The women of the GOP have always faced a tougher battle in the media, fighting to get equal air time and facing a liberal and unforgiving press. But a recent feature on CBS’ “Inside Edition“ exposes how even in the world of fashion, high-profile women like Ann Romney are routinely snubbed by fashion experts and coveted designers who, not surprisingly, lean left.
Ashley Lutz, a reporter for businessinsider.com explained to “Inside Edition” that the fashion industry does “tend to lean left. The vast majority of campaign contributions from the fashion industry went to President Obama.” She continued, “Ann Romney sort of faces an uphill battle in being recognized by anyone in the fashion industry.”
The article points out that Michelle Obama has always been praised for her fashion choices, even when her outfits are unmemorable or recycled from other events. For example, the grey and black lace dress she donned at the final presidential debate on Monday night got plenty of attention, yet she wore the same piece at the Democratic National Convention last month.
Lutz explained that designers are reluctant to dress Ann Romney because they don’t want to cross Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, who vigorously supports Obama. “Anna Wintour is the most powerful woman in fashion. So, if you get on her bad side, that could mean very bad things for your brand,” detailed Lutz.
She then cites an example of how Ann Romney was snubbed instead of praised by a designer for donning one of her creations. After Ann Romney showcased a geometric print wrap dress from Diane von Furstenberg’s line, a DVF spokesperson released the statement, “We’re actually not quite sure how Ann obtained the dress.”
And unlike Michelle Obama, Ann Romney was criticized for her fashion choice for the final debate. In particular, “Inside Edition” notes thedailybeast.com described her silk green top and floral skirt ensemble as “A little frumpy.” Lutz dismissed the negative comments, saying, “Ann Romney has a really great fashion sense. She got really high marks for the red dress she wore for her speech at the RNC.”
Ann Romney isn’t the the first Republican female to get sized up and criticized by the fashion industry. In the 2008 election, Sarah Palin’s fashion choices were constantly compared to those of Michelle Obama. She was even criticized for the $150,000 shopping spree that the Republican National Committee funded to get her ready for the campaign.
One wonders how much Michelle Obama’s closet costs.
