Do you ever wonder what designers support our current US Presidential election front-runners?
First, you might recall the intriguing truth stated by Matt Damon in the 2011 film The Adjustment Bureau, regarding the specialists, testers and research that went into choosing his tie and shoes for the evening’s festivities? Incidentally, this fact is true for real life politicians and their refined styles.
To be able to better understand the styles and designers that these political figures wear, you have to take a closer look at their supporters, in the fashion industry. This support comes in the tangible form of threads for political functions, in addition to charitable financial contributions. Happening more often than not, many designers and countless Los Angeles celebrities endorse the Democratic nominee. Major players of the fashion industry, for instance, Anna Wintour and Marc Jacobs have organized such events as Runway To Win, which in fact “creates merchandise that will raise funds for the Presidential reelection efforts”. Rachel Roy, Beyonce, Diane Von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig are just a handful of the famous faces that design and sell product inspired by the President and his message, for this Runway to Win cause. Furthermore, monetarily speaking, out of the $435,160.00 donated by persons in the fashion industry, 53.9 percent is going towards the current President’s 2012 re-election efforts, while just over 45 percent has been donated to the Romney Republican Campaign.
Major brands that have been involved in this particular election include: Wal-Mart Stores Incorporated, Target Corporation, Macy’s Incorporated, J.C. Penney Company Incorporated, Gap Incorporated, Levi Strauss and Company, Liz Claiborne Incorporated, The Jones Group Incorporated, Urban Outfitters Incorporated, Neiman Marcus Incorporated, Nike Incorporated, Kohl’s Corporation, Ralph Lauren Incorporated, and Limited Brands Incorporated.
Executives at Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Levi Strauss and Company, and Narciso Rodriguez have donated time and/or products to the left-wing nominee. On the other hand, executives at PVH Corporation, Guess Incorporated, and Jockey International have endorsed the right-wing Presidential opponent.
As a matter of fact, even our First Lady, Michelle Obama, has become a style icon in her own right, notably wearing American designs by Jason Wu, Marchesa and Diane Von Furstenberg.
Now, let us take a look at some historically stylish moments captured of the President, Mr. Romney and the First Lady.
Above: Hong, Jae C. “Barack Obama in custom Hartmarx suit referred to as The Obama Suit“. Obama Family appearance during Election Night Image. britannica.com 4 Nov. 2008. 24 Apr. 2012 .
Above: Image Courtesy of The Huffington Post Style Section. “Michelle Obama in Jason Wu gown.” Photo of designer dress. coquette.blogs.com 21 Jan. 2009. 23 Apr. 2012 .
Above: Photographs courtesy of New York Magazine: Style Section. “Mitt Romney in understated and undeniably chic Skinny Jeans from The Gap, on the Presidential Campaign trail”. Stylish look, with Gap jean detail. nymag.com 18 Jan. 2012. 24 Apr. 2012 .
