Michelle Obama has always been happy to provide a career boost to emerging emerging fashion designers, and on Wednesday she combined that love with one of her other passions: educational outreach. The First Lady hosted the first ever White House Fashion Education Workshop for high school and college students hoping to break into the field. Helping her in the effort was a group that included many major industry figures.

The New York Times reports that the event – which was part of the First Lady’s “Reach Higher” educational initiative – was attended by 150 students from twelve high schools and two colleges. The fashion industry hopefuls were given advice by guest speakers such as designers Diane von Furstenberg, Zac Posen, Jason Wu and Narciso Rodriguez, among others. During her own speech, after being introduced by legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour, Obama discussed the importance of fashion as an industry and an art form. “So fashion is a lot more than just a pretty pair of heels or a nice hemline,” she said, “It’s a passion and a career and a livelihood for so many people across the country.”

In addition to the invaluable professional insight, a few lucky students got to have a hand in planning the event. Refinery 29 reports that 16 high-schoolers, who are part of the Parson’s Scholars program for underprivileged youth, were tasked with decorating the East Room for the workshop. Their contributions included creating a backdrop and lectern for the speakers, napkin rings for the meal portion of the event and table centerpieces made out of 600 recycled books. The First Lady also wore a dress designed by Fashion Institute of Technology student Natalya Koval.

Obama has long been seen as both a fashion icon and champion of the industry. She turned Wu into a household name, for instance, when she wore a dress he designed to the Inaugural Ball in 2009, when her husband took office. Speaking at the event, she told students, “A solid education and the willingness to work hard are really at the core of what it’s really going to take to reach your goals.