Style

Michelle Obama Dons New Hairstyle, Soronen Dress for State Dinner

by Terri Potratz | February 23, 2009 at 03:27 pm

13764 views | 3 Recommendations | 6 comments

The Obamas hosted their first formal dinner at the White House on Sunday, a black-tie event held in the State Dining Room with the nation's governors in attendance.

Michelle Obama wore a dark glittery grey/purple Peter Sorensen gown from his Fall 2008 collection, paired with a heavy crystal and pearl necklace by Tom Binns. The first lady also wore her hair in a sleek up-do, which in photos could easily be mistaken for a short new haircut. President Obama wore a black tux accented by an American flag pin on his left lapel.

"Even Axelrod has cleaned up pretty well," Obama said in his toast, referring to senior adviser David Axelrod, one of the 130 guests who dined on Chesapeake crab, Wagyu beef, a winter citrus salad and an Obama family White House favorite, huckleberry cobbler. Obama was in a tuxedo with a black bow tie and Mrs. Obama, with her hair in an updo, was wearing a silvery plum beaded gown.

Peter Sorensen is an emerging designer from Chicago who showed his first collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York for Fall 2007. He sells his designs at Barney's, and the now-famous boutique frequented by Michelle, Ikram.

The first lady, who rarely fusses about with various hair styles, also donned the swept-back look on Friday for a speech at the Department of Transportation:

The first lady is lovely with the sweet up-flip 'do she's been sporting since the campaign really got down and dirty. But with this new look, Michelle appears professional. And that's exactly what she is --- even if, as she joked to a second grader earlier this month, the job she's got "doesn't pay much." (How much does it pay to play the full time role of first lady? Exactly nothing.)

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Annie Oakley for Obama

at 16:45 on February 23rd, 2009

Mrs. Obama actually started wearing this new hairstyle last week when she visited the DOT: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29498869@N07/3296659718/

Terri Potratz

at 16:52 on February 23rd, 2009

Yep, I made note of that at the end of the story - thanks for the additional images! :)

Karenke4

at 17:03 on February 23rd, 2009

Love the dress.

AraLai Discount cosmetics (not verified)

at 04:21 on March 4th, 2009

I love her style. She is so kl
Discount Cosmetics: http://www.aralai.co.uk

Tracy Cunningham (not verified)

at 00:43 on March 13th, 2009

Michelle looks stunning!!! From the up-do hairstyle to the flawless, clean, neutral make-up, and the strain of pearls!!! The dreess is amazing with her toned mocha arms...Im loving it!!! Keep it up Michelle, you did that!!