First Official Portrait of Michelle Obama Released

02/27/2009 at 05:20 PM EST

She's one of the most-photographed women of the year, so far – but the first "official" portrait of new First Lady Michelle Obama was released by the White House Friday.

The picture, taken in the Blue Room of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, was shot by White House photographer Joyce N. Boghosian. In the photo, Obama, who is featured on the current cover of PEOPLE, wears a double strand of pearls – and a sleek sleeveless black dress, which shows off her famously toned arms.

The chic dress was designed by Project Runway judge Michael Kors, according to the New York Post.
– Marla Lehner