Michelle Obama: First lady's final 

state dinner is 'bittersweet'

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

Image captionMichelle Obama has emerged as a strong political presence since becoming first lady

It was described as a "bittersweet moment" as Barack and Michelle Obama appeared on Tuesday for the final state dinner of the US president's time in office.

"We saved the best for last," Mr Obama said, as the couple welcomed Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and his wife Agnese Landini to the White House. 

The event, attended by guests from the worlds of politics, finance and fashion, was one of the largest of Mr Obama's eight years as president.

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It was Mrs Obama, however, who quickly became the focus of attention on social media after appearing in a rose gold Atelier Versace gown.

Image copyrightTWITTER

Image copyrightTWITTER

Her choice of dress was likely to have been a deliberate nod to her Italian friends and a celebration of the close relationship between the two nations.

The First Lady has a history of attending events garbed in outfits created by fashion designers with links to the US. 

Media captionPresident Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcomed the Italian prime minister for the last state dinner of his presidency

It has been a busy month for Mrs Obama, the first African-American First Lady who has had a strong political presence in her eight years at the White House.

Last week she delivered an emotional speech in New Hampshire condemning Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump over his treatment of women.

The speech, in which she described how Mr Trump's behaviour had "shaken me to my core", resulted in calls for her to run for the presidency.