Stylish statement: Michelle Obama wears a gold dress designed by Naeem Khan to join her husband President Barack at the state dinner for the Indian prime ministerHer outfit was designed by Indian-born Naeem Khan and made in India.
At the State Dining Room event earlier in the day, the First Lady wore a skirt by Rachel Roy, who is Indian.
Speaking ahead of the dinner, Mrs Obama described the trick to pulling off the event as sort of like being a swan - calm and serene above the water but 'paddling like mad, going crazy underneath'.
Traditional evening gowns vied with saris of vibrant colours last night at the first state dinner of the Obama White House.
The high-glitz event was held in honour of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, so Michelle Obama wore a sleeveless, gold and cream-coloured sheath dress with an overlay of silver and matching shawl.
First state dinner: Barack and Michelle Obama pose for the cameras with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur before last night's reception at the White House
The 338-person guest list was a mix of Washington insiders, Hollywood A-listers, prominent figures from the Indian community in the US, and Obama friends, family and campaign donors.Before the dinner, President Barack Obama sought to reassure Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of his commitment to boosting US ties with India even as his administration has set its rivals, China and Pakistan, as top priorities.
Mr Obama faced the challenge of easing the emerging Asian power's concerns that it is slipping down his foreign policy agenda, dominated recently by efforts to craft a new war plan in Afghanistan and curb Iran's nuclear program.
'Your visit, at this pivotal moment in history, speaks to the opportunity before us to build the relationship between our nations... into one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century,' Mr Obama told Mr Singh at a welcoming ceremony.
India's government had looked to the White House talks for a clear message that Mr Obama intends to sustain momentum in improving diplomatic and economic relations that deepened under his predecessor, George Bush.
Mr Obama responded by hailing India as 'indispensable' to global security and prosperity.
He later entertained Mr Singh at an elegant state dinner held in a large tent on the South Lawn of the White House, and was warmly thanked by his guest for the honour.
'Your journey to the White House has captured the imagination of millions and millions of people in India,' Mr Singh said to loud applause before toasting his host.
'You are an inspiration to all those who cherish the values of democracy, diversity and equal opportunity.
Hollywood guests: Steven Spielberg arrives at the dinner with actors Alfre Woodard and Blair Underwood
Director M Night Shyamalan and his wife Bhavna prepare to take their seats
Earlier in the day Mrs Obama met with Gursharan Kaur in the Yellow Oval Room of the White House
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