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Fine Arts; Political Fashion
Politics and fashion are inseparable. As Robin Givhan writes on the Washington Post frequently, the different political figure has a fashion trademark that they use to communicate different messages and signals. Whether it is through the American flag lapel pin or the power suit, politicians send various signals to their audience. Political fashion can be referred to as the most readily available tool for politicians in their campaigns and political activities since they have access to their bodies at all times. For instance, Elizabeth Warren, a US Senator, always has her sleeves rolled up, as Robin says, both literally and metaphorically. On occasions where her sleeves aren’t rolled up, her jackets are cropped. The subliminal message she sends is the adoption of aesthetical male politicians that she is ready to move from mere abstract politics into what is termed as regular folk talk.
Melania Trump, America’s first lady, is a remarkable definition of intentionality in the uniform of modern political spouses. Her resume as a model made many American voters quickly dismiss her as vain, which in the end turns out to be her strong point. Not only is she adept with body language, but she is also familiar with criticism and blending the two, she experimented sheath dresses and cloth coats to portray intentionality in a certain poise. For a person whose previous profession was based on looks, her fashion experiments for first lady costumes are close to outdoing other glamorous first ladies.
Donald Trump, the US president, on the other hand, is always wearing a suit that lacks the slightest attention to fit. His sleeves are usually too long, or his tie is hanging a little too low below the belt. His look doesn’t telegraph wealth. His inattention to look too luxurious is probably the reason why average American voters relate to him even when he is blowing his horn. Despite having his name in the highest of places and his ability to remain relevant in people’s conversations, he is your average management guy. As the Washington Post put it, he is proof that you can’t fail to notice a bad suit.
Bernie Sanders, a US presidential candidate, also never seems to pay too much attention to his big suits. Bernie communicates a message too loud to ignore through them. Engulfed in his overwhelming shirts, he resiliently scrutinizes policies that he could even forget to change his clothes. Robin remarks in the Washington Post that Sanders is too busy with his default authenticity to care much for haircuts. He exudes the white man’s privilege that doesn’t need reassurance from tailoring or uniform. You will naturally listen to him, irrespective of his dressing.
Former US president, Barack Obama, is also a figure of interest in a political fashion. His failure to wear the America flag lapel pin, which is a patriotism symbol for almost all if not all Americans, was a significant issue in his presidential debate against Hillary Clinton. Having been asked that question by Charlie Gibson and an Iowa reporter, he replied that most Americans who wore it weren’t the least bit patriotic. He instead hoped that his testimony would be patriotic. Currently, however, he never fails to wear the flag pin, which has raised many eyebrows.