CFDA Honors Michelle Obama

During their annual awards ceremony, the Council of Fashion Designers of America presented the first lady with their special tribute award. According to Fox News, the president of the CFDA said that Michelle Obama has a "unique look," and claimed her as a new fashion icon. In a pre-taped video speech, Obama acknowledged the award by calling fashion design an American art form.

The focus on new faces seems to be the current trend for the CFDA, who awarded the emerging Laura and Kate Mulleavy the award for the nation's top womenswear designers. Women's Wear Daily reports that the awards for emerging talent, which the Mulleavy's won the previous year, went to Alexander Wang, Tim Hamilton, and Justin Giunta. The CFDA's very first Popular Vote award, which was voted for by fans online, was given to Ralph Lauren.

The L.A. Times called this year's ceremony "theatrical," with appearances by Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Fallon, Jack White, and Blake Lively. It was hosted by Tracy Ullman, who spent most of her time making jokes about the recession. The CFDA Awards seem to be getting more attention, especially with Obama's admitted interest in the fashion industry.