Why the fashion industry is marching for democracy 

The fashion industry wants to get out the vote.

On Friday, more than 1,000 influential figures from the U.S. fashion industry participated in the “Fashion For Our Future” march in New York City to advocate for democracy and encourage voter registration ahead of November’s general election.

First Lady Jill Biden was the surprise keynote speaker at the march, which kicked off the start of New York Fashion Week. The event was organized by Vogue and the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The non-profit organization “I am a Voter” was also on site to register participants for November’s election.

“I know you care about the freedom to make your own choices,” Biden told the crowd in Bryant Park. “Be who you are. Love who you love. The freedom—your freedom of creative expression — these freedoms are at risk because of court decisions, book bans, shrugs of apathy when people forget the power of the vote.”

Biden continued: “…[So] vote. Vote early. Then help others do the same. Post on social media. Call your friends across the country and remind everyone that we can vote our way to a future where freedom really does ring.” 

Participants in the march also included designers Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Cynthia Rowley, Thom Browne, Prabal Gurung, and Aurora James — in addition to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and many  models, retailers, factory workers and influencers.