While fashion and politics might seem like separate worlds, the 2024 presidential election is casting a long shadow over New York Fashion Week. This season, the fashion industry is using its platform to promote civic engagement and encourage voter participation.
The nonpartisan organization “I am a voter.” is partnering with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and the fashion community for the “Fashion For Our Future” march. The march aims to raise awareness about the importance of voting in the upcoming election. To make registration easy, the group is providing voter registration forms on CFDA shuttle buses, transporting guests between fashion shows.
Designers themselves are also stepping up to encourage voter engagement.
Thom Browne, known for his impeccable tailoring, expressed his passion for civic participation: “I’m excited to walk in the Fashion For Our Future march on Friday, with support from the CFDA and Vogue… I am so proud to be an American… It’s important that we all participate in our election process… This starts with helping people register to vote to make sure their voices are heard… Bringing together the fashion industry to collectively share this message is so important…”
Willy Chavarria, a designer known for his bold and socially conscious designs, is hosting a panel discussion with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to encourage voting. “With the presidential elections right around the corner, I am hosting a panel discussion with the ACLU to ignite public interest in voting in November! We are in a critical moment in time, and we must remember that we do have the power to protect our freedoms if we come together and vote!”
Ulla Johnson, known for her feminine and romantic designs, is taking a more hands-on approach. “The right to vote is one of our most hard-fought freedoms. This year of all years, as we see before us the possibility of finally breaking through the thousands of tiny cracks in the glass ceiling that have held us as women from this highest office, and as our rights to healthcare are being taken from us, we must head to the polls and bring along everyone we know. At Ulla Johnson, we will be using our East and West coast stores as registration hubs, mobilizing our HQ team as well as our friends and neighbors with canvassing, phone banking, and letter-writing in battleground states. Let us together make this one of the most historic elections of our lifetime.”
Michael Kors, renowned for his accessible luxury, emphasized the importance of voting from a personal perspective: “I always remember going with my mom when she voted on Election Day. She always stressed the importance of it to me, and although I have no children, I feel it’s imperative to emphasize to everyone, of all ages, to use their right to vote so that their voice is heard. I particularly stress to young people, from friends and family to employees, the importance of registering and voting. This defines democracy. I’m excited to participate in the Fashion For Our Future march to help get the message out to register, and to vote.”
By utilizing their platforms and resources, these designers and fashion houses are demonstrating that fashion can be a powerful force for change. They are reminding the industry and the public that the power to shape the future lies within each individual’s right to vote.
