This afternoon, First Lady Michelle Obama is hosting a luncheon at the White House for the winners of the 10th Annual National Design Awards. The awards, sponsored by the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, recognize the best contributions to American design in 10 areas including a few for which I have a passion: interiors, landscapes and architecture. Mrs. Obama is a natural patron for the event considering that she's become an icon of American style in the short time that she's been first lady. And although I can't tell you which designer Mrs. Obama will be wearing, I can give you a look at some of the winners' work.

Check them out and then tell me what you think. Do these designers represent the best in American style? Who are your favorite designers?

photo: r. bryant/arcaid/courtesy of cooperhewitt.org