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United States First Lady Michelle Obama dazzled the crowd at her final state dinner as first lady, in a floor-length rose gold chainmail gown.
It was a ‘bittersweet moment’ for the Obamas on Tuesday as they welcomed Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife for an official visit and the final state dinner of the president’s time in office.
The US first lady, who has a tradition of wearing dresses to state dinners by designers representing the nation being honoured, chose Italian label Atelier Versace for the White House dinner.
The sleeveless gown showcased Michelle’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.
The soiree for Renzi was the 13th and final state dinner for the US president, who leaves office in January. It was also one of the largest of Obama’s tenure.
The president paid tribute to America's relationship with Italy during the dinner, offering a toast to the 'enduring alliance' between the two countries.
Obama said that American democracy has been graced by a touch of Italy, noting that both the Lincoln Memorial and the interior of the US Capitol dome were done by Italians.
He also praised his honoured guest Renzi as someone who represents the energy, optimism, vision and values that can carry Europe forward.
And although it's his final state dinner, Obama quoted a famous Italian -- the late Yogi Berra -- in saying, ‘It ain’t over till it’s over’.
