Barack Obama’s Influence on Fashion

Obama Fashion

If you watched inauguration day on television, then you may have noticed the wide array of clothing adorned with our new president’s image. Some of it was more subtle, maybe a t-shirt with his face silkscreened in muted tri-tones, for example.

Barack Obama’s Influence on Fashion

It seems that everywhere you go these days, Obamania is in full swing.  There are posters, books, news commentators, commemorative plates, and even rhinestone-encrusted hats.  Yes, you read that correctly.  If you watched inauguration day on television, then you may have noticed the wide array of clothing adorned with our new president’s image.  Some of it was more subtle, maybe a t-shirt with his face silkscreened in muted tri-tones, for example.  Some of it was not so understated.  See the earlier mention of a rhinestone-encrusted knitted ski cap.

Whether for better or worse, it seems that Barack Obama, and the ladies of the family, as well, will be having some major influence over the fashion trends that appear over the next several years.  Before he was even elected, in fact, the Democratic nominee for the presidency was already inspiring big-name designers.  Last summer, Donatella Versace announced that she was dedicating her 2009 men’s spring collection to Barack Obama. 

It seems inevitable that Obama will influence the fashion of hip-hop and other musical genres.  After all, many of the musicians involved were very vocal in their support of his candidacy.  Additionally, his influence as a powerful black American cannot be overstated.  This will certainly become evident in African-American culture. 

It is clear, however, that this man’s popularity is not confined to merely one ethnic group, or even one country.  Louis Vuitton recently showed a collection that was largely inspired by African themes, including unique silhouettes and understated patterns in the fabrics used.  Jean Paul Gautier also mounted a runway show that was heavy with themes of “black power.”  It seems likely that these types of developments are a direct result of the growing influence of Barack Obama on the collective consciousness of the fashion industry.

While these designers may have used a subtle touch in bringing Barack Obama’s heritage into their designs, others have been much bolder.  Consider Jean Charles de Castelbajac who created a yellow mini-dress adorned with be-sequined image of the smiling president.  The piece is certainly whimsical, and it most definitely creates as point of view.  It goes to show that there is no limit to the ways that a designer can share his or her vision with a unique piece or collection.  For those who want to try their own hands at expressing themselves, whether politically or artistically, Startingaclothingline.com can help the aspiring clothing designer get a start.

It’s hard to tell for certain just what other effects the fashion world will feel as a result of Barack Obama’s presidency.  It seems likely that Michelle Obama’s classic style will be emulated by American women, and the girls and tweens of the world will keep an eye on just what Sasha and Malia are wearing.  Will this newly-rejuvenated American spirit lead to more red, white, and blue in the stores this year?  We’ll certainly be watching to find out.