The 2024 presidential election is upon us, and the fashion world is making its presence felt, not just on the runway, but at the ballot box. This year, designers big and small are using clothing as a vehicle for political expression, turning fashion into a powerful tool for voter mobilization.
“Elections provide the best possible opportunity to ensure that our voices are heard, our concerns are addressed, and that our contributions guarantee a democracy for the future generation,” wrote designer Nili Lotan in a post to her over 200,000 Instagram followers.
But for those wondering how clothing can correlate to the election, multi-hyphenated creative Peshawn Bread, who collaborated with Planned Parenthood Action Fund in September, told Vogue, “Fashion can create political awareness from graphics to silhouettes. For those who doubt that advocacy isn’t seen in fashion, I ask that they look into their favorite designer and think of the political environment when that artist was creating.”
Willie Norris, Chief Creative Officer of TomboyX, also part of the PPAF designers group, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing fashion’s ability to spark vital conversations. “Fashion has a powerful impact on how we see the world and the stories we share through our clothing and imagery,” Norris told Vogue.
From top designers teaming up with the Democratic presidential campaign in support of Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz to the National Basketball Players Association’s partnership with emerging label TUNL and Michelle Obama’s non-profit organization When We All Vote, there’s a multitude of election-themed brand collections encouraging voters to get to the polls. Almost all of these collaborations have committed to donating a portion of their proceeds to the cause they champion.
Here’s a curated list of the best election-themed fashion collaborations that are sure to catch your eye:
La Ligne x Cleo Wade
Fans of poet and artist Cleo Wade will adore her partnership with clothing brand La Ligne. The exclusive white and black T-shirt design features a ’90s romcom-inspired saying, “I’m just a girl. Standing in front of a country. Asking it to vote.” in Wade’s signature handwriting, encouraging people to use their voice during this crucial time for the country. The best part is that all proceeds will be donated to the non-profit organization When We All Vote, founded by Michelle Obama. The nonpartisan initiative aims to increase voter participation in every election, building a more engaged electorate.
Nili Lotan
Earlier this month, New York-based designer Nili Lotan released a limited edition VOTE T-shirt and is donating 100% of the proceeds to the League of Women Voters Education Fund, an organization dedicated to protecting and expanding voting rights. “Women have fought hard for the right to vote, and I believe they will play a pivotal role in the outcome of this election,” the designer said in an Instagram post announcing the collaboration. “I am excited for women to come together, like never before, working alongside men and all genders, to work toward a future that is fully inclusive. Your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power.”
Nest Get Out the Vote
For those seeking voter merch that goes beyond the classic T-shirt or hoodie design, Nest, a leading platform and advocate for global makers, offers a diverse range of election-focused products, including pins, houseware, and jewelry, priced between $18 and $55. The lineup even includes a delicately beaded coin pouch, perfect for smaller essentials like cards, coins, or even a mini lip balm. Every purchase from the nonpartisan election capsule directly benefits the artisan who made it, with a portion of the proceeds being donated back to Nest to support their network of makers worldwide.
Argent
If you’ve noticed an influx of hot-pink suiting on your favorite celebrities on social media, chances are they’re participating in Argent’s #VotingSuitsYou campaign. Created back in 2020, this initiative tapped artists, tastemakers, athletes, and other A-listers to increase voter participation. Just in time for the 2024 election, the workwear brand brought back its signature suit in new bright pink styles, including a silk-satin shirt and two exclusive T-shirt designs. All proceeds from the collection go to the non-profit organization, When We All Vote.
NBPA x TUNL
The National Basketball Players Association partnered with the newly-launched label TUNL to create a selection of sportswear-focused T-shirts and hoodies, encouraging their audience to vote. Designed by creative director and member of TUNL’s founding team Desyree Nicole, each style features a collage-style graphic and is priced between $35 and $85. “I wanted to create something that isn’t just a fashion statement, but a conversation starter,” Nicole said in a press release. “When you wear these designs, it’s simple yet powerful to ask your friends, family, and even strangers on the street, ‘But did you vote?'”
Alice & Olivia
Beloved fashion brand Alice & Olivia released two distinct T-shirts, calling for shoppers to vote this November (and in every other election). The first is adorned with American flags, while the second is more understated. Both, however, forgo cheeky slogans and get straight to the point with the word “Vote” in a bold block font. Notably, 10% of the collection’s net proceeds go to I Am A Voter, the nonpartisan public awareness campaign that aims to create a cultural shift around voting and civic engagement.
Lingua Franca x InStyle
Famed knitwear brand Lingua Franca teamed up with InStyle to introduce “voting is in style”—an exclusive nonpartisan campaign. The lineup includes a selection of crewneck sweatshirts for women, men, and kids, in a variety of colors, with the slogan embroidered across the front. Plus, 20% of the collection’s proceeds will be donated to Vote.org, a non-profit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to eliminating barriers between voters and the ballot box.
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
As the organization’s political arm, Planned Parenthood’s Action Fund partnered with leading designers in the industry, from Diane von Furstenberg to Kenneth Cole to Prabal Gurung, to create a collection of exclusive T-shirt designs reminding people to get out and vote to save our reproductive rights. “Each shirt is a stunning walking billboard that allows individuals to proudly communicate their identities and beliefs and to encourage others to vote in this critical election,” Caren Spruch, the not-for-profit organization’s national director for arts and entertainment told Vogue previously.
With these creative collaborations, fashion is proving its power to engage the public and make a difference in the political landscape. As the 2024 election approaches, keep an eye out for these stylish ways to exercise your right to vote and make your voice heard.
