They Want to Make Voting a Fall Trend

On September 6, 2024, nearly 1,000 professionals from the fashion industry participated in a voting awareness march in Midtown Manhattan, coinciding with the start of New York Fashion Week. The event was organized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, I Am a Voter, and Vogue, aiming to encourage civic engagement ahead of the upcoming Election Day in November. The march began outside Macy's in Herald Square and concluded at Bryant Park, with participants chanting slogans to promote voting. Notable figures such as First Lady Jill Biden and Vogue editor Anna Wintour were present, highlighting a subtle Democratic inclination despite the event's bipartisan branding. Wintour was seen wearing a Harris-Walz campaign scarf, which further indicated the political undertones of the gathering. The presence of high-profile designers like Tory Burch and Brandon Blackwood added to the event's significance within the fashion community. Participants donned Old Navy T-shirts designed by Zac Posen, featuring the slogan "Fashion for our future." The shirts were styled in various fashionable ways, showcasing the creativity and individuality of the attendees while promoting a unified message. This blend of fashion and activism illustrated the industry's commitment to social issues, particularly the importance of voting. The march not only served as a call to action for voters but also positioned the fashion industry as a platform for civic engagement. By leveraging the visibility of New York Fashion Week, the organizers aimed to inspire a broader audience to participate in the electoral process, emphasizing that fashion can play a role in shaping the future of democracy.