Fashion Photo of the Day 5/5/2014: Michelle Obama

This morning, the First Lady Michelle Obama cut the ribbon of the Anna Wintour Costume Center at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The crowd was filled with a fashion heavy crowd not only because of the unveiling of the Costume Center but also because of tonight's Costume Institute benefit.

"It's a very different Monday morning from what I am used to," Jason Wu told WWD as he scanned the room which included the likes of Riccardo Tisci, Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, Victoria Beckham, Giancarlo Giammetti, Oscar de la Renta, Anna Wintour, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs as well as many others.

The First Lady, took to the stage in a chic Naeem Khan dress and said, "I know that Anna hates being the center of attention, so this is all probably killing her, but we love it. But the truth is I am here today because of Anna. I am here because I have such respect and admiration for this woman who I am proud to call my friend. And I am here because I am so impressed by Anna's contribution not just to the fashion industry but to the any causes she shares and cares about, particularly this great American museum."

The First Lady then spoke directly to the students from the Fashion Institute of Technology and the High School for the Fashion Industries, who were in attendance. She expressed her wish for the students to "come initially because they love clothes and they love shopping, but then they will learn that fashion is not just about what we wear, but that fashion is also a business. It is an art, it's a career that involves science, engineering, accounting and so much more. People can learn about the math behind Charles James' designs, and think, 'Maybe I should pay closer attention to geometry this semester.'"

She also expressed hope that once they visit the new Anna Wintour Costume Center, they will be inspired to see the rest of the museum. "Maybe they will spend an afternoon learning about Islamic or Asian art, maybe they will check out the photographs or view the endless galleries of American art."

The First Lady, dressed to impress and inspire summed up her message. "You are here because we want you to dream bigger, you are here because we believe in your progress and we know that if you commit to your education, if you work like never before, if you have the courage and fail and fail and fail again until you finally succeed, then one day you will be just like the legendary designers who are here today," the First Lady offered. "One day you can be up here in the fashion industry, or in any industry you choose. When that happens for you, I hope you give back and see who you can bring up with you, like Anna does."