'I Think She Is A Fashion Icon': Michelle Obama Rocks Versace Gown At Last State Dinner
WASHINGTON (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Michelle Obama dazzled at her final state dinner as first lady, wearing a figure-hugging, floor-length rose gold chainmail gown.
She chose Italian label Atelier Versace for the White House dinner honoring Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife, Agnese Landini. Mrs. Obama has a tradition of wearing dresses to state dinners by designers representing the nation being honored.
The sleeveless gown showcased the first lady'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.
CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reports Mrs. Obama's dress soldered her fashion legacy.
"I love her fashion style. I think she is a fashion icon. The dress looked amazing on her," one person said.
New Yorkers were a fan of her dress.
"Looked gorgeous on her, gorgeous," one person said.
Another said, "I thought her body looked amazing."
Designer salesperson Ella Easley said the dress showed off Mrs. Obama's figure "in a lovely way."
"It's very feminine. It shows off her figure in a lovely way," Easely said. "The fact that it was gold made it look very powerful in a sense."
First ladies fashion has always been fodder for fun. Jackie Kennedy's style meant perfectly coordinated hats and gloves. Laura Bush kept it real with her stately and conservative look.
Danielle Merollo, fashion director for Americana Manhasset Shopping Center, said Mrs. Obama can rock the elegant to the dressed-down look.
"She has her own style," Merollo said. "She knows what feels comfortable on her body for us as women. It's important to know those things about ourselves."
The White House said Michelle Obama pays for the attire herself, but for a state visit, her clothes may be gifted by a designer.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)