The first lady of fashion didn’t get that name for nothing, but now she can boast an award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America to any doubters.
Michelle Obama was given the Board of Directors’ Special Tribute on Monday night at the annual who’s-who in the fashion world gala at Lincoln Center in New York. For those unfamiliar with the event — marking it as a true honor for the fashion-forward first lady — celebs such as Blake Lively, Ashley Olsen, Claire Danes and Heidi Klum all took a backseat to honor top designers like Marc Jacobs and Rodante.
And although Obama was unable to attend the event, her presence was felt. Not only did a taped address play at the gala in which she thanked women for “making fashion liberating, inspiring, but most of all, fun,” those designers she has embraced were also recognized.
Inaugural gown designer Jason Wu and Thakoon Panichgul —the man behind many of her splashy printed duds — were nominated for the coveted Swarovski Emerging Talent Award. And Narcisco Rodriguez, designer of the mixed-reviewed red and black number she wore on election night, was a nominee for Womenswear Designer of the Year.
Fun fact: Nancy Reagan was the last first lady to receive an award from the fashion association.
