Who said politicians can’t enjoy New York Fashion Week, too?
On Wednesday night, the 2nd Annual Style Across the Aisle took over Manhattan’s Surrogate’s Court, bringing together politicians, students and fashion enthusiasts for a bipartisan runway show. More than 35 elected officials and public servants were paired with emerging designers from their districts, turning the spotlight on local leadership and fashion.
Skye Ostreicher, founder of Style Across the Aisle, welcomed the crowd with remarks emphasizing the event’s mission. “This is an event with community partners who are invested in moving government forward. And what we will show you tonight is humanizing…showing the other side of our local leaders,” she said.
You May Also Like
Related Articles
She was joined onstage by Landon Dais, New York State Assemblyman, who helped emcee the evening, which was sponsored by Roc Nation, Uber and Airbnb (to name a few).
From there, the show kicked off, with designers lining the grand staircase overlooking the stage before joining their models on the runway for a photo op after each look was revealed.
Highlights included Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Louis Molina, dressed in a sharp blue suit by Bond & Bari Bespoke, and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry, who made a statement in a black fur coat and baggy dark-wash jeans from Mugzy McFly and Taheed Watson’s Heed NYC.
Former U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney made one of the more dramatic appearances of the night, stepping out in an all-black ensemble complete with a face-covering veil by KZ_K Studio designer Karolina Zmarlak.
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine kept things classic in a tailored blue suit by Viktoria Giese of Grooms Room, while Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright brought a playful touch in a blue gown accented with a feathered boa and a sparkling “Vote” pin by Victor De Souza.
Even former governors David Paterson and Andrew Cuomo joined the lineup — Paterson in a design by Mel Maxi and Cuomo in a sleek royal blue look from Bond & Bari Bespoke.
While most politicians-turned-models had little (if any) runway experience, they embraced the moment with enthusiasm — smiling, waving and striking poses as the crowd cheered them on.
“When public service meets personal expression, something transformative happens,” Ostreicher said in a statement. “We create a space where leadership feels human, connection feels possible and style becomes a statement of unity. When our leaders show up not just in suits, but in support of local designers, we’re not just making a fashion statement — we’re stitching community, culture and courage into the fabric of public life.”