Canadian prime minister brings 'Trudeaumania' to White House

Breath of fresh air, ''impressive and very impressive was how some of the guests at a splashy White House state dinner in Canada's honor described the country's new leader.

More than 170 guests sporting tuxedos and designer gowns filed in for dinner in the East Room, which was transformed by the addition of cascading arrangements of blooming orchids, hydrangeas and amaranth in shades of green and white intended to evoke the coming of spring — much like Trudeau's election in October has ushered in a new season in Canadian politics.

Professional sports were represented by the U.S. hockey and basketball commissioners, along with retired NBA player Grant Hill and his wife, Tamia, a Canadian singer.

Adam Silver, commissioner of the National Basketball Association, contributed $3,500 to Obama's 2012 re-election campaign and $2,700 more recently to Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential run.

First lady Michelle Obama turned again to one of her favorite designers, Jason Wu, who dressed her in a strapless midnight blue floral jacquard gown with asymmetrical draping.

The dessert cake was made with toasted Texas pecans and New England maple syrup, and was accompanied by a separate hand-crafted sugar sculpture inspired by the Rocky Mountains and bearing an assortment of petite pastries with American and Canadian influences.

Sara Bareilles, a favorite of Mrs. Obama who's known for her hit, "Brave," headlined the after-dinner entertainment with a rousing rendition of the song alongside the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir.