'Please, God, say it's a parody'! WaPo fashion editor: Is Hillary a 'style icon'?

Sarah D. | 3:07 PM on September 16, 2016

hahahaha, I needed that today.

— James Hardy (@JSteevenh) September 16, 2016

NOW I've heard everything lol

— Eileen J (@longislpatriot) September 16, 2016

Hillary’s more than just a scandal-plagued wannabe-president; she’s also a fashion muse:

"Hillary Clinton, style icon? The unexpected inspiration for women’s spring fashion" https://t.co/u7gguKRWhU by @RobinGivhan

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) September 16, 2016

Hillary Clinton? You mean that Hillary Clinton?

But beyond cut and color, designers are obsessing about strong and powerful women who are independent and enduring — perhaps even a bit scandalous. There has been talk of O’Keeffe, Germaine Greer, Gloria Steinem, influential mothers and grandmothers — and of course, Hillary Clinton.

The Democratic presidential nominee is, by no means, the typical fashion icon, not in the manner of an actress, a musician or even First Lady Michelle Obama. But it is hard to deny her influence, whether direct or indirect — on so many designers. The historic nature of her campaign is in the air; and much of Seventh Avenue has been quite clear about supporting her. Just before fashion week began, more than a dozen designers participated in a runway show-fundraiser for Clinton, that was co-hosted by Vogue’s Anna Wintour. Later in the week, as performer Rufus Wainwright was serenading guests at the Michael Kors show, he paused to declare: “I’m with her.”

But in a non-partisan way, Clinton’s proximity to the presidency has invited designers to reconsider the relationship that women have to power and how it manifests in attire and style. Designers have responded in ways that have been inventive, charming and reassuring. They have refused to be caught up in all the old clichés of polished jackets and below-the-knee skirts. And they are thinking more broadly than just another sleeveless sheath. Even Victoria Beckham, who founded her brand on a fitted sleeveless dress, has expanded her collection to reflect a woman more at ease with her position and authority.