By Erika Luft

With the 2004 presidential election looming nearer each day, it is almost impossible to turn on the television and not see something about one of the candidates. So, in an effort to save a bit of sanity, I popped in one of my vintage “Sex and the City” DVDs. In the beginning of season three, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) dates a politician, and she brings up a very important point: What really is the difference between fashion and politics? They are both about recycling past ideas and making them new and exciting again.

My political conscience has also been leading me to think people care more about fashion platforms than they do about political ones. Whether this is right or wrong is not for me to decide, but I do know many designers are aware of the impact they have on their clientele. Looking back at the recent past, fashion and politics have intersected more often than not.

The position of the First Lady’s fashion has always been under scrupulous interrogation. Jackie Kennedy, be-still my heart, she was more the First Lady of fashion than of the United States. Whether you agree or disagree, the First Lady’s job on the campaign trail has always been one of looking good and being a supportive wife, and Jackie was so very successful at this. In fact, it is such an act of the subconscious to note the wardrobe of the woman next to the oh-so-powerful man she is supporting.

“It is important how the candidates dress, because some people may base their decisions solely on looks. It isn’t the smartest decision, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen,” James Farrell, a sophomore finance major, said.

The New York Times ran a picture of newly elected San Francisco major, Garin Newsom, and his wife at his innaugural address; the caption next ot the photo noted, in addition to the usual inofrmation, the fact that Newsom’s wife wore the classic and elegant label of Charel.

The candidates themselves also make very distinct style statements every time they step in front of the camera or out in public. Before the third debate, my roommate mentioned that George Bush had worn a blue tie to the first two debates as well as John Kerry. This was a totally subconscious comment, and trust me, she really could have cared less. But the point is, she noticed.

Political figures care just as much about how they look as what they are speaking about, because their outfit is a reflection of who they are. People relate to styles and clothing. I know I got pretty excited when I saw John Kerry wearing the same tie I purchased for my Dad last fall. Wow, that must mean my Dad is pretty “in style” if he’s wearing the same tie as one of the presidential candidates, right?

Designers have also taken note of their power. Kenneth Cole has made his name and his brand synonymous with the effort to educate and register voters, along with other designers such as Donna Karan and Armani Exchange.

“These designers have used fashion to attract the younger voters. They are not making clothing to attract our parents generation; it is obviously targeted at the young vote,” Andy Campana, a sophomore business major, said.

I don’t know if voting has become an en-vogue thing to do because of the designer support, or because of celebrities like P. Diddy, Ashley Judd and Ashlee Simpson. Even MTV is selling a “Rock the Vote” T-shirt, encouraging the musical crowd to get in on the voting.

“These people are obviously making a difference and getting the word out there to vote, but it is still a matter of business. They are definitely making money off the ‘Rock the Vote’ campaign,” Campana said.

So maybe this is all just a big business ploy? Either way, can you blame the designers? They do have a job to do, a job which they are apparently doing very well, and after this is politics.

It need not matter if you are a republican or a democrat; just remember it is important to make your statement, fashion or other and Rock the Vote.