On Fashion & Politics: An Open Letter To President-Elect Obama

   

Dear Mr. President-Elect Obama:

Congratulations on your historic win. I understand that as you prepare to take up the highest office in the nation, there is a very long list of challenges that await you: two wars, an economy on life support, a planet in peril, not to mention the lofty expectations your election has sparked amongst old and young alike. Still, should you happen to stumble upon this blog on a sleepless night while you ponder the future of the country, I would be most grateful if you would consider a short wishlist.

1. Much has been made of your disinterest in fashion. While I respect this, may I simply point out that your disinterest can sometimes seem like contempt, as though fashion were somehow too frivolous a pursuit to engage your formidable intellect. With all due respect, there is absolutely nothing frivolous about fashion. The U.S. fashion industry accounts for billions of dollars in revenue each year and happens to be an important source of both high and low skilled employment. It also has strong ripple effects throughout countless other economic sectors including but not limited to the magazine and print industry, marketing and advertising, manufacturing, transportation, etc. As we enter what is likely to be a long, deep and far-reaching recession, the fashion industry is likely to be particularly hard hit. It would be nice if you could give the industry a nod of sorts by selecting a few new well-tailored suits and perhaps a tux for state dinners. The fashion industry after all counts some of your earliest and most passionate supporters. They deserve at least that.

2. Now that the election is over, perhaps you could let your Ivy-League trained, highly experienced, highly accomplished executive wife go back to being herself. The 'Stepford Wife' transformation your campaign orchestrated (achieved incidentally with some well chosen fashions) may have been necessary for the purposes of getting elected but I for one think that given the number of women in America who struggle to balance career and family, the real Michelle Obama (the one you married) would be a much better role model for girls and women. 'Demure' may have worked on the campaign trail but this is no time in the nation's history to pander to outdated stereotypes. Besides, she was at one time your mentor after all and it looks like you're going to need all the help you can get to dig us out of this quaqmire.

3. As you may have noticed, sexism was fairly rampant throughout this election on both sides of the political aisle. It's worth noting that many believe it was the vote of women that put you over the top. Ironic, isn't it? While it may seem a tad early to start thinking about such pesky issues as re-election, in the event you should again one day find yourself pitted against an opponent in a pantsuit or skirt, it would be nice if you could speak out against some of your more rabid supporters' use of the catchy slogan : 'Vote Bros, Not Hoes' that spread all over the internet like a bad rash during the primaries. The fact that your campaign remained silent was deeply disappointing to many women. Perhaps next time you'll speak out?

You're no doubt very busy right now planning your transition, your inaugural festivities and looking for a puppy so I'll leave it at that. I wish you the best of luck.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Comments

[Helene]

Thank you all for your comments - as always, I'm honored that you care enough to take the time to join the discussion. Reading them are one of the highlights of my day.

Alexis - I'm not angry. I'm merely frustrated with the prevailing view (especially amongst intellectuals) that fashion is somehow frivolous and that smart people don't waste their time with such pursuits. If you read the post carefully, I do state outright that I respect his disinterest. This said, the fact that he goes out of his way to point out his disinterest in fashion is unfortunate given that his candidacy has benefited tremendously from the very favorable attention paid to him and his wife from fashion publications such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. I would even argue that the very favorable profiles of the Obamas and a number of their close advisors published early during the primaries have helped craft the narrative around his campaign. Also of note, Seventh Avenue has donated very generously to his campaign coffers. A small nod to his constituency is the least he can do given that they're currently facing particularly perilous times.

I invite you to read a piece published in U.S. Elle in 2006 as an example of what I mean: www.elle.com/featurefullstory/9959/barack-obama.html.

As for your point about snobbery, my blog is called 'The Luxe Chronicles' - I make no apologies about my preferences or my views.

Sincerely,

Helene

[Alice Olive]

Just found your blog - a delight!

[Alexis]

Generally I like your blog, but here I feel that you are being rather nit-picky and angry. Lots of men have a disinterest in fashion (for example, my husband, my father, my father-in-law, and just about every other man I know), it's not contempt it's a genuine disinterest, and I don't see any indications that Obama is any different. Additionally, what do you call his Hartmarx purchases if not a support of the American fashion industry. They are union made! You can't get any more supportive than that. Or are we such snobs that the only fashion industry we count is the one on seventh?

[Make Do Style]

You are so good at pin pointing some important points - I hope his researchers read and digest!