US– First Lady Jill Biden called for the protection of “freedoms” on Friday during a “get out the vote” march that marked the opening of New York Fashion Week. Biden was accompanied by several prominent US fashion designers, including Thom Browne, Michael Kors, and Tory Burch.

The march, organized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), kicked off the weeklong fashion event showcasing collections for the Spring/Summer 2025 season. Although the event was intended to be nonpartisan, the unexpected appearance of the Democratic first lady—whose presence had not been announced—set a significant tone. She delivered a speech at a park in central New York City.

“I know that you care about the freedom to make your own choices, be who you are, love who you love… your freedom of creative expression,” Biden told the crowd of fashion industry professionals, receiving applause. “These freedoms are at risk because of court decisions, book bans, and indifference when people forget the power of the vote,” she added.

The US presidential election, scheduled for November 5, features Democrat Kamala Harris against Republican nominee Donald Trump. Jill Biden’s husband, President Joe Biden, was initially set to be the Democratic nominee but withdrew from the race on July 21, endorsing his vice president instead.

“So let’s remember this: the next president, your next president, will likely appoint new Supreme Court justices,” the First Lady said. “Your next senators will confirm them, and our children and grandchildren will have to live with those consequences.”

Before the march, Jill Biden attended the Ralph Lauren fashion show on Thursday evening and honored Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and a key figure in US fashion. Wintour featured Jill Biden on the cover of Vogue’s August issue and has organized several fundraisers for the Democratic Party.- AFP