It has truly been a spotlight week for the first lady, kicking off with her attendance at Barbara Bush's funeral, the sole White House representation joining other first ladies and former presidents and culminating with her first state dinner. read it all on Tafia World.

When President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived on the White House South Lawn Tuesday morning to formally welcome French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, one thing was clear: The first lady commanded attention.

Without speaking a word, dressed in a white Michael Kors Collection asymmetrical blazer and skirt -- and an eye-catching, custom-made Hervé Pierre hat -- Melania Trump spoke volumes. This was her house, her dinner and her terms.

It has truly been a spotlight week for the first lady, kicking off with her attendance at Barbara Bush's funeral, the sole White House representation joining other first ladies and former presidents and culminating with her first state dinner. In many ways, the events showcased Melania Trump's contrasts with her husband -- where he is impulsive, she is meticulous; where he is combative, she is compassionate

The Trumps pose with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte before Tuesday's dinner.

The first lady paid homage to France with a Chanel Haute Couture gown, hand-painted with silver and embroidered with crystals and sequins. Dresses for state level events are allowed to be gifted by the designer to be worn at the occasion and then are the property of the National Archives.

 

 

The President gave his wife a warm thank you for all her efforts on the dinner during his toast Tuesday night.

"To America's absolutely incredible first lady, thank you for making this an evening we will always cherish and remember. Thank you, Melania," he said to applause.

US President Donald Trump shares a toast with French President Emmanuel Macron, April 24, 2018.

The State Dining Room ahead of Tuesday's dinner.

Leading up to the state dinner, Trump spent weeks educating herself about the protocol and history of special White House occasions. The tradition of the state dinner dates back to the Grant administration in 1874, and this will be the 14th time the White House has hosted France for a state dinner, per the White House Historical Association.

Every last detail for Tuesday evening's state dinner has been thoughtfully and carefully overseen by the first lady, who, unlike some of her predecessors, did not hire an event planner or other outside consultants for the event.

"Mrs. Trump selected every item and every detail for the dinner," White House social secretary