I HEART DEMOCRACY
Submitted by Laura Thomas on Wed, 05/27/2009 - 21:38
I love to vote. I once paid nearly $200 in text messages to vote more times than I like to admit for Kelly Clarkson to win American Idol—for which I take complete credit and once told her in person. Suffice to say, I was thrilled when I saw on my Google Reader that the Council of Fashion Designers of America is giving out a Popular Vote Award this year! The only thing that could make this news better is if each of the nominees was forced to run a campaign: “Republicans for Rodarte!” “Yes Wu Can!”
It’s a smart move for the CFDA. The democratization of fashion is evolving at a rapid pace. A 13-year-old in Boise, Idaho, can now properly pronounce Proenza Schouler thanks to Target. There’s no money in elitism or barriers to entry anymore. And, let’s face it, the more talented and burgeoning a designer is these days the more he or she needs money (We love you, Peter Som).
I don’t want to be told that I can’t wear Viktor & Rolf (thank you, H&M) just like I wouldn’t want to be told that I can’t vote because I’m a lady. So while I’m happy for Ms. Wintour to continuously bestow accolades upon Marc, I’m thrilled to cast a vote of my own for Phi. I saw Erin Wasson at the Carlyle Hotel before the Met Gala and she looked insanely fierce in a Phi tux. They certainly don’t advertise in Vogue. And, despite Anna’s decrees that advertisers don’t receive preferential treatment, small design houses such as Phi need the support of the proletariat. So power to the people. Log on and vote.
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