ll eyes were on the First Lady Michelle Obama's red Alexander McQueen dress at the White House state dinner, in honor of Chinese President Hu Jintao, on Wednesday night. The gown, which featured an asymmetrical neckline in a red petal print, has raised a few eyebrows, both for its bold choice and because she chose a British designer.

With the party-crashing Michaele Salahi's crimson-colored sari nowhere in sight, the First Lady stole the spotlight. Critics wondered whether she ought to have selected Vera Wang, who has Chinese roots and was a guest at the dinner or Jason Wu, the Taiwanese designer who created the First Lady's inaugural dress.

Why Michelle Obama didn't choose an American designer was also a hot topic. "Red is an obvious color because in China it means good luck, but you expect and American or an American-based designer for an occasion like this," said Kate Betts, author of "Everyday Icon: Michelle Obama and the Power of Style."

"But she's always surprising, and that's why we're all riveted by her," Betts said. McQueen, an adored designer in style circles, committed suicide less than a year ago. Fashion reporters were quick to point the First Lady's choice so close to the one-year anniversary of his death on Feb. 11.

And while the blogosphere and Twittersphere were abuzz with both fans and critics of the gown, the reviews were overwhelmingly positive. "The dress also served as a razzle-dazzle fashion moment," noted The Daily Beast's Robin Givhan, who covers style and culture. "An American First Lady was embracing a brand known for its willingness to push boundaries, to agitate, and even to offend."Fashion blogger Mary Tomer who runs a website devoted to Obama's style, praised the First Lady: "The gown is a daring, high-glamour, yet pitch perfect choice for the occasion."