Pierce Mattie Public Relations New York & Los Angeles

Runway to Change, a Fashion PR/Political PR type fund-raiser for Obama, took place at Charles Nolan Studios last Tuesday night. I attended and was in good company with handbag guru, Pamela Pekerman (pictured right), at what we hoped was going to be an amazing event. Prior to the event taking place, the broadcast press was covering it that morning and with the 26 incredible designers said to be taking part, we thought we were in for an amazing show.

About 400 fashion obsessed fans, some wearing "Obama Bling," stepped foot into the studio (packed like sardines) and about an hour from the original start time, Charles Nolan stood on a platform and welcomed everyone. Anna Wintour dazzled in diamonds and a gorgeous dress while Sarah Jessica Parker cheekily wore "Barack and Roll" pinned to the back of her jacket. Pamela and I made our way to the very front of the audience to hear each person speak, including Barack Obama's Deputy Campaign Manager, Steve Hildebrand. I began to (shakily) take video with my FlipCam until I was told to turn it off by someone who did not identify herself other than pointing to another young lady standing next to SJP and telling me, "She said you can't do that," (although I had cleared it with the event staff prior).

It was only once Anna Wintour and SJP spoke that I realized there would be no runway show, but that the designers involved created t-shirts and accessories that we were to purchase. I was disappointed to say the least. Fashion Week and "Runway" to Change seemed to be like a perfect fit and I was hoping to see collaborations from top designers not t-shirts and totes. Obama's grassroots efforts always seem to have a viral way about them, so it was also surprising to learn that the press was not invited to the event. With such a tight race and each speaker stressing the importance of getting people out to vote, I was floored that the importance of the media as a tool to communicate this was overlooked. Or was it?

Sometimes the best word of mouth is one of person to person and not something that is mass broadcast to both interested and non-interested parties. Perhaps the exclusivity of the event will have people buzzing and seeking out information and those that were able to attend will be telling their friends who in turn will be passing it on. So did Runway to Change create a grassroots buzz or was it a total flop? You decide.

*Photo Credit: SJP pic from Rose Apodaca (who I saw at the event in an amazing colonial flag inspired outfit--shoes included!; and Shannon Nelson