Annabelle Aree Lee
Edited by Olivia Taylor
Every four years holds special significance for Americans—it’s when the presidential election occurs, the most pivotal event in U.S. politics, shaping not only the national policy direction but also influencing global zeitgeist for the next four years. This past summer, in my hometown of Mercer Island, a suburb of Seattle, I heard calls from a vast variety of people and places urging people to vote. The message was loud and clear: everyone wants us to vote. The fashion industry is no exception.
On Friday, September 13, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) kicked off New York Fashion Week by leading a march which bore the slogan “Fashion For Our Future.”2 Prominent designers including Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Thom Browne, Prabal Gurung, Aurora James, Wes Gordon, and Joseph Altuzarra joined other members of the fashion industry in the march from Herald Square to Bryant Park in Manhattan. Even notable figures like Anna Wintour, and even First Lady Dr. Jill Biden were attendence. The event united industry leaders, models, students, and influencers who, together, showcased the fashion industry’s unified support for democratic participation.3
Many participants wore custom t-shirts created by Zac Posen and his design team at Old Navy. They had the march’s slogan on the front, and the single word “VOTE” on the back. Organized by the CFDA, with support from Vogue, the march clearly communicated that the American fashion industry will not wait passively for voters, in hopes that they will show up this November. Instead, they are actively encouraging everyone to contribute to our democracy. This collaborative effort highlighted the industry’s unified call to action, urging everyone to get registered to vote2.
Voting is crucial to a functioning democracy because it ensures that the government represents the people and that power rests with them. The entire fashion industry has said it, and I’ll say it again, if you are American, register to vote right now by visiting this link. I used the resources from that link to receive my ballot here in Canada, and I recommend you do the same to confirm yours is on its way. It’s quick and easy. Your voice matters—make it heard!
References
- https://www.msnbc.com/know-your-value/out-of-office/fashion-industry-marching-democracy-rcna170396
- https://www.vogue.com/article/fashion-for-our-future-march-2024
- https://cfda.com/news/cfda-and-vogue-join-forces-for-fashion-for-our-future
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