Michel Obama

Ever the style risk-taker, the first lady chose this bold Alexander McQueen look for last night's State Dinner.

Dressed in a red petal print silk organza gown by Alexander McQueen, Michelle Obama stopped high-profile traffic Wednesday night at the White House State Dinner for the Republic of China. The brilliant red color is a symbol of luck in Chinese culture, but there was more to her designer choice than just diplomacy.

The first lady's unofficial stylist Ikram Goldman, a Chicago boutique owner who commissions many of the looks worn by Mrs. O, is an admitted fan of the avant garde designer who died a year ago. Mrs. O wore McQueen originals twice last year, but this is the first time she's modeled a gown in his name.