President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hosted a state dinner with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. For the occasion, Dr. Biden turned to Ralph Lauren, an American label worn by numerous first ladies. The dress was custom-made in emerald green and featured an off-the-shoulder neckline and a subtle gold shimmer when photographed. The look seemed to encapsulate the theme of the night and Modi’s visit: American values, goals, and ideas paired with Indian ones.
The color of the dress was likely a symbolic nod to India and its flag: Green, along with saffron and white, make up the nation’s colors. Dr. Biden masterfully employed color as a meaningful touch throughout the night, in fact. The South Lawn pavilion was decorated with green drapes, and saffron-hued flowers sat on every table. For the meal, Dr. Biden tapped chef Cris Comerford to craft an entirely vegetarian dinner.
Ralph Lauren has emerged as a reliable go-to for the Biden family during their time in the White House. Last month, Dr. Biden attended the coronation of King Charles III wearing a cornflower blue set crafted by the label. President Biden wore one of their suits for the inauguration, and the couple’s granddaughter, Naomi Biden, wore a custom dress for her White House wedding.
Tonight’s state dinner with India is only the third hosted by the Biden administration. One was hosted for South Korea’s leader earlier this year and, late last year, one for France’s. For the dinner with President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea, Biden wore Lebanese designer Reem Acra (in a look some critics struggled to glean the symbolic importance of). For the dinner with President Emmanuel Macron of France, the first State dinner held since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, she turned to Oscar De La Renta, which included crepe florals.
