Scarlett Johansson and Anna Wintour hosted a glamorous New York City fund-raising event Tuesday night, launching a stylish pro-Obama fashion line of campaign-themed T-shirts, bags and accessories designed by famous designers like Marc Jacobs and Derek Lam.
Republicans are unsurprisingly up in arms over Runway to Win, which plans to donate all profits to the Obama campaign. On Monday, The Republican National Committee released a video that depicts Obama as a snobby elitist out of touch with millions of unemployed Americans.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that Republicans claim the fashion line violates campaign-finance rules. Although bags and shirts still fetch a hefty price--$75 for a tote bag by Derek Lam, or a silk scarf by Thakoon Panichgul for $95--the swag still sells for a fraction of the price designer clothing usually goes for at department stores. Sean Spicer, a spokesman for the Republican National Committee, argued that the campaign must have used corporate resources to keep costs low, amounting to illegal campaign contributions.
The Obama camp denied violating any campaign finance rules. The paper reported that other people involved with the line argue that the designers used cheap materials, like canvas and cotton, and made them fashionable. All items are made in the U.S.A.
The RNC may be no Marc Jacobs, but they also decided to do some fashion designing of their own. The National Republican Committee are also selling blue and beachy Obama flip flops, in honor of the president's flip flop on his position on Super PACs. Along the side of the sandal is the writing, SUPERPACS: 'A Threat to Democracy' (Just kidding!)
Elitist or hip? Take a look at some highlights from the fashion line in the slide show above. All 22 custom-made shirts and accessories can be seen on Obama's website.