Michelle Obama to host National Design Awards at White House

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by Leslie Pitterson
Clutch Magazine

First lady Michelle Obama is as known for her style as her policy platforms and next week the to will collide as she hosts some of the top designers at the 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The First Lady will be honoring the winners and finalists of the National Design Awards next Tuesday, September 13 with a celebratory luncheon at the White House. The Awards honor designers across fields including everything from fashion to typography. Among this year’s finalists are Clive Wilkinson Architects, Chris Milk, Hoefler & Frere-Jones, Prabal Gurung and Jason Wu.

While they are traditionally held in late July, the National Design Awards are coming a little later this year- specifically in the middle of Mercedes Benz’s New York Fashion Week. Given the precarious timing, both Gurung and Wu have indicated they will be unable to made the trip to D.C. for the ceremony.

Prior to the luncheon, the first lady will be meeting with some younger designers at the The Teen Design Fair. The event will take place at the Smithsonian’s Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture and the future stars will hear a keynote address by Tim Gunn.

Bill Moggridge, director of the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum said of Mrs. Obama’s involvement:

“The first lady is an influential champion of design and arts education, and we are honored to once again have her support as honorary patron of the National Design Awards.”

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