Sasha and Malia Obama make elegant debut at state dinner

Mar 11, 2016

Sasha and Malia Obama have grown up in the spotlight before our eyes and on Thursday night, they attended their first state dinner looking elegant as ever.

Malia, 17, wore a beige strapless gown with beading while Sasha, 14, wore a high-neck black dress with embroidery.

The night may have been dedicated to Canada but Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau also took a moment to tribute the first daughters for a few things they shared in common.

Trudeau’s own father had been the prime minister from the time Trudeau was born until he was eight years old.

“The memories for me of being a kid and not being old enough to attend these kinds of events with my father almost makes me wish I had gone through my teenage years as the child of a world leader,” said Trudeau in a tribute in which he acknowledged that growing up in the public political eye had some serious downsides as well as amazing perks. “Almost.”

“I admire you very much, both of you, for your extraordinary strength and your grace,” Trudeau continued before going on to say that their childhood and their experiences, which very few children and teenagers share, will serve to give them “strength and wisdom beyond your years for the rest of your life.”

Both first daughters attend the highly-selective Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. where Malia will graduate this year before heading to college. The Obamas will stay in Washington to allow Sasha to finish school.

See more pictures from the special event below.

https://twitter.com/TheObamaDiary/status/708127730940911616