To say that “fashion is political” is a cliché at this point, but it’s true. You don’t have to look too far to find zeitgeist-changing examples from the runway; Maria Grazia Chiuri’s We Should All Be Feminist t-shirts for Christian Dior spring to mind, as does Kerby Jean-Raymond’s groundbreaking 2016 Pyer Moss collection commenting on police brutality and Black Lives Matter. In the lead up to the pivotal 2020 election, it feels increasingly important that the American fashion community take a stand to energize voters. It’s why 19 of the country’s top designers have come together to create clothing in support of Joe Biden’s bid for president. Titled Believe in Better, the collection features designs from the likes of Vera Wang, Joseph Altuzarra, Victor Glemaud, and Tory Burch. “We are thrilled to announce this collection of affordable merchandise designed by a diverse group of talented American fashion designers and which was made in America,” said Rufus Gifford, Deputy Campaign Manager. “We are in a battle to restore the soul of our nation, and we’re seeing Americans across the country come together in a variety of ways to support Joe Biden and Kamala Harris because they are leaders we need to heal and unite the country. I thank these designers for volunteering their time and talents to help win this election and the hardworking men and women who brought these designs to life."
This isn’t the first time designers have rallied behind democratic presidential candidates—several made tees for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and pieces for Barack Obama’s Runway to Change and Runway to Win campaign initiatives. Biden’s Believe in Better collection however, represents the most varied offering yet. Some like Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung, and Jonathan Cohen, went for classic interpretations of the traditional campaign tee. Others pushed the limits: Lizzie Fortunato created a “Joe” necklace, Carly Cushnie made a crop top (a highly requested item), and Thom Browne made a scarf that reads “Believe in Better.”
Embroidered with the word “Unity,” Monique Péan’s tan face mask speaks to the moment in no uncertain terms. “Each stitch represents the many facets that make up the diversity of America,” Péan said. “I am confident that Biden and Harris can unify our country and be the exemplary activists and advocates that we need to uplift and defend our civil rights and provide health, safety, and equal opportunity for all Americans.” Altuzarra created a bandana inspired by the history of the scarf and how it was used during the American Revolution, struggles for workers’ rights, and as a way for gay men to identify each other during the 1970s. That his bandana can double as a face covering is no accident. “I was interested in bringing back the bandana as a piece of political messaging,” he said. “I wanted to design something that really met the moment and the 2020 significance of the bandana is really as a mask. That was crucial to me.”
He’s not the only one to have taken inspiration from past campaigns. Aurora James of Brother Vellies made a sweatshirt that reads “We Make The Difference. Black Women For Biden/Harris 2020.” The design nods to election merch from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, including Shirley Chisholm and Jesse Jackson’s campaigns. “This is the fight of our lives and we need to do everything we can to energize people to vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris and I’m incredibly proud to have made this,” James said. “I really wanted to make something that specifically addressed Black women’s impact in this election and how important we are to this election.”
The collection was entirely made in America in unionized factories by the Biden campaign and is now available to buy. With everything $60 or under, the collection gives fashion fans an opportunity to shop their favorite designers at an affordable price while supporting a candidate they can believe in.
