During Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City last week, Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Sarah Jessica Parker hosted Runway for Change, a fashion-industry fundraiser for Barack Obama. The event also marked the debut of http://store.barackobama.com/Runway_To_Change_s/1034.htm target=_blank>designer Barack Obama merchandise, like a tote bag by Diane Von Furstenberg, T-shirts by Tory Burch and Vera Wang, and a scarf by Rachel Roy, among others.
Although I was in New York to cover Fashion Week, an Obama campaign representative told me by email, "Sorry this event is closed to the press - thanks!" Luckily, the designer Obamawear is viewable on the campaign website.
The best item is the T-shirt designed by Nanette Lepore, below. If I were an Obama-worshipping fashionista, I'd buy it. A Nanette Lepore top for $65 is a steal, and it would mix nicely with the beautiful http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/nanette-lepore-rtw-spring-2009-1769944 target=_blank>Spring/Summer 2009 ready-to-wear collection she showed on Wednesday.
The runner up is the Marc Jacobs tote bag, because the signature Marc Jacobs font is aesthetically pleasing and he didn't ruin the item with a silly slogan. Bonus: A Marc Jacobs tote bag for $75 is also a steal. Obama is getting gypped.
It is more difficult to choose the ugliest piece in the Obamawear collection. First, Juicy Couture eloquently helps you proclaim your political views:
Charles Nolan designed a wrap-style T-shirt that looks like yoga attire:
Pharrell Williams calls this T-shirt, "Obama Stands Out From the Crowd." You'll stand out in a tacky top.
And while I adore Proenza Schouler's designs, I can only imagine what the Obama-inspired leather bracelet would look like, as the photo is not yet available.
Conclusion: Marc Jacobs fans, rejoice! Here's your chance to snag a relatively cheap tote bag. The things Barack Obama will do for you...
