Recent news of Jason Wu’s collection for Target is leaving us a little Breathless. With French New Wave goddess Jean Seberg as his muse, Wu’s collection looks to be the epitome of whimsy and sophistication. Wu made a big splash in 2008 when Michelle Obama wore one of his breathtaking designs for the Presidential Inaugural Ball. In this collaboration with Target, Wu appeals to a more playful and gamine sensibility, the lady-like but teasing younger sister, or, as Brigit Bardot sang sweetly, moi je joue. We can’t wait to snag our own!

We don’t eat off of pyramids. They have nothing to so with food. So, the US Department of Agriculture’s new and improved MyPlate is a viable visualization tool for teaching children, and adults, how to actually follow dietary guidelines, unlike its ancient pyramid predecessor. Michelle Obama and Agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled the new icon today, signaling a national focus on fighting obesity. The overly complex pyramid has gone the way of grapefruit diet, and the plate is here to say: half fruits and veggies! little bit of meat! little bit of grains! Which is just about the opposite of most Americans’ diets, if they include any fresh fruits and vegetables at all. 

Diets and fitness are always starting and bucking trends. But while gourmands and fitness fanatics are constantly on the edge of science and commerce (What would I ever do without Whole Foods and Equinox?!), the rest of America is stopping at Sonic, sitting on the couch, and facilitating an epidemic. At this point, it’s not a trend, but a condition that needs a revolution. 

Is America finally taking action on our tipping scales? Michelle Obama has been an involved, enthusiastic proponent of health and fitness, not to mention a great image of fitness herself. By overhauling the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, Mrs. Obama is legitimately placing health on the national agenda; her Let’s Move anti-obesity campaign is affecting tangible improvements. Jaime Oliver’s Food Revolution has been pissing off McDonald’s lovers and exciting local foodies across America. His latest kitchen, right down the street from me in Westwood, is just ramping up to effect change in LA schools, after the last superintendent banned him from the district. First triumph: no flavored milk will be sold in the LAUSD next year. Sorry, Nesquik bunny.

Also, innovative local companies are popping up to actively incite change, such as Berkeley’s Revolution Foods. A social venture that delivers tasty, healthy meals and nutrition education to schools nationwide (especially in low-income areas), Rev Foods develops sustainably nutritious food programs for schools needing a diet upgrade. With 34% of Americans now obese, this new plate is just the beginning.