Emily Smith

Emily Smith

Celebrity News

Michelle Obama to endorse Anna Wintour ahead of Met Gala

First lady Michelle Obama is giving Vogue editor Anna Wintour an official endorsement in the celebrations leading up to the Met Gala on May 5.

Mrs. Obama will cut the ribbon as the Metropolitan Museum of Art names its renovated fashion wing the Anna Wintour Costume Center on the morning of the gala.

The move had sparked frenzied speculation in fashion circles that the first lady would grace the Met Ball and gossip about which designer would win the honor of dressing her.

A source tells Page Six, “Because of her close relationship with Anna Wintour, Mrs. Obama will attend the naming ceremony. There was some talk about her attending the Met Gala itself, but it was decided that her attendance would require huge extra security and screening at the party, which could inconvenience others. Guests wearing gowns wouldn’t wish to go through metal detectors or be patted down on their way into the ball.”

Michelle’s appearance at the naming ceremony is proof of Wintour’s continuing influence at the White House.

Wintour was a key fundraiser for President Obama’s reelection campaign, has attended numerous state dinners and has also featured the first lady on two Vogue covers, in 2009 and 2013.

Wintour was rumored to be a candidate for US ambassador to the United Kingdom, but that post was given to Obama’s top fundraiser, Matthew Barzun.