Patriot’s Day

As though MObama’s inauguration outfit wasn’t example enough of fashion’s influence on the political world, it’s about to get some seriously chic neighbors. The Museum at FIT (whose Isabel Toledo exhibition displays the now-famous shift dress and coat) will be opening a new show on July 7 entitled “Fashion & Politics,” which will encompass more than 200 years of not only government, but cultural change, sexual codes, and social progress. Natuarally, Catherine Malandrino’s American Flag dress will be there, and so will an ”IKE” dress from the 1956 Eisenhower campaign, a ”NIXON” paper dress, and an anti-Prohibition scarf repeating the words ”Repeal the 18th Amendment.” Of course, just because the exhibit is opening right after July 4 doesn’t mean it’s an entirely American show. Also on display will be Communist propaganda textile from 1920s Russia, pieces from Vivienne Tam’s controversial 1995 “Mao” collection, and designs by Liberty of London and Mariano Fortuny.