Fashion Designers Hope to Stitch Up an Obama Win

[cal04]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/15/AR2008081503972.html?hpid=topnews

It used to be that political campaigns would be satisfied if they managed to settle on an eye-catching font for their T-shirts and trucker caps. The merchandise wasn't so much designed as it was stamped out like a pile of red, white and blue bunting. Political paraphernalia was mostly about the message -- not the aesthetics.

Now it is enthusiastically and abundantly about style. The Barack Obama campaign, which has been actively courting the fashion industry, has coordinated some 20 or so designers who are creating official merchandise for the candidate's Web site. It is the first time, as far as Seventh Avenue long-timers can recall, that a quorum of the fashion industry has organized its financial resources and creative energy around a single presidential candidate.

The mix, available online next month, ranges from T-shirts to tote bags and will lend a bit of runway panache to the Obama brand. The list of participating designers, which includes Derek Lam, Isaac Mizrahi, Tracy Reese, Charles Nolan and Diane von Furstenberg, covers the full spectrum of the market, from high-end to inexpensive. Other names have been bandied about but not confirmed: Beyoncé, Russell Simmons, Michael Bastian, Vera Wang.

(snip)
The junior senator from Illinois already is the candidate Ebony magazine declared "cool," the one who has rock stars, actors and Obama Girl swooning. Designing for his campaign is a long way from getting a red-carpet credit, but there's no small amount of warmth in his reflected glow.

[eshfemme]

1. That's nice and all but won't that feed the "elitist" image that the Repukes are trying to push?

[madeline_con]

3. I was about to say something similar.

I can't WAIT for the spin! :eyes:

[cal04]

5. that was mentioned in the article

The benefit to the candidate is a direct line to the "Project Runway" crowd. The risk, of course, is being perceived as highbrow or shallow. Obama's opponents have derisively dismissed him as an elitist and a celebrity. And it was the fashion industry that spawned the celebri-monster known as Paris Hilton. Having Seventh Avenue on his roster of supporters would not seem conducive to a Dockers-man image.

"We have supporters from all walks of life, from people who live in Indiana all the way to the West Coast and the East Coast," says Obama spokesman Bill Burton. "They show their support in a lot of different ways."

Fashion's seal of approval may not define Obama as average, but it could be invaluable. Designers know that fashion is ultimately about communication, and with the right hemline or well-placed seam, they can influence public perceptions about the Obama brand and develop an army of walking billboards.

(snip)
If there are adamant supporters of John McCain within the design community -- Cindy McCain visited de la Renta's showroom over the summer but was just browsing -- they have been hush-hush in their enthusiasm.

[redstate_democrat]

2. OMG I am so gonna be shopping.

Obama knows what he is DOING!!!!!!! :D

[Kittycat]

4. Just what I was thinking...

I cannot wait to see what they come up with. But really, I wish they would come out with some more kids gear. My little one is a huge obama fan, but I can't find any cool shirts or bags small enough for him, for school :(

[AZBlue]

6. Better start $aving now!