Her campaign depicted a new and different kind of Presidential inauguration and Oval office: model McGrotha symbolized female empowerment as the newly sworn-in POTUS perfectly dressed in Karan’s iconic suits. It was a long, overdue representation of women (who make up for more than half of the general U.S. population) in a world of white, male-dominated politics.
“It’s always been about dressing and addressing the issues at hand,” reiterated Karan throughout our interview like a mantra. “The campaign was all about women understanding the power of the woman, to tap into their own inherent power. That’s how important clothes are.”
With the country in civil uproar for the ongoing fight for racial justice, further pressure has grown on Democratic frontrunner Joe Biden to pick a woman as his running mate.
The designer agrees wholeheartedly, and how could she not? Eighteen years ago, she fantasized that imminent truth. The only difference between then and now is that she believes with conviction that the new Vice President should be a Black woman to truly represent the American people.
“Women look at humanity with heart and soul, and now more than ever we need a Black woman in office,” Karan said. “I can’t say anything more important than that. Black Lives Matter is not just a moment we’re having right now – this is beyond a wakeup call.”
Karan understands the necessary lifelong commitment to education and learning to produce lasting positive social change. She sits on the board of Parsons School of Design and takes her responsibility and position seriously – to dress, address and exercise our civic duty.
What exactly does the future of our country look like? It’s in our hands if we go vote.
(NY Residents)
To register to vote, visit: https://vote.nyc/page/register-vote
For candidate voting guides and ballot information, visit: https://www.vote411.org/
For more information on how to vote or to find a polling location, visit: https://vote.nyc/page/how-vote
Editor’s Note: As part of a new editorial series, we look to moments that define American Fashion and highlight the cultural impact and contributions our country’s creatives have made on a global scale.