Growing up in a Lebanese household during the late 80s and early 90s wasn't very conducive to casual talks of politics. Usually, the conversations between my parents and their friends got so heated that I had to run to my room and flip through my Linda Evangelista scrapbook just to make the pain go away. Needless to say, I've shied away from any open political involvement and kept my fashion, I mean, passion, for politics a dirty little secret which I save to the confines of my cashmere throw at home.
But with the historic magnitude of this year's election, it seems that EVERYONE has come out to play...the fashion industry being no exception.
A few short months ago, Obama's camp rallied 20 or so designers including Diane von Furstenberg, Derek Lam, Marc Jacobs, Tracy Reese and Isaac Mizrahi to create official Obama merchandise for sale via the campaign's website. This was the first time we've seen 7th Avenue coming together to support in majority one single presidential candidate. And it's about time, no?
Even Tom's Shoes, the non-profit which gives a pair of shoes to a child in need every time you buy a shoe, has jumped on the bandwagon with the Republican Vote Toms, the Democratic Vote Toms and the Split Decision Toms.
Not everyone though is asking you to spend your money in order to be a part of the fashion foray heading into next Tuesday. Fashion industry wunderkind, Zac Posen has recently launched Fashion The Vote, a partisan website that urges you to vote for Obama, to make history and to dress up for the occasion while you're at it. The site allows you to take a picture of yourself in your election day finest and send it in to Posen, who in turn, "will post it for all to see", he says. Clearly, he won't want to see us wearing any red.
Don't forget to vote!