,_nikki_doughty_(ceo,_mulitmixx),_tamara_tunie_(law_&_order)_and_karen_abdul_(mtv).jpg "erika_kendrick_(host,_author_random_house),_nikki_doughty_(ceo,_mulitmixx),_tamara_tunie_(law_&_order)_and_karen_abdul_(mtv).jpg") Politics met high fashion at NYC's M1-5 lounge in late July! Celebs and fashionistas alike came out in droves to support the Obama '08 election campaign. The fundraiser and designer clothing swap, organized by Steelpetal Media's Maureen Martin and Consuela Nance, was planned with a "Go Green" theme.
The fundraiser's "Green" designer clothing swap was held in honor of Michelle Obama. Michelle was recently throned 2008's "IT GIRL" by Vogue magazine because of her newly found fashion icon status.
From left to right:Karen Abdul, Tamara Tunie, Nikki Doughty, Erika Kendrick
On the campaign trail Barack Obama has been a strong promoter of "Green" technologies and fuel efficiency. In 2007, he stood before automobile makers in Detroit and told them "they had to change their ways," calling on the companies and private citizens to do their part to ensure a healthy environment for the next generation.
At last week's fashionable fundraiser, Obama supporters answered that call! Party attendees got the opportunity to help protect the environment by recycling their designer garbs. The swap included high-end labels from Roberto Cavalli, Betsey Johnson to DKNY. While guests swapped and shopped, the featured performer, jazz violinist Kersten Stevens, moved the crowd with "Shabach," a single off of her latest album Walks of Faith.
 Confessions of a Rookie Cheerleader author and former Chicago Bulls cheerleader, Erika Kendrick, played host to the chic Obama supporters for the night. Guest were able to give financial support to the Obama '08 campaign as well as recognize Michelle Obama's efforts on the campaign trail. "I wanted to give intelligent fashionable women an opportunity to support an icon that is about the same thing," explains Kendrick. "Michelle is relatable and makes no apologies for her glam status. She is a fabulous, beautiful, African-American icon that transcends race," adds the fashionable author.
Fellow fashionista and environmental economist Pamela Peeters co-hosted the night's activities and swapped a skin-tight couture Claude Montana dress for a flirty floral print Betsey Johnson one. Pamela both recognizes and supports Obama's green environmental policies. "He makes us believe in ourselves and that's why we love Obama," says Peeters.
Featured Performer Kersten Stevens
Celebrity Obama supporter, actress/producer/director Tamara Tunie donated a Carmen Marc Valvo cocktail dress to the cause but opted not to participate in the swap. Tunie, who we've watched on Law & Order: SVU since 2000, admits to being one of the first Obama supporters, "even before he officially announced his presidential candidacy" in February of 2007.
 Ebonni Bryant, another enthused Obama supporter, was happy to attend the fundraiser and be able to donate to the Obama campaign. Bryant found it "fascinating that even though [Obama] has not won yet, [Michelle] is seen as a style icon."
Actress Linda Bothwell-Murphy swappedpink satin Judith Leiber booties and Roberto Cavalli jeans for a black lace cocktail dress and a faux fur vest. "I think that [Michelle] is an effortless beauty. Style is part of her nature, she doesn't need a designer to dictate what she should wear and I don't think she's afraid to be sexy," says Bothwell -Murphy. "Together both [Barack] and Michelle can move the country forward like JFK and Jackie."
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Obama '08 election campaign.
Fabulous Fashionistas at the Barack Obama Fundraiser
Photographs courtesy of Oscar Solis
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