, but Washington Post fashion editor, Robin Givhan wisely cautions that State Dinner attire should be more formal and not be "too fashiony."
Lady O, for her part, is known for mixing high-end and affordable pieces for a moderate-luxury balance. Will she go with her tried and trusted J. Crew? Probably not. Who and what will she wear?
Will she go with designer Isabel Toledo? From the black palazzo pants on the campaign trail to her yellow ensemble at the inaugural ceremony, Lady O has shown a love for Toledo's creations.
Then, there is designer Jason Wu, who took center stage in the fashion world when Lady O wore a white Wu gown to the inaugural ball festivities. Lady O first wore one of Wu designs during her November 2008 interview with Barbara Walters. At the time, Wu stated that watching Lady O in his dress on Barbara Walters was "a little surreal."
Her choice of color? It's no secret that Lady O does not shy away from color. Who can forget the bold red sheath dress she wore to the Medal of Freedom Awards? Or the fabulous gold dress she wore to the opening ceremony of the 121st International Olympic Committee Session at the Copenhagen Opera House?
It is indisputable that Lady O is always elegant, formal and polished at White House events, but fashion-forward celebrity guests should take note. While one expects to see glitz and glamour, it should be tasteful and elegant. Red carpet or not, the White House is after all a political arena and the State Dinner is a formal event, not another front row seat at fashion week. Who can forget actress Sophia Loren's famous sexy dress at President Clinton's 1996 State Dinner?
Watch the State Dinner style fashion etiquette video below - Inga Guen, owner of Once is Not Enough, one of DC's elite couture resale boutiques provides some stately style and fashion advice in the video below.
Stay tuned to the Fashion Examiner for Fashion News Coverage. (Get info on who wore what and who rocked the red carpet).
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Email your fashion questions to MiMi at boutique-mix@hotmail.com.
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