Art News

First Lady Michelle Obama Praises Designers Who Push Boundaries

WASHINGTON (AP).- Michelle Obama used this year’s luncheon for the National Design Award winners to sing the praises of those who push boundaries — or outright ignore them. With cool jazz playing in the White House foyer and lobster carpaccio on the East Room tables, the first lady celebrated the award winners Wednesday as “folks whose work has literally changed the way we look at the world and how we live our daily lives.” Mrs. Obama got a big laugh when she told the luncheon guests: “All of you have spent your lives pushing boundaries — we know a little bit about pushing boundaries — or just outright ignoring them altogether.” And she got a special kick out of being seated for lunch next to Tim Gunn from “Project Runway.” “How cool!” she declared. The award winners included Rodarte, a sister-team of fashion designers whose creations the first lady has worn on several occasions in recent years. But for Wednesday’s luncheon, the first lady chose a hot pink outfit