New York, February 28  The White House has released an official portrait of Michelle Obama featuring her clad in a sleeveless black shift dress by noted American designer Michael Kors, which will typify her signature style during her stint as U. S. First Lady.

According to reports, Michelle's dress in the portrait is a black version of a red gown in bonded crepe jersey, which was shown in Kors's spring 2009 show `Project Runway', on the back of which he became one of the most visible designers.

A spokesman for Kors refused to reveal how much money was charged for the black dress made for Michelle.

He, however, did reveal that Chicago retailer Ikram Goldman, who has played an important role in developing the first lady's style, was the one who helped select the dress.

He said that Goldman approached Kors, and asked for some items for Michelle.

"We had no knowledge of where and when the pieces would be worn," the New York Times quoted the spokesman as saying. (ANI)