Michelle Obama dons Tadashi Shoji gown at Japan state dinner

First lady Michelle Obama paid tribute to the nation of honour at Tuesday’s White House dinner for Japan by wearing a gown by Japanese-born designer Tadashi Shoji.

Sleeveless, with an empire waist and floor-grazing chiffon pleats, the rich purple gown was at once regal and airy. The first lady’s hair was pinned back, revealing delicate applique details on the dress bodice.

Obama wore a long-sleeved floral frock from the Los Angeles-based designer earlier in the day for a visit to a Virginia elementary school with Akie Abe, wife of Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzv Abe. Obama also chose a Shoji dress earlier this month for an appearance on The Tonight Show.