She was, and still is, a huge supporter of American designers.

Last week, Michelle Obama’s official portrait was revealed at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., and it made quite a splash.

In the portrait by Amy Sherald, the former first lady is wearing a beautiful custom gown by Milly that features a full skirt with colorful striped accents. Not only were both the portrait and gown gorgeous, but they also sent a powerful message.

Milly designer Michelle Smith told The Washington Post the gown was inspired by her spring 2017 collection, which was all about a “desire for equality, equality in human rights, racial equality, LGBTQ equality.” She also explained that the different knot and tie details in her collection were meant to represent a “feeling of being held back … that we’re not quite there yet.”

That message is one the former FLOTUS would no doubt stand behind. And there she is, looking strong and confident in her portrait, wearing a beautiful design by a fellow American.

After seeing the portrait, we couldn’t help but be reminded of the other times Obama wore American fashions. She was (and still is) a huge supporter of American fashion, regularly bringing attention to the country’s design talent.

See some of her most memorable American-designed gowns and dresses below.

    • Maria Pinto, 2008
      Getty Images
      Michelle Obama supported her Chicago roots when she wore this brightly colored frock by Chicago-based designer Maria Pinto in 2008, when her husband was still a presidential hopeful.
    • Isabel Toledo, 2009
      Pool via Getty Images
      She wore this matching dress and coat by Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo for her husband’s inauguration parade in 2009.
    • Jason Wu, 2009
      Brooks Kraft via Getty Images
      The former first lady wore this stunning Jason Wu gown for President Barack Obama’s first inaugural ball back in 2009. It’s now displayed in the National Museum of American History.
    • Naeem Khan, 2009
      Brooks Kraft via Getty Images
      A stunning gown by Indian-American designer Naeem Khan, worn for a state dinner with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife, Gursharan Kaur, in 2009.
    • Peter Soronen, 2010
      Pool via Getty Images
      The former first lady opted for this bold blue gown by New York designer Peter Soronen for a state dinner with Mexican President Felipe Calderón and his wife, Margarita Zavala, in 2010.
    • Doo.Ri, 2011
      Bloomberg via Getty Images
      For a state dinner with the president and first lady of South Korea in 2011, the former FLOTUS chose a striking purple gown by Korean-American designer Doo-Ri Chung.
    • Tom Ford, 2011
      AFP via Getty Images
      For a visit to Buckingham Palace in 2011, Obama wore a beautiful white gown designed by Tom Ford.
    • Rodarte, 2011
      MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images
      For a Hanukkah reception in 2011, the former first lady rocked this metallic blue frock by Rodarte.
    • Tracy Reese, 2012
      STAN HONDA via Getty Images
      Obama wore this lovely look by Tracy Reese at the Democratic National Convention in 2012.
    • Jason Wu, 2013
      Ken Cedeno via Getty Images
      The former FLOTUS chose to wear another Jason Wu design for the inaugural ball that kicked off her husband’s second term in 2013. The gown is now also a part of the National Museum of American History.
U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance at the Inaugural Ball to the music of Jennifer Hudson in Washington, D.C. on Monday January 21, 2013. President Obama took the oath of office earlier in the morning moving on to his second term in office. Photo Ken Cedeno (Photo by Ken Cedeno/Corbis via Getty Images)

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