Welcome to Jakarta

Photo by Jim Watson / Getty Images

The president and first lady have arrived in Jakarta, meeting with their hosts, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, during an official arrival ceremony at the State Palace Complex Istana Merdeka in Jakarta.

For her first appearance in Indonesia, Mrs. O has paired a black and red patterned dress with loose black pants. Many travel websites recommend visitors to Indonesia wear "unrevealing clothes" while in the country, yet others indicate that all forms of modern dress should be acceptable in Jakarta or Bali. Is Mrs. O's ensemble purposefully modest or simply a creative pairing of her wardrobe? What do you think?

Off to Indonesia

Images by Prakash Singh / Getty Images 

Update: The first lady wears a dress by PORTS 1961. A similar long-sleeve version can be found here.

Stunning in Silver and Gold

Image by Prakash Signh / Getty Images

Image by Jason Reed / Reuters

The president and first lady are attending a state dinner in New Delhi, India this evening, as guests of the president of India, Pratibha Patil, and her husband, Devisingh Patil. For the occasion, Mrs. O has chosen a stunning silver, floor-length skirt, paired with a bronze-gold top and gold belt at the waist. What a fabulous mix of metallics!

Update: Mrs. O wears a Sable Moroccan Tunic and Dune Velvet Skirt by Rachel Roy. As many of you know, Rachel Roy is an American designer of Indian and Dutch heritage. 

Gorgeous to Honor Gandhi

Image by B Mathur / Reuters Pictures

The president and first lady visited the Mahatma Gandhi memorial at Rajghat in New Delhi, India this morning. Mrs. O wore a full skirt of vibrant greens and purple, paired with a black top and floral pin at the collar. A thin belt at the waist and metallic kitten heels completed the look.

Update: Mrs. O wears a skirt by Dries Van Noten, from the designer's Fall 2010 collection, as well as a pin by Alexis Bittar, available here. 

Robin Givhan of the Washington Post offers wonderful perspective on Mrs. O's choice of Dries Van Noten, and comments more broadly on how the global fashion market has embraced Indian aesthetics and craftsmanship: 

"On this trip, the first lady has also worn several pieces by the Belgian designer Dries Van Noten. That might not seem particularly resonant, but the choice speaks to India's expertise in embroidery and beading -- two of its great contributions to the modern fashion industry. Designers in Europe and New York regularly turn to India to create some of the most elaborately embellished works on the runway. Van Noten, who is known for his love for ethnic-inspired fabrics and lavish decoration, is particularly indebted to the country's skill at fine handiwork. Mrs. Obama wore one of his richly printed skirts at the Gandhi memorial. Obama's wardrobe not only serves as a nod of respect to her hosts, but also sends a message about the country's place in the global fashion economy."

A Most Gorgeous Dinner Jacket

Image via The Obama Diary

The president and first lady dined at the Prime Minister of India's residence this evening, where Mrs. O wore a richly embroidered jacket paired with black pants and a tassel necklace. 

An exciting tidbit! The first lady wears a necklace by Ranjana Khan, from the designer's Fall 2010 Art Deco collection. The necklace features black silk cord with a gold and silver medallion and silver chain fringe. 

Update: Mrs. O's jacket is Dries Van Noten, from the designer's Fall 2010 collection, seen here.