When the First Lady of the United States chooses to wear an outfit by an Indian designer for a State occasion, it’s a matter of national pride.
For the White House Correspondent’s Dinner over the weekend, Michelle Obama wore a paisley-print strapless ballgown in organza, by Mumbai-born designer, Naeem Khan.
However, this is not the first time she’s worn a creation by Naeem.
In 2009, she wore a metallic column by Naeem for a State dinner for Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and his wife. Apparently, forty workmen took over three weeks to make this sequined creation.
In 2010, Mrs. Obama again chose to wear Naeem Khan to the 33rd Annual Kennedy Center Honors. The sleeveless gown was embellished with matte crushed sequins and abstract windblown roses on scarlet tulle.
In 2011, Michelle Obama again chose an ivory, beaded column from Naeem Khan for a State Dinner for German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.
But it’s not only on home-turf that Michelle Obama wears Naeem Khan. In 2011, she wore a knee-length embroidered dress by the designer to a reception hosted by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff at the Palacio da Alvorada.
Clearly, Naeem Khan has come to be an integral part of Michelle Obama’s style legacy and we as Indians, couldn’t be more proud!