At this point, we're so enamored by Michelle Obama's first-lady style that we can list off her favorite designers faster than we can remember what we had for breakfast. So, when we heard she'd be hosting the first-ever Celebration of Design event at the White House, let's just say it didn't take us long to start rattling off potential names on the guest list.
Well, the fashion-packed day came and went, and her panelists certainly brought lots of light and inspiration to the 150 students who attended. The first part of the event was a series of five education workshops for high school and college students — focused on wearable technology, entrepreneurship, and journalism — and aimed to "enlighten, educate, and mentor the next generation of fashion leaders," according to an email from the White House secretary.
But that's not all. Not only did the teens redecorate the East Room of the White House, but they were also treated to a speech given by the FLOTUS herself — who was introduced by Anna Wintour. "When it comes to the fashion industry, so often people think it's all about catwalks and red carpets and 'who wore it best' . . . the clothes you see in the magazine covers are really just the finished product in what is a very long, very complicated, and very difficult process," she said.
Later on, there was a reception spotlighting Michelle's favorite American designers. Appropriately, this all took place during National Design Week in New York. But as the industry leaders flocked to Washington DC, we kept tabs on just what they were up to. Keep reading to see how the day panned out, and take a look at how some of FLOTUS's favorite American designers documented the scene. Source: Getty
Zac Posen arrived at the White House for the Fashion Education workshop.
Diane von Furstenberg made her entrance into the White House.
Designer Humberto Leon, Lucky Editor in Chief Eva Chen, Visionaire editor Cecilia Dean, designer Carol Lim, and designer Phillip Lim at the White House.
A panel full of industry leaders and designers at the White House.
The gang's all here — Prabal Gurung posted a quick prepanel snapshot.
Fashion designer Phillip Lim took his seat during the event.
Students sat around a mini mannequin that doubled as a centerpiece.
The FLOTUS sported a dress by FIT student designer Natalya Koval. The runner-up dress, designed by student Chelsea Chen, stood on the stage behind her.
Michelle saluted the future of the fashion industry.
Later, Prabal Gurung posted a photo of one of his dresses, designed for Michelle Obama, as it stood in the hallway of the White House.
Zac Posen took a photo of Naomi Campbell before the White House reception, which took place later in the evening.
Zac Posen, Vera Wang, Edward Enninful, Diane von Furstenberg, Naomi Campbell, and Lazaro Pichardo celebrated at the White House.