IN PICTURES: White House State Dinner honouring PM Lee

WASHINGTON, DC – The much anticipated State Dinner at the White House hosted by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama in honour of Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong and wife Ho Ching on Aug 2 (US time) saw celebrities and members of the political elite from both countries on the guest list.

Arriving promptly at 7pm (US time; 7am SG time), Mr Lee and Mdm Ho were greeted by the Obamas at the White House North Portico. Mdm Ho wore a kebaya with a gold-sparkly lace overlay while the US First Lady was in an ivory dress designed by Brandon Maxwell – a longtime stylist to singer Lady Gaga and a red carpet favourite.

The couple were ushered into the White House and down the Grand Staircase for official photos before heading into the Blue Room.

The State Floor was decorated with gold lanterns with candles on the floor as chandeliers sparkled above, White House pool reporters described. The yellow theme – symbolising friendship – dominated the event with floral displays including yellow roses and yellow orchids.

Guests began arriving from as early as 6.45pm, according to the White House pool report. Among the early birds were Hollywood actors Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell.

The evening’s featured entertainer Chrisette Michele arrived with her date Doug Ellison. Michele, a neo-soul singer, told reporters she would be performing her own music.