A Congressional Nod to Fashion

Fashion finally has federal government backing. Last week it was announced that there will be a congressional caucus for the fashion industry chaired by Democrat Representatives Diane Watson, Jerrold Nadler, and Carolyn Maloney. They represent the fashion capitals in America – California and New York. The caucus was the brain child of the President and founder of Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce, Christine Brooks-Cropper. She hopes that the caucus’ efforts will help provide funding for Fashion scholarships, job creation within the industry, fashion project initiatives, as well as copyright protection that was initially introduced with the Design Piracy Prohibition Act.

I am so happy for this mix of fashion and government, two elements that rarely intertwine outside the White House nowadays. The timing is ironic to me because I am actually starting to consider job options within government where I could utilize my Fashion Merchandising degree. I thought my search would be fruitless, but this movement gives me hope.

I also think this caucus will give an added appeal to the Washington, D.C. area. Washington is often associated with conservative politicians, but if one digs deeper they would find that there is a movement to make this area a fashion hot spot. Washington, D.C has a mecca of non-profit organization and local designers and boutiques realize this. They often partner with these organizations to feature their garments in fundraiser fashion shows, giving a more meaningful approach to fashion as well as creating a sense of community. I love this unique approach to fashion and the fact that Washington is in the heart of it.