Move over Balthier, Barack Obama could be the next Fashion Icon

After FashionWindows wrote that the fictional hero Balthier of Final Fantasy XII, can easily well be the next fashion muse, Barack Obama enters a new race – the next male fashion icon! Surprising as it maybe, it seems that fashion editors from all forms of media – TV, internet and print are all looking for a new fashion hero.

It all started when an Associated Press writer mistakenly wrote that Donatella Versace had “dedicated her Spring-Summer 2009 collection to Obama.” Spreading like wildfire, the word that got around was that the Democratic Presidential inspired the platinum-tressed designer.

Then, yesterday, at the Today Show, Matt Lauer mentioned that Donatella had sought inspiration for her latest collection from Obama. Now, talk about going national!

As fun sounding as it maybe, (Barack Obama is actually a good dresser), the Versace Press Office immediately made a statement saying, “It was the type of man Barack Obama represents that inspired the men’s Spring 2009 collection – a modern man with a laid back relaxed look and attitude. Not Obama himself.”

Awww… just when we were beginning to have fun!

Truth is, though fashion looks fun if you are outside looking in, once you are inside, it is a dog-eats-dog-world of business. True, someone like Donatella Versace, Moschino, Jean Paul Gaultier and Marc Jacobs remind everyone, including the fashion elite, that fashion should be fun; fashionistas sometimes take themselves too seriously.

Hence, although it was a ‘misnomer,’ the Barack Obama mention as the Versace muse for Spring / Summer 2009, it actually put spice in an already exciting season, giving it an extra ump. It’s election year and it shows!

If I were an image consultant for either John McCain and Barack Obama, it’s time to think of their wardrobe as they make their public appearances especially, the Presidential Debate which is televised nationwide.

P.S. I am also including a video clip for John McCain, though he is not mentioned in this article. There is a U.S. law that says candidates should get equal TV airtime during the campaign period. The internet is not part of it, but, I want to be fair to everyone concerned.

If you’re wondering whom I will vote for? As a video gamer, I’ll say… ‘Balthier for President!’