Michelle O. Hosts The 2010 National Design Awards...

First Lady Michelle Obama hosted this year's National Design Awards winners for a luncheon at the White House. According to pool reports, Michelle wore a bright pink pantsuit by Isabel Toledo for the occasion. Among the 144 attendees were Graydon Carter of Vanity Fair, Stefano Tonchi of W, Jenna Lyons of J. Crew, Sally Singer of the New York Times and Glenda Bailey of Harper's Bazaar. Michelle was seated next to Tim Gunn, which she sounded excited about, saying "How cool!" Here's another cool part: all of the guests got ViewMasters, which contained images of the winners' work. Read first lady Michelle O's full remarks HERE.

The Bradford Exchange & Danbury Mint Release Michelle Obama Commemorative Plates

This $39.99 porcelain commemorative plate is from the Bradford Exchange. It shows Mrs. Obama in her Jason Wu white inaugural gown. “Richly edged in platinum and over 100 hand-set faux jewels,” Bradford says in its ads. It is the first in a series of plates featuring Mrs. Obama’s fashion choices that the company plans to issue, said Suzanne Magnuson, a product manager.



The Danbury Mint, a competitor in the collectibles market, is offering a $34.95 plate with a montage of six outfits, including the Wu, the Soronen, an Isabel Toledo and that glittery red and black Narciso Rodriguez from election night. Available May 20, it declares Mrs. Obama to be the First Lady of Elegance. [source]