14 May 2016

Talent and politics unite for the U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit

Olivier Douliery/The Cut
As The Cut and Reuters reports, the Obamas hosted a very small 300-or so affair in honour of the U.S.-Nordic Leaders Summit.

The exclusive event had guests from every creative outlet. From fashion designers like Rick Owens and his partner Michele Lamy, to artists like Janelle Monae, the event brought some stunning looks that we believe now future State Dinner guests will have to up their style game even more so.

Other guests included Scandal's Bellamy Young, Jidenna Mobisson, Master of None's Aziz Ansari (with his adorable mom who is also on the show, as his date!), The Mindy Project's Ed Weeks, and Tracee Ellis Ross.

On Friday, creatives mingled with White House officials, diplomats, CEOs, and donors on the South Lawn. The atmosphere had a special touch of hand-rolled beeswax candles lit up which as Reuters reports, "reflected off ten-foot pillars of ice, an homage to the northern lights."

Pop singer Demi Lovato performed after the Nordic-inspired meal. The dinner included ahi tuna, tomato tartare, and classic red wine-braised beef short ribs.

Olivier Douliery/The Cut
Janelle Monae

Oliver Douliery/The Cut
Bellamy Young and Ed Weeks

Olivier Douliery/The Cut
Tracee Ellis Ross

Olivier Douliery/The Cut
Rick Owens and Michele Lamy

Alex Wong/2016 Getty Images/The Cut
Jidenna Mobisson

Alex Wong/2016 Getty Images/The Cut
Aziz Ansari and Fatima Ansari