First Lady Michelle Obama Dazzles In Marchesa Gown At State Dinner Arrival Ceremony

The Special Relationship, black tie edition...
It was a balmy evening in Washington when President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama emerged onto the North Portico at 7:05 PM dressed for the State Dinner, awaiting the arrival of Prime Minister David Cameron and Mrs. Samantha Cameron. Mrs. Obama wore a blue-gray floor-length gown designed by Marchesa, with a long train in the back and ruching at the waist. Her hair was pulled back off her shoulders and she wore a bold, sparkly, multi-strand necklace that was a beaded mix of blues, teals, and turquoise, designed by Tom Binns. Georgina Chapman, co-founder of Marchesa, a Brit, was a guest at the dinner, with her movie-mogul husband Harvey Weinstein, a longtime fundraiser for the President. THE GUEST LIST.

Prime Minister Cameron and Mrs. Cameron arrived under the North Portico in a town car, though they were staying at Blair House, located right outside the White House gates. Mrs. Cameron wore a sparkling dark blue gown with elbow-length lace sleeves, created by British designer Alessandra Rich.

"Very pretty," President Obama said as he greeted Mrs. Cameron with a kiss.

Turning to the First lady, he said, "They look better than us."

After more kisses and handshakes, the two couples posed for a couple pictures before turning to walk inside, where a jazz band played in the Grand Foyer.

Marchesa's Chapman said she had designed her own grey beaded gown especially for the evening. The East Wing did not know if Mrs. Obama's gown was a special creation.

The President trod on the train of his wife's dress when they first stepped onto the North Portico, a moment he would later mention in his toast at the dinner. (Above)

"I was just telling the Prime Minister that so far this evening has been successful because I have not stepped on Michelle's train, my main goal of the evening," the President joked.

The two couples posed for a formal arrival photo inside the White House before heading for the huge white pavilion located at the bottom of the South Lawn, where they were joined by more than 320 guests. The "Winter Harvest" dinner starred Bison Wellington and bounty from Mrs. Obama's Kitchen Garden: THE MENU.

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A video of the arrival:



*Photos by Poll; AP video