Stunning Look for Michelle Obama

'Tis the season to go glam. First Kate Middleton — known for wearing affordable, accessible brands on the red carpet — turned up the wattage last week with a diamond tiara that also happened to be a royal heirloom (the first time she's worn one since she got married.) Then, on Sunday night, Michelle Obama eschewed her shorts-wearing, J. Crew-loving, sensible first-lady image and swept into the Hollywood-heavy 36th annual Kennedy Center Awards in a spotlight-stealing Grecian gown.

Also on Shine: Michelle Obama's Biggest Fashion Regret? Wearing Shorts

Made of emerald-green silk chiffon (a regal goodbye wave to Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year, Emerald Aisle, before Radiant Orchid takes the throne for 2014) the off-the-shoulder Marchesa dress draped across the body and rippled along the floor with a life of its own. Simply but splendidly accessorized with a head of bouncy curls, and delicate diamond jewelry, the look instantly became an Internet phenomenon with praise from media, celebs, and civilians alike.

Also on Yahoo: Michelle Obama Unveils White House Christmas Decor


The first lady pulled out the glitz for the media-heavy Kennedy Center Honors event, which annually recognizes America’s most influential, iconic artists — Sunday's recipients included Billy Joel and Shirley MacLaine. So in a fitting fusion of Hollywood and Washington, Michelle Obama's gown was created by Marchesa, the label run by Georgina Chapman, the wife of Hollywood heavyweight — and major Obama supporter — Harvey Weinstein. While Marchesa has been a favorite label of the first lady’s for years — in fact she wore a similar green, off-the-shoulder design by Chapman last year — never has she struck such a vibrant and feminine chord as she did last night.

Considering that she was quoted in November as saying her biggest fashion regret was wearing ultra-casual Bermuda shorts as she deplaned Air Force One — "Sometimes I forget I'm the first lady and I'm running around in shorts" — perhaps this goddess gown is a sign of dressier times to come.


Related: Naomi Campbell Swears in as Michelle Obama

 Related: Michelle Obama's Recycled Fashion