Design Research Store, Cambridge, MA, 1953–78. Photo: Esto Today Cooper-Hewitt announced the winners of the 11th annual National Design Awards. The entire list of winners and finalists is here. One of the best parts of my job is the opportunity to sit in and observe (without voting) the jury process as they determine the winners...

Isabel and Ruben Toledo. Photo: Karl Lagerfeld What are two things that Maria Cornejo, Narciso Rodriguez and Isabel Toledo have in common? Well, all three designers are personal favorites of First Lady Michelle Obama, who personally chose to wear their garments during President Obama’s campaign. Toledo even created the outfit the First Lady wore to...