Mayor Bill de Blasio with wife Chirlane McCray, daughter Chiara, and son Dante
Newly inaugurated Mayor Bill de Blasio’s wife and daughter elected to wear Nanette Lepore for his swearing in on New Year’s Day.
De Blasio’s wife, Chirlane McCray selected the “Skyscape” coat in an amethyst shade, retailing for $578. Daughter Chiara, 19, chose the designer’s “Destination” coat in leopard, retailing for $748.
McCray made a statement about their choices, more than just an aesthetic decision; “Chiara and I are proud to wear this beautiful clothing today, that was made right here in New York City. This city needs more creative entrepreneurs like Nanette Lepore who are committed to keeping our city’s garment industry thriving.”
De Blasio visited Lepore’s factory the year prior during his campaign, where they reportedly discussed the fragile state of the Garment District. Lepore, along with other major designers Diane von Furstenberg and Michael Kors, have rallied together in recent years to save the Garment District, struggling against foreign competition and changing zoning laws.
Nanette Lepore spoke optimistically about the Mayor’s term to WWD; “I think he will celebrate the New York that we all miss — the New York that we moved here for, the New York of diversity and craftsmanship. Hopefully, he will be about supporting more industries and not a few.”
—Charlotte Bryant
