Michelle Obama Steps Out in Carolina Herrera for State Dinner

The Dress: A dramatic Carolina Herrera ball gown with a black lace top and voluminous periwinkle skirt.

The Wearer: First lady Michelle Obama, who stepped out with husband Barack Obama, looking as classy as ever.

The Event: The official state dinner for French President Francois Hollande at the White House, with such luminaries as Bradley Cooper, Stephen Colbert, J.J. Abrams, CNN head Jeff Zucker, Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman, MSNBC’s Rev. Al Sharpton, Tennis Channel’s Ken Solomon, The Mindy Project’s Mindy Kaling and Veep‘s Julia Louis-Dreyfus also in attendance.

Why We Dig: The FLOTUS was divine in the dress, which was described as a “black hand-sewn beaded embroidery applique scallop-edged top over a liberty blue silk faille corset with a wide black velvet belt detail and liberty blue silk faille inverted pleat long skirt and train,” according to a release. While Mobama opted for a French designer at her husband’s State of the Union address, it’s nice to see her choosing an American designer this time, especially one who’s a fashion veteran known for making memorable gowns for the red carpet.