On the Runway – New York City’s ‘Style Across the Aisle’ Brings Fashion and Politics Together at Gracie Mansion
Makes NYC History
September 2024 – Upper East Side, NYC –
Elected officials were the models on the runway wearing designers from their local districts in a first-of-its-kind community engagement fundraising fashion show during New York Fashion Week.
As a bipartisan fundraising fashion show, Style Across the Aisle, at Gracie Mansion was created to unite opposing political viewpoints through the power of fashion, the runway show helped foster community spirit by featuring state and city leaders modeling styles brought to life from local designers. For the first time, political leaders from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints shared the runway, demonstrating that fashion can be a vehicle for dialogue, collaboration and understanding.
APB was invited by Skye Ostreicher, founder of Style Across the Aisle, to see first hand how this unique opportunity showcased the talent within the New York City community while highlighting the common ground that exists beyond political differences. By having elected officials model designs from their own districts, Skye not only celebrated fashion but also fostering the spirit of unity and collaboration that New York needs.
The inaugural Style Across the Aisle benefits the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, an organization dedicated to preserving the historic Gracie Mansion and promoting its use as a cultural and civic hub for the people of New York. The landmark home, known as “The People’s House,” is where New York City Mayor Adams hosts a wide variety of community engagement and cultural events – but never a fashion show.