Michelle Obama Wears Stunning Couture to the National Portrait Gallery

She’s back! Since traversing the globe for her Becoming book tour and leading the Obama Foundation’s summit back in October, Michelle Obama has kept a low profile. The former First Lady chooses her appearances carefully—but last night, she stepped out at the National Portrait Gallery’s Gala to celebrate composer, actor, and Hamilton scribe, Lin-Manuel Miranda. In a shocking yellow gown from Schiaparelli Haute Couture styled with subtle diamonds and her hair in soft waves, Obama was a picture of glamour, standing alongside Miranda as they posed in front of his portrait by photographer Mark Seliger.

The gala demanded a dynamic look, and Schiaparelli’s creative director Daniel Roseberry’s design was appropriately unorthodox. Inspired by Elsa Schiaparelli’s affinity for vibrant color and couture-level construction, he sought to create a gown that could stand out while complementing the first lady’s personality. “The acidic tone echoes Elsa Schiaparelli’s signature shocking pink, and we also felt that it matched the strength and energy of Mrs. Obama. It was such an honor to make this special gown for her,” shared Roseberry via email. “The inspiration for the shape originally came from the crinoline, which is often found underneath couture gowns, but the real starting point for the overall look was the color.”

The arresting shade and jeweled bodice may have stolen the show, but for Obama, the night was all about Manuel and his extensive contributions to culture. Post-event, she praised him for his creativity and commitment to philanthropy. “I first met Lin more than a decade ago, when he came to the White House to perform the opening number from what he described as a “concept album.” And, as we all know, his little concept, Hamilton, became a global phenomenon,” she wrote on Instagram. “What I love most is that he believes it’s his duty to lift up those around him, especially the next generation.”

Originally Appeared on Vogue