US First Lady Jill Biden called for the protection of “freedoms” Friday during a “get out the vote” march that opened New York Fashion Week. Biden was joined by a number of high-profile US fashion designers, including Thom Browne, Michael Kors and Tory Burch.

The march was organized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) for the first day of the weeklong fashion event showcasing looks for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2025 season. Though the event was intended to be nonpartisan, the surprise presence of the Democratic first lady -- whose appearance had not been announced -- set the tone for the event, during which she gave a speech at a park in the heart of 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 said to applause from the crowd of fashion industry insiders. “These freedoms are at risk because of court decisions, book bans, shrugs of apathy when people forget the power of the vote,” she continued.

British-US editor-in-chief of Vogue Anna Wintour (center) and US fashion designer Thom Browne (right) attend the "Fashion For Our Future" rally.

US First Lady Jill Biden speaks during the "Fashion For Our Future" rally to raise awareness about the importance of voting in the upcoming election.

People wear "Vote" t-shirts as they attend the "Fashion For Our Future" rally

The US presidential election, set for November 5, pits Democrat Kamala Harris against Republican nominee Donald Trump. Jill Biden’s husband, US President Joe Biden, had been set to be the Democratic nominee until he dropped out of the race on July 21 and threw his support behind his vice president.

“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 our grandchildren will have to live with those consequences.” Prior to the march, Jill Biden attended the Ralph Lauren fashion show on Thursday evening and paid tribute to Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and high priestess of the US fashion industry.

Wintour featured Jill Biden on the cover of the magazine’s August issue and has organized several fundraisers for the Democratic Party.—AFP