Designers rally for Obama's reelection campaign

A handful of top designers have collaborated in a new campaign effort supporting Obama 2012. It's called, "Runway to Win."

by Esther Lee

Published Jan. 9, 2012, 4:36 p.m. ET

Fashion fancies the Obamas.

It's nothing new, especially with designers clamoring to get their designs on the First Lady, who has been dubbed a style icon for reasons that extend beyond the labels she wears.

Now, when it comes to her husband and his reelection, a handful of top designers have collaborated in a new campaign effort supporting Obama 2012. It's called, Runway to Win.

The initiative is similar to 2008's Runway to Change, which sold Obama-inspired designs to raise money for his election campaign. Last Thursday, a blog post on BarackObama.com read, "In the coming weeks, we'll be rolling out Obama-inspired designs by everyone from Tracy Reese to Jason Wu to Tory Burch at runwaytowin.com."

On Monday, WWD provided more insight on the actual details surrounding Runway to Win. The initiative will raise money for the President's reelection campaign by selling designer-conceived goods (bags, accessories, tees, etc). 22 designers have joined the movement including Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg, Jason Wu, Tory Burch, Alexander Wang, Joseph Altuzarra, Tracy Reese, and Philly-raised Tory Burch.

Interestingly enough, some companies were hesitant to get involved out of fear of "alienating their brands from Republican voters," says WWD. Republicans, too, love their designer wear. This potentially explains the absence of Donna Karan, who has backed Obama in the past.

Furthermore, there will also be a benefit hosted by Scarlett Johansson in February that will feature fashions by big-time Obama supporters and designers.

Meanwhile, visitors can purchase various Obama-inspired swag when Runway to Win officially launches this Thursday.