The creator of one of the most popular Instagram accounts of the 2016 election talks politics, street style and how the two topics go hand in hand.

by Claire Butwinick

This election season, pop culture and politics are converging in the most fashionable way on @HillaryStreetStyle. The buzzed about Instagram account juxtaposes images of Hillary Clinton (past and present) with famous style icons to make a uniquely positive spin on the media coverage for this election. Hillary Street Style’s unlikely mash-ups including Miley Cyrus, Kerry Washington, and Beyonce rejuvenate Clinton’s wardrobe and showcase the power of the pantsuit.

We chatted with the (anonymous) author of Hillary Street Style to discuss the sudden success of the account and the role of fashion in politics.

Claire Butwinick: What inspired you to create Hillary Street Style?

Hillary Street Style: I first started thinking about it in 2015. Around the time when she first announced, there were some retrospectives of her life, work and style. After seeing a lot of vintage pics of Hillary, I kept seeing similar or updated versions of her outfits in magazines or even just on the street.

CB: Hillary Street Style has accumulated a decent following – very impressive! What do you think attracts people to the account?

HSS: Honesty, I have been surprised by how enthusiastic people have been about the account. I think that the account perhaps was able to present Hillary and her fashion in a slightly new light. I also think that for many women having a woman candidate has been inspiring so it is fun to have some fashion inspo to go along with the historical significance. There is a reason Rosie the Riveter is a go-to Halloween costume.

CB: What element do you like most about Clinton’s style?

HSS: I like that it has changed and evolved. I sometimes think about that in the larger context of the election–and how we don’t expect candidate’s views on things, such as gay marriage, abortion even social security to evolve.

CB: Do you think that social media accounts like yours have the power to influence voters?

HSS: Perhaps in a more subtle way. I think given the barrage of media and information (and false information) we all encounter every day, anything can influence how we think about candidates. I also think it may make her more relatable. For better or worse I think that can be influential.

CB: Throughout the election, some have found the buzz about Hillary’s outfits to be distracting from her policies. Do you agree?

HSS: If someone’s Instagram use is distracting them from learning about and fully understanding the candidates’ policies, then I think there are bigger issues at play. But in all seriousness, currently I think that any female candidate’s clothing/style will be judged and talked about.  Given that reality, I’d prefer to talk about a candidate’s style relating to other people’s fashion choices and current trends and not in relation to the candidate’s qualifications, policies or debate performance.

CB: In a recent interview with ABC News, Donald Trump stated, “I just don’t think she has a presidential look, and you need a presidential look…”. How would you respond to Trump’s comment? Do you find Clinton’s outfits empowering?

HSS: I think most of Trump’s comments are not worth responding too. I would note that a lot of our early presidents rocked a ponytail and heels too.

CB: Hillary Clinton has paved the way for women’s presidential attire by introducing the power of the pantsuit. If Clinton gets elected, do you perceive a change in women’s fashion? More pantsuits, perhaps?

HSS: I think we are already moving toward more pantsuits!  I love that people are planning on wearing pantsuits to vote on Tuesday. I also thought the pantsuit flash mob was amazing.

CB: What does the ultimate girl-boss wear?

HSS: I think the ultimate girl-boss wears something she feels badass in that also allows her to do her job.

Claire Butwinick is an intern with The Riveter. She recently moved out West to study journalism at The University of Washington – Seattle. Claire loves singing loudly, funky sunglasses, and all things iridescent. Check out what she’s up to on Instagram.