The politically inspired shoot for Vanity Fair Italy May 2012, featuring Ellie Ross, imagines a U.S.A with a female President. Though glamorized for the fashion feature, Ross shows some confident, bold poise as the Commander-in-Chief of the United States. Given the classic first lady wardrobe with some striking twists, the fantasized President rocks some badass power suits.
Throughout the shoot, Ross is depicted surrounded by Secret Service, swearing in her oath as President and making Presidential decisions. There are also moments of self reflection and doubt where Ross is shown disconcertedly staring into a mirror or looking unsure on the telephone. Showing the strengths and weaknesses of any President is a step away from the traditional, overly composed shoots that are generally what one sees when any sort of national leader is concerned.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Female Presidential Fashion
- Fashion brands and designers can seize the opportunity to create gender-inclusive and powerful Presidential fashion lines for women leaders.
- Disruptive Political Fashion
- Innovative fashion houses and designers can use political scenarios as inspiration to create disruptive clothing that symbolizes authority, power, and progress.
- Creative Political Portrayals
- Media outlets and photographers can explore creative ways of portraying political leaders without conforming to traditional stereotypes, and inspiring a new wave of political representation and leadership.
Where This Applies
- Fashion Industry
- Fashion brands and designers can take advantage of the growing demand for gender-inclusive and powerful clothing for women politicians, creating a new niche in the fashion industry.
- Media Industry
- Media outlets can promote alternative perspectives on political representation and leadership, inspiring a new generation of politically engaged individuals who are not bound by traditional stereotypes.
- Photography and Videography Industry
- Photographers and videographers can experiment with unconventional ways of portraying political leaders, disrupting the traditional narratives surrounding political power and authority.
