Michelle Obama served up one of her best evening looks ever last night at the American Portrait Gala in Washington D.C. The former First Lady wore a custom neon yellow Schiaparelli haute couture gown to the soirée with her hair down in loose curls. The dress had sparkling silver cage detailing.
Creative Director Daniel Roseberry explained that there was historical inspiration behind that. “The inspiration for the shape originally came from the crinoline, which is often found underneath couture gowns, but the real starting point for the overall look was the color,” he said in a statement. “The acidic tone echoes Elsa Schiaparelli’s signature shocking pink, and we also felt that it matched the strength and energy of Mrs. Obama. It was such an honor to make this special gown for her.”
She shared a photo of herself in the gala in the look alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda and his portrait. She had glowing things to say about him in her Instagram’s caption. She wrote:
So proud to present my friend Lin-Manuel Miranda with the Portrait of a Nation Prize at the National Portrait Gallery. I first met Lin more than a decade ago, when he came to the White House to perform the opening number from what he described as a “concept album.” And, as we all know, his little concept, Hamilton, became a global phenomenon. But what I love most is that he believes it’s his duty to lift up those around him, especially the next generation. It’s why he’s created a Hamilton curriculum for schools, made sure kids from all over can see his shows, and raised millions of dollars for Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. And it’s why he is working so hard to make sure folks are voting in every election and using that freedom that so many fought so hard for. He’s someone who has, in melody and rhyme and connection, painted as honest a portrait of our country as I’ve ever seen. Love this guy.