Michael Kors on the challenges female politicians face with fashion
With Kamala Harris set to debate Donald Trump for the first time this week, the US election is front of mind for many, and this is certainly the case at New York Fashion Week, which kicked off with a voting march on Friday and has seen political references across the collections. For Michael Kors, politics too took centrestage, and Harris was on his mind. At his pre-show press conference, the designer mused about whether the campaign trail has become its very own red carpet.
"For me it’s a great honour to dress Kamala, she’s worn the clothes for many years," he said. "It’s very difficult for women in political office to find a balance, especially if you love fashion. If you love it too much, they will say something and if you don’t love it enough, they will say something."
This is certainly a balance that Harris has been trying to get right – and that the media has been attempting to judge too. How far does she want her style to be noticed, and how much should the media talk about what she is wearing?
"When I think of male politicians you notice the person, not what they’re wearing – though hopefully it’s impeccable," Kors said. "I don’t think Kamala needs to steer the wheel, she knows herself and knows what works for her. My experience with women in the public eye is that they know themselves and they know their brand. I understand the world is critiquing her right now but I think the VP does a pretty good job."
On the whole, Harris – with the help of her stylist, Leslie Fremer – seems to have mastered the ability to dress impeccably and appropriately without drawing too much attention to what she is wearing. In developing a uniform of sleek tailored suits by the likes of Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera and Chloé, she is giving her audience consistency, and not letting her wardrobe overshadow her message.
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