Michelle Obama hosts White House pre-dinner wearing lavender sheath, London designer's broach

by |

Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha are being feted this evening, with an official White House state dinner that will be held in a large tent on the South Lawn. But to give the public a little taste of tonight’s affair, first lady Michelle Obama hosted a pre-dinner earlier today for a small group of reporters and students.

Through events such as this one, the first lady has welcomed over 800,000 members of the public into the White House since taking on her official role, a record breaking number.

Obama spoke to her guests in the State Dining Room, who were seated at three tables decorated in the style planned for this evening’s festivities, during which hundreds will be served. “The menu includes Alaskan halibut, North Dakota bison and lemon pudding, along with plenty of vegetables freshly picked from the White House kitchen garden,” according to Politico.com.

The first lady wore a lavender sleeveless sheath dress with a scoop neck, accented with her signature broach. The broach was created by London-based Indian designer, Saloni Lodha, and was likely worn as bit of fashion diplomacy in honor of her British guests.

Elements of the menu are also being prepared with a nod towards British styles of cooking, such as “the bison, which is being served in a wellington preparation,” Politico also reports.

John Legend and Mumford & Sons (a British rock band) will be performing tonight for the British prime minister and other distinguished invitees.

Follow Alexis Garrett Stodghill on Twitter at @lexisb