We have had our eyes on the First Lady’s style for years. The one-shouldered, black Michael Kors, the printed floral gown by Naeem Khan at the White House Correspondents Dinner, the color block Preen she wore on Letterman, the strapless blue Vera Wang, and that royal white Tom Ford gown.

Michelle Obama has been on the style scene since her husband announced his candidacy in 2007, catapulting her into public life. We all talk about her arms, the stunning designer gowns that she can get her hands on, her great casual, approachable sensibility. But her legacy in the fashion industry goes much further than what she wears and how great she wears it. She has taken her power and public voice and showed up to the party ready to make a difference.

The First Lady’s Reach Higher campaign is boundlessly inspirational. Her goal is to activate every student in America to take charge of their own future.

“Education is the key to success for so many kids. And my goal specifically is to reach out directly to young people and encourage them to take charge of their futures and complete an education beyond high-school” – Michelle Obama

And now here’s the really amazing part. Last week she took that model and hosted an event at the White House that brought the fashion industry and students together. She invited 150 students from across the country to meet with fashion professionals, designers, teachers, theorists and entrepreneurs. 

Among the crowd were Anna Wintour, Jenna Lyons, Diane Von Furstenberg, Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu, Tracy Reese and Edward Wilkerson. The day was comprised of a variety of workshops, panels and a lunch featuring remarks from Mrs. Obama and Ms. Wintour.

The event itself offered opportunities for these students to participate and work in their sphere. A team from Parsons School of Design in New York was recruited to temporarily redecorate the White House East Room with Sculptures made from recycled books. The First Lady wore a dress that had been designed by one lucky, and talented, Fashion Institute student, Natalya Koval.

She is taking the conversation about our student’s futures and bringing them into a place they don’t typically tread, careers within an arts industry.

“The arts are not just a nice thing to have or to do if there is free time or if one can afford it. Rather, paintings and poetry, music and fashion, design and dialogue, they all define who we are as people and provide an account of our history for the next generation.” –Michelle Obama

Mrs. Obama, we love what you’re doing and we love who you’re wearing.