Melania Trump’s unusual state dinner look nodded to Chinese culture

Melania Trump is doubling down on her love of pants for all occasions.

Dressing up for formal affairs is part of the first lady's job, but Melania has declared that it doesn't always have to mean a glittering gown for every black-tie event. On Thursday, Sept. 24, China's president Xi Jinping and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan, were welcomed to the White House for the state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump and the first lady.

Peng Liyuan looked elegant in a radiant red gown while Melania wore what appears to be something unprecedented: pants. Melania chose a pair of Dolce & Gabbana black floral brocade trousers paired with a matching silk cummerbund, which was styled over a white cotton poplin Saint Laurent blouse with an exaggerated pussy bow. She topped off the look with black Christian Louboutin stilettos.

The first lady's unconventional formal look included a nod to her state dinner guests: The embroidered pants featured a unique peony motif, paying tribute to the peony often referred to as the "King of Flowers" in Chinese culture.

And while the pants seem like an unusual choice for the black-tie affair, it's not out of character for the first lady.

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Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/