Hasta La Ideas

The winners and finalists of the 2010 National Design Awards will converge on our nation’s capital next Wednesday, July 21. They’ll participate in an education program for local high school students before attending a White House ceremony hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama. We heard from last year’s winners that the festive luncheon was notable not only for the presence (and inspiring remarks) of the First Lady, the honorary patron for the National Design Awards, but also for the whimsical table decorations: colorful toy robots that were swiftly swiped into service as White House souvenirs. Meanwhile, we’re hoping that Mrs. Obama seizes the sartorial moment and dons a look by Rodarte, this year’s winner in the fashion category. Perhaps Tim Gunn can make it work. The Project Runway star and Liz Claiborne chief creative officer will be on hand to give the keynote address at the Teen Design Fair, which will take place at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery.

Previously on UnBeige: