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Vice President Kamala Harris, in her bid for the presidency alongside Gov. Tim Walz, has enlisted the help of leading fashion designers to create a new line of campaign merchandise.
The collection, labeled “Designers for Democracy,” was unveiled in a recent email from the Harris-Walz campaign. It features items designed by fashion icons such as Vera Wang, Tory Burch, Prabal Gurung, and Thom Browne, available for purchase on their campaign’s website.
This initiative mirrors President Joe Biden’s approach during his 2020 campaign when he introduced the “Believe in Better” collection, also crafted by prominent designers. The new merchandise lineup includes an assortment of apparel like T-shirts, sweaters, scarves, and socks, adorned with political slogans advocating for reproductive rights and encouraging voter participation. Merchandise prices range from $35 for a tote bag to $85 for designer sweatshirts and hoodies.
Experts believe that this strategy not only serves to boost campaign donations but also helps to energize Harris’ political base. Christian Grose from USC and Hal Hershfield from UCLA agree that these designer collaborations are likely to generate significant buzz and attract small-dollar donations. However, they warned that such efforts might not win over voters from more conservative backgrounds.
The Harris-Walz campaign’s choice of merchandise, including a camouflage hat similar to one from pop culture, indicates a broader strategy to appeal to younger voters. The campaign also boasts endorsements from a mix of Hollywood celebrities and performers popular among younger demographics, such as Megan Thee Stallion, who recently performed at a Harris rally.
Despite these efforts, it’s unclear if the innovative merchandise will significantly expand the voter base beyond those already inclined to support Harris and Walz. The campaign has yet to issue a formal response to inquiries regarding this merchandising strategy.