Scarlett Johansson Hosts Obama’s ‘Runway To Win’

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By Renee Ghert-Zand February 8, 2012

Big names from the world of fashion gathered Tuesday evening at the Theory clothing store in the West Village to support President Obama’s re-election bid. The Fashion Week fundraiser, dubbed “Runway To Win,” was hosted by actress Scarlett Johansson and Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. Wintour, according to newly released campaign financial information, is one of the President’s top fundraisers and has donated $500,000 toward his re-election.

More than two dozen designers and celebrities who created special campaign-related apparel and accessories joined the two hostesses. Among them were Beyonce, Tory Burch, Sean Combs (aka Puff Daddy), Marc Jacobs, Derek Lam, Narcisco Rodriguez, Russell Simmons, Thakoon Panichgul, Vera Wang, Jason Wu, and Diane Von Furstenberg.

Despite the fact that The Washington Post hated on the Runway to Win collection, which appears to consist of rather pedestrian-looking campaign trail swag such as t-shirts, cosmetic kits and tote bags, the fundraiser’s organizers hoped that Obama supporters would show up nonetheless. The cost of admission was $250 for the cocktail reception, and $2,500 if you wanted to hobnob with the stars at the sit down dinner.

Neither President Obama himself, nor the fashion-conscious First Lady Michelle Obama attended. Jim Messina, the Obama for America campaign manager, was there in their stead.

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