Narciso Rodriguez is one of the fashion industry’s most noted designers… And, now he’s being recognized for his incredible talent and vision.

During its annual gala, El Museo del Barrio will present the 51-year-old Cuban American fashion designer with an award for artistic achievement to honor his career and longtime patronage of the organization.

A proud member of the Latino community, Rodriguez’s work frequently draws inspiration from Latino art and culture. A three-time CFDA award winner, he’s considered one of the “25 Most Influential Hispanics in America.”

“El Museo strives to keep Latino art and culture alive and Narciso exemplifies that mission with his dedication to incorporating his heritage into every aspect of his work,” said Margarita Aguilar, the executive director of El Museo del Barrio. “We’re thrilled to be honoring such a prominent figure in the Latino community.”

Rodriguez’s clients include Salma Hayek, Anna Paquin, Claire Danes, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel Weisz, and Sonia Braga. One of his biggest moments came on November 4, 2008 when  Michelle Obama wore a dress from his spring 2009 collection while joining her husband, Barack Obama, appearing for the first time as president-elect of the United States, on the stage at Grant Park in Chicago.

El Museo’s annual gala brings together luminaries from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, business, society, politics and the arts in order to raise crucial operating funds for the museum. Proceeds from the event go toward El Museo’s Education programs, which reached 13,000 students from over 150 schools, plus an additional 46,000 children and adults through free cultural celebration and public programs last year.

The gala will take place on Thursday, May 17th in New York City at Cipriani 42nd Street.