Michelle Obama wears Alexander McQueen to state dinner for China

If you thought the first lady's fashion sense was mellowing out, think again. Michelle Obama chose a red petal print silk organza gown by Alexander McQueen to wear to Wednesday's state dinner for the *People's Republic of China at the White House. The asymmetrical neckline is incredible, and the red color no doubt a nod to China.

McQueen, who died last year, was the fashion world's rabble-rouser. But this dress was designed by his successor, Sarah Burton. Red is the color of happiness and prosperity in China, a fact of which Mrs. Obama was no doubt keenly aware. 

-- Booth Moore

Photo: President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive to greet China's president at the White House before a state dinner Wednesday. Credit: Saul Loeb / AFP/Getty Images

*Updated 1/19/2011 at 6 p.m. An earlier version of this post stated that the White House state dinner is for the Republic of China. It is for the People's Republic of China.