First Lady Michelle Obama cut the ceremonial ribbon at the new Anna Wintour Costume Center at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday as she praised the Vogue America editor-in-chief, who has raised $125 million for The Costume Institute.

With a host of fashion luminaries and top designers such as Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, Donatella Versace, Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, and Diane von Furstenberg, the first lady helped launch the museum's new Anna Wintour Costume Center, named after the editor of Vogue magazine. The space has been closed for two years for a complete renovation and reconfiguration. It opens on May 8th with an exhibit dedicated to American couturier Charles James, who was known for his sculptural and mathematical approaches to designing ball gowns.

Obama, who wore a floral dress by Naeem Khan said the centre would teach young people "that fashion isn't just about what we wear, but that fashion is also a business, it is an art, it is a career that involves science, engineering, accounting and so much more."