Throughout New York Fashion Week, attendees have shifted their focus from typical fashion conversations to discussions about politics, specifically the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. This shift towards political discussions has been influenced by a growing trend of front-row VIPs wearing merchandise promoting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic nominees for president and vice president. Guests attending the shows have been seen wearing camo Walz-Harris hats, which have become a popular choice among fashion influencers and designers such as Jenna Lyons, Eva Chen, and Christian Cowan. This intentional choice to wear political merchandise as fashion statements has become a noticeable trend during the week.
The presence of political endorsements in fashion has added a new dimension to this year’s New York Fashion Week, leading to discussions about Trump’s remarks on abortion and the performance of the debate moderators. The street style set has been lingering outside venues in hopes of getting their photos taken, with many opting to wear pieces that reflect their political affiliations. This shift towards wearing political endorsements during fashion week represents a broader trend of incorporating social and political issues into the fashion industry, as designers and fashion influencers use their platform to make statements about current events and political figures.
The camo Walz-Harris hats have emerged as a standout piece among the political merchandise worn by attendees at New York Fashion Week, with their simple yet impactful design appealing to a younger demographic of voters. Fashion week fixtures such as Jenna Lyons, Eva Chen, and Derek Blasberg have been seen sporting these hats, signaling a collective endorsement of the Democratic nominees for president and vice president. Designer Christian Cowan even incorporated the hat into his spring 2025 presentation, showcasing the widespread influence of political endorsements in the fashion world.
While fashion week typically revolves around showcasing the latest designer collections and trends, this year has seen a shift towards integrating political discourse and activism into the event. The intentional choice to wear political merchandise as statements of support for specific candidates marks a new era in the intersection of fashion and politics. As attendees express their political affiliations through their outfit choices, the fashion industry is becoming a platform for promoting social and political causes, sparking conversations about important issues and influencing public opinion through visual statements.
The growing trend of wearing political endorsements during New York Fashion Week reflects a broader cultural shift towards using fashion as a means of expressing personal beliefs and values. With the rise of social media and influencer culture, individuals are increasingly using their platform to advocate for causes they care about, including supporting political candidates and raising awareness about social issues. By incorporating political merchandise into their wardrobes, attendees at fashion week are able to make a statement about their beliefs and values, contributing to a larger conversation about the role of fashion in shaping public opinion and driving social change.
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, the integration of political endorsements into New York Fashion Week highlights the power of clothing as a form of self-expression and activism. By wearing merchandise promoting Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, attendees are not only making a fashion statement but also aligning themselves with specific political beliefs and values. This shift towards incorporating political discourse into fashion week signals a new era of cultural engagement, where fashion becomes a platform for promoting social and political causes, sparking conversations, and influencing public opinion in a visually impactful way.
