Why It Matters That Hillary Clinton Wore Ralph Lauren

New York Times ^ | June 15, 2015 | by Vanessa Friedman

[Oldeconomybuyer]

At her campaign opening rally on Roosevelt Island on Saturday, Hillary Clinton donned her now-signature look: a bright blue pantsuit with a matching bright blue shirt underneath.

Clothes are a political tool like any other. And that is why it was interesting to learn that the pantsuit she wore at her Roosevelt Island rally had been made by Ralph Lauren.

Yet there’s a possible weak spot. Because for a candidate who has been pushing her connection to, and understanding of, the middle class — and whose speech while wearing the pantsuit was largely about closing the income gap — Ralph Lauren is a relatively inaccessible brand. It is also one often worn by and beloved of that sector of the population, the chief executives and financial wizards, she somewhat disavowed.

But that’s me. And to be honest, I would not be surprised if, in the end, Ralph Lauren does become a Clinton wardrobe mainstay. If the campaign can avoid elitism charges, the brand will make her look confident, and absolutely convincing on the global stage.

According to a spokesman, the designer already works with the candidate “regularly.”

[Oldeconomybuyer]

[Opinionated Blowhard]

Yet there’s a possible weak spot. Because for a candidate who has been pushing her connection to, and understanding of, the middle class — and whose speech while wearing the pantsuit was largely about closing the income gap — Ralph Lauren is a relatively inaccessible brand.

But on the bright side, it was too tight and ill-fitting for a woman of her weight. So she was able to connect with the many overweight Americans who struggle to find clothing in the right size.

[kaehurowing]

When I hear pantsuit, I think lesbian. That’s the message it sends.

[Impy]

She looks like a box of the world’s nastiest lollipops.

[avital2]

good grief - that was RL? it was so ordinary looking and not very flattering.

[x]

It doesn't.

But the fact that this is so important to the Times does matter.

Assuming, that is, that the Times itself still matters.

[molson209]

Perfect for a Pear Shape ,LOL

[2ndDivisionVet]

If Halston were still alive, he’d be relieved, I think.

[RitaOK]

Ralph Lauren is the FATHER IN LAW to Lauren Bush. I doubt he dresses Hillary Clinton.

Yes, that makes her name Lauren Lauren. She is a niece to Jeb Bush and George W Bush.

[Uncle Miltie]

[CGASMIA68]

PantSuit,Now theres a woman that can get a visual message to other women.....Dykes

[central_va]

As male all I can think is, good grief we are going to talk about clothes? I have never had a clothes conversion with anyone unless it was about who is doing the laundry.

[Uncle Miltie]

When one is just not enough.

[Polyxene]

I was thinking JCPenney.

[Uncle Miltie]

[OttawaFreeper]

I remember reading in Barbara Olson’s (RIP) book “Hell to Pay” that back when Bill was serving his first term as Arkansas governor , she was more than content to walk around in thick glasses and frumpy looking outfits and not even bother shaving her legs or armpits. I can remember her (Olson) making the observation that it was odd all of those years later to then see Hillary being outfitted by Donna Karan and other high fashion designers.

[relentlessly]

Dod Ralph also make this outfit?

[tet68]

She looks like a box of the world’s nastiest lollipops.

Hence the term, Lollygagging?

[blackdog]

Isn't her pants suit called "O'l Crusty"?

If my memory serves me right?

[CAluvdubya]

She looks like a stuffed sausage in those pantsuits. I’ll be RL is not happy she chose that brand. Not good advertising!