Disclaimer: This post is not meant to be a political commentary, nor is it meant to alienate McCain supporters. I just find it fascinating the way fashion and design can permeate so many facets of life. Recently several designers including Derek Lam, Isaac Mizrahi, Tracy Reese, Tory Burch, Rachel Roy, Rag and Bone, Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen and Diane von Furstenberg sketched and designed clothing items and bags for the Obama campaign.
Runway to Change is an unprecedented political collaboration from New York's fashion industry.
For the record, I did search the MaCain website for a similar project and would have posted similar items had they existed.
Designed by Tracy Reese
Designed by Tory Burch 
Designed by Derek Lam
Designed by Diane Von Furstenberg From the Obama website:
All of products are union and USA made and produced. All purchases made on the Obama Store are 100% contributions to the campaign and count towards overall contribution limit.
Designed by Tracy Reese
Designed by Tory Burch 
Designed by Derek Lam
Designed by Diane Von Furstenberg
Honey, Let's do get political! It's now or never! Seriously, take a stand and vote!
ReplyDeletexo xo
VV you always make me smile!
ReplyDeleteI'm married to a political scientist...so it's all about politics in this house :-)
Love this post! And I seriously want that black T-shirt.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maryam! I LOVE the Tracy Reese T-shirt too!
ReplyDeleteI like the way they are using innovations like this as branding opportunities. Topsy Turvy had something about some of his campaign artwork on her blog here.
ReplyDeleteI agree Meg. Thanks for the link!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I just saw these in some magazine, Vogue, maybe?? It is very interesting
ReplyDeleteI also hear lots of political commentary around these parts, but being a Naval officers wife, it tends to swing the other way. Lol!
There are, of course, pros and cons to each candidate. I'd like a hybrid of the two. McBama?
:)
Go Obama!
ReplyDeleteObama will not be a miracle worker. But he'll change the disastrous course steered by the Bush administration. McCain may move the furniture around on the deck, but it'll be the same Titanic.
ReplyDeleteThey are all so cute! I already have my Obama baseball hat you'll have me heading back to the Obama store. It's a great way to make a contribution and be in fashion. And don't worry about being political my blog has gone over to the dark side. If not now when?
ReplyDeleteLooks like team Obama has some creative thinkers. Not a bad way to make some money while advertising!
ReplyDeleteI ordered the Rachel Roy scarf the other day. Support my candidate and look good doing it. It is a win-win!
ReplyDeleteI think its funny that you had to make a disclaimer. But you know, I would like a place were I can get away from all the politics. Its everywhere, and I would like a little escapism, a little respite. Please! I pay attention and stay informed, but I don't want politics when I talk design or fashion. Its Too much!
ReplyDeleteI agree...it's in my face all of the time and is starting to remind me of the oval vacation stickers MV (martha's vineyard), political signs in yard, home reno signs in yard... etc.
ReplyDeleteIt's like I feel like saying this to half of the homes/cars I pass by, "Ok, we got it. We know where you vacation , we know you are dropping 100k on your kitchen, and we know who you are voting for... all without meeting YOU."
It has turned into such an in-your face generation.
Don't listen to the Anons. It's your blog. Write whatever you want. That said, I am very impressed with Obama's "visual arts" campaign. The hand screened posters alone are works of art--no matter which candidate you support.
ReplyDeleteEt tu, Ronda? I am disappointed. I am so sick of going to decorating/design blogs and being bombarded by left-wing, wack-job political messages (I will concede that this was not one). Thanks, but if I wanted those, I would go elsewhere. Enough is enough. I've read plenty about how you libs all want CHANGE, and how Obama will usher it forth, and be the MESSIAH you all make him out to be. I get it, I disagree, and now let's get back to design. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteTo all of the various anonymous commentators, I am sorry if you are are unhappy with this post, but the Smithsonian (among other institutions and organization) has highlighted politics and fashion/design for years. I am by no means the first!
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, I have never made claim to this being a 'design' blog. My tagline is a "passport to stylish living" and my topics run the gamut!
However, in defense of my "design" credentials, this post was about the intersection of design and politics. As i said in the post, I attempted to find something similar on the Republican candidate's website - there simply was nothing available to post on the McCain website. (That is, I do not consider the camo "Sportsmen for McCain" or "Race fans for McCain" t-shirts to be exciting and inspiring design accomplishments).
Oh please, what a surprise that everyone in Hollywood and in the Fashion world is on the Democratic bandwagon (heard of "herd complex"). So, Mccain does not have Marc Jacobs to design campaign goodies for him. Big deal. As far as I'm concerned, it's just a way (albeit less in your face) to show your political colors and push your candidate on us, and I'm sick of it. Thanks but no thanks.
ReplyDeleteYou have nothing to apologize for. It is obvious that the campaign with the creative and innovative thinkers would feature the more creative merchandising.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post - too much is at stake for the die-hard Republicans who want to keep their heads in the sand and pretend all is well -- Sarah Palin is CLUELESS and McCain has had numerous, aggressive and potentially deadly forms of skin cancer! Many who complain here are probably a bit self-centered, too materialistic to care about what happens to the whole of America, preferring to inventory all their "stuff" and look for more "stuff" that they think brings happiness. Got news for ya, happiness comes from inside, it does not come from the outside. Try getting a conscious and become enlightented because if you don't American will go down and you'll have only yourselves to blame and just might have to hawk all your "stuff." That's how very bad things are at this moment in time.
ReplyDeleteI beg of you to take a stand....people listen to those whom they respect. If you get one person to vote then you have made a "change"
ReplyDeleteFor those of you who don't think a blog is a place to state your opinion and look at forward thinking ideas then go elsewhere!
Great entry! Who knew you will have so much controversy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for bringing to our attention that once again, OBAMA is all STYLE and NO SUBSTANCE. Great post.
ReplyDeleteSome people believe that it’s possible to have both substance and style.
ReplyDeleteAnd McCain has NO SUBSTANCE or STYLE...
ReplyDeleteLike I said, Ronda, sooner or later, your political colors are clear for all to see as is apparent in your post "some people believe you can have style and substance." Get back to showing us your "passport to stylish living" because you sure as hell don't know a thing about politics. What substance does Obama have to talk about- his pathetic and paltry record of legistative accomplishments? Oh that's right, you must mean his two memoirs written during his first 2 years of his senate term. He's such an empty suit.
ReplyDeleteI don’t know anonymous, but I think being married to a man who holds a Ph. D. in Political Science and has taught at several prestigious universities over the past 10 years gives me a bit of insight into the subject of politics. Yes, I know, here comes the “liberal academic” comment. So please, just save the dismissive comments because I am certain that no Republican or conservative has ever attended university nor has endorsed higher education.
ReplyDeleteAnd just to be clear, it’s not as if I am exactly trying to hide my political preferences. If you are just now figuring my preferences out you are a bit slow on the uptake. Again, this was meant to be a post on the influence of fashion design and its intersection with culture and politics. However certain people like yourself, who refuse to use a name and hide behind the “anonymous” title, have decided to turn this into a political debate. That’s fine. Do as you please, that is the beauty of American politics and the freedom of speech.
I won’t even bother getting into the ‘who is better, McCain or Obama’ debate with you. It is clear that you have already made up your mind – and I have made up mine.
You are right of course, that is the beauty of American politics, and we do have the freedom of speech and debate. Now let’s just see if the Republican candidate decides to show up and exercise that right.
ReplyDeleteOh wait, apparently he does exercise his right, and he won! Ten hours before the scheduled time. http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2008/09/mccain_wins_debate.html
"So please, just save the dismissive comments because I am certain that no Republican or conservative has ever attended university nor has endorsed higher education." Are you kidding? No wonder you are so out of touch with America. Of course, you do not even live in this country, could not possibly have a pulse on what is going on in this country, especially since I'm sure you are absorbing all the lovely leftist media in Europe. Oh that's right, you must be a political genius because your husband is a Poli-Sci prof (thru osmosis that must make you much more politically enlightened than the rest of us). What it does make me realize is that you're just more misguided. Let's see, you live in Europe and you and your husband live in an ivory tower. Could you be more out of touch with the average American?
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteWith all due respect - you are an idiot!
Are you serious when you say no Republican has attended university or higher education? Or is that a typo? My husband has his M.D, MBA and is one of the smartest people I've ever met. He is a Republican. I am not...but seriously, you can't mean Republicans aren't educated? He got a near perfect score on his SATs, and while he is fiscally conservative he is socially moderate (freedom of choice, etc).
ReplyDeleteDear anonymous of course I was not being serious, just facetious. I know full well there a MANY well-educated Republicans. In all honesty I have NOTHING against Republicans or those who are fiscally conservative!
ReplyDeleteI just get tired of hearing the “liberal academic” and "ivory tower" comments that are made as if only Democrats or liberals are associated with academia. It's simply not true. It’s just another sweeping generalization.
I don’t know if I would go so far as to call Ronda a “political genius” but the girl is very politically savvy and she is pretty darn intelligent too! :-)
ReplyDeleteShe also happens to be one of the nicest and most caring persons imaginable.
I don't know, I rather like the title political genius! ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post and interesting set of comments. About a month ago I posted something similar for tots:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.leciawphinney.com/2008/09/no-comment.html
Being one of those horribly leftie and spineless Europeans, all I can say is, paraphrasing "I may not agree with what you say, but I defend to the death your right to say it." and "...democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." Political slanging matches are fun, though, aren't they? Provided always they are conducted in a democracy. There is no perfect system, and the tension between right and left is often a positive thing, provided neither is too extreme. We jaded old Europeans, who have been crushed and battered and oppressed and herded over the centuries, and until the middle of the 20th century had experienced every form of totalitarianism that man has so far come up with, look to the US for refreshing idealism and generosity of spirit, unsullied by prejudice. The land of the free must surely, amongst its other freedoms, be free to meld fashion with politics and also be sophisticated enough not to take it so very seriously. Heigh ho.
ReplyDeleteMemo to Anon 9:23 /Sept 26
ReplyDeleteMy own ivory tower, though stylishly appointed, is neither grand nor remote; in fact it is smack in the middle of a busy American street far from any chic metropolis. Nor am I wearing rose-colored glasses. Yet it was crystal clear that if anyone was doing the "ranting" in this comments aisle it was you and not Ronda who has been well mannered throughout. Get off your high horse and apologize, like the good, real down to earth American you claim to be.
Thank you Mr Worthington...always the gentleman!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI have always been extremely interested in fashion, travel, sports and politics. However, my deep passion is politics. I grew up in a family that took politics very seriously, but at the same time we had a lot of fun with the subject.
ReplyDeleteIn my lifetime I have watched every convention since Eisenhower (the Republican candidate). Yes we had TV way back when! Ha! Ha!
I raised our four daughters with the same vigor, open mindedness and exposure. Politics is a subject in which they all enjoy. Furthermore they have all educated themselves on the subject and have certainly formed a strong opinion.
None of them are shy about sharing their opinions, nor are they so close minded that they will not listen to other people's ideas.
I have NEVER voted a straight party ticket, mostly because I feel that all opinions are important.
As it just so happens, my amazing and eldest daughter, someone that I truly admire, writes this blog. I have often said that she is my hero. Each day I am surprised and delighted by her vast knowledge and her sincere compassion for life.
I am 61 years old and have seen many, many political seasons. As we say in Texas, “This ain't my first rodeo." So if anyone wants to talk politics or debate Ronda's knowledge, then feel free to come by for a drink and we’ll chat.
Believe it or not, some of us are pretty open-mined down here in Texas.
Jerri
Thanks Mom! Of course I did learned a lot from you!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Ronda - at least no one threatened to never read your blog again! I got a lot of those comments on my Katrina post. hhahahah!!!!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to read the post you deleted! whoa boy!!!
Truthfully, I'll be glad when November comes = I live in a divided house and the rancor is killing me!
p.s. love your mom!
Hey Joni the deleted comment was accidentally posted instead of rejected. Basically it was rude, pointless and filled with expletives.
ReplyDeleteI love my mom too!
If the voters are getting weary and tetchy, maybe it's time for the States to consider slightly shorter election campaigns? In this era of instant communication do they really need more than a few weeks to get their message across? I speak as as a dangerously leftie European so am, I quite realise, not entitled to comment, but, och aye the noo, the whole Western world is prostrated with ennui by the beginning of October. Brightening the whole thing up with a bit of designer flare is a really good idea, in my view.
ReplyDeleteWhat's not to love about your mum, Ronda?
Have you seen the Tom's Shoes political shoes? Super cute and such a good cause.
ReplyDeleteWow! Some folks are so touchy and have no acceptance for others thoughts or ideas.
ReplyDeleteI have had many debates with Ronda, my eldest sister, in the end it is all in good fun. Ronda and I have very different views and that only makes for better conversation and email.
Unsolicited and disrespectful people are those that are totally unhappy or unbalanced people! Ronda, nor any of the educated people commenting on the subject are either one.
Get happy and get a life or get the hell out of here!
This Texan will tell all your crazy a**es off and could care less what side your on or where the hell your from.
Have a nice day!
A SMART TEXAS WOMAN!
I love healthy discussions. But why must people (ie; "anonymous") always have to personally attack. Its just dirty fighting and unintelligent.
ReplyDeleteAnd honestly if you lose a few readers because of your opinions/views, so what? Cream always rises to the top!
I know this is a dead comment stream, but this just has to be posted. From David Brooks (the conservative pundit) - it makes the exact case that Ronda was making above.
ReplyDeleteDavid Brooks said:
[Sarah Palin] represents a fatal cancer to the Republican party. When I first started in journalism, I worked at the National Review for Bill Buckley. And Buckley famously said he'd rather be ruled by the first 2,000 names in the Boston phone book than by the Harvard faculty. But he didn't think those were the only two options. He thought it was important to have people on the conservative side who celebrated ideas, who celebrated learning. And his whole life was based on that, and that was also true for a lot of the other conservatives in the Reagan era. Reagan had an immense faith in the power of ideas. But there has been a counter, more populist tradition, which is not only to scorn liberal ideas but to scorn ideas entirely. And I'm afraid that Sarah Palin has those prejudices. I think President Bush has those prejudices.
(see also his op-ed in the NY Times 10 October 2008 for an extended version of this argument.)