First lady Michelle Obama had all eyes on her Sunday during the Kennedy Center Honors where the achievements of singer Billy Joel, actress Shirley MacLaine and others were acknowledged.
The first lady manages to look absolutely stunning in pieces by J. Crew, so it was no surprise that she looked flawless in a flowing emerald green Marchesa gown.
While the bodice of the dress is similar to gowns she has worn in the past, the intricate draping details on her arms gave it an elegant flair. The arm drape also showed off the first lady’s exceptionally toned biceps as she held hands with President Barack Obama.
The first lady kept the accessories to a minimum, which was a wise fashion choice considering the dress was a stand-out all on its own.
As for her hair, the first lady sported large face-framing curls and allowed her simple neckwear to shine.
The Kennedy Center Honors ceremony is held to acknowledge the men and women who inspire and influence American culture through the arts.
Billy Joel, who is also known as the “Piano Man,” was honored at the ceremony and he said that that one award meant more to him than all six of his Grammys.
“This is different,” he said. “It’s our nation’s capital. This is coming more from my country than just people who come to see me. It’s a little overwhelming.”
Opera singer Martina Arroyo, Latin rock music pioneer Carlos Santana, jazz and show tunes crooner Tony Bennett, pianist and composer Herbie Hancock and iconic theater and film actress and dancer Shirley MacLaine were also honored throughout the evening.
Despite freezing temperatures and mixture of snow and rain, many celebrities came out to the ceremony to show their support for these art icons.
Actresses Katy Bates, Glenn Close and Anna Kendrick were all in attendance and looked incredibly elegant.
Country crooner Garth Brooks was also there and delivered a speech honoring Joel at a special dinner that was held on Saturday night, before the ceremony on Sunday.
The ceremony was filmed and will be broadcast toward the end of this month.
