What do you have in common with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Golden Bachelor?
The highly anticipated presidential candidate shares the same stylist as Jerry Turner on ABC's hit dating series, according to Federal Election Commission records.
In Kennedy's latest financial report to the FEC, posted last week, the campaign revealed that it paid stylist and costume designer Tom Solli $6,178 in style consulting fees in October. Mr. Sulli announced his collaboration with Mr. Kennedy on his Instagram account last June, sharing an image of the candidate and his wife, Cheryl Hines, wearing dark blue suits and matching ties. .
“I had the opportunity to support Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his presidential announcement and candidacy,'' Sulli said on Instagram. It was a great experience styling such an influential figure in American politics. ”
A few weeks later, Sulli posted a photo of Turner and wrote that she also helped style the eldest Turner. bachelor's degree Star of series history. A Disney spokesperson confirmed that Sulli styled Turner in the show's promotional materials. Sulli did not respond to WIRED's request for comment.
Sulli's costume portfolio promotes work in movies like Steven Spielberg west side story and tv series gossip girldressed both Blake Lively and Leighton Meester from 2007 to 2008.
Kennedy's foray into celebrity styling comes as vaccine skeptics appear to be stepping up efforts to leverage their name recognition and Hollywood connections to strengthen their presidential bids. In recent weeks alone, Kennedy has posted photos and videos with celebrities including life coach Tony Robbins and pro surfer Kelly Slater. Still, many politicians throughout history have tried their hand at professional styling and spent far more money than Kennedy. While running for John McCain's vice president in 2008, Sarah Palin's team hired stylist Lisa A. Klein and spent $150,000 on a new wardrobe (Klein) Most of them were reportedly returned).
The Kennedy campaign also faces stiff headwinds in securing voting rights in the general election. After announcing his candidacy for president as a Democrat in April, Kennedy decided to run as an independent in October. Requirements for independent candidates to qualify for the vote vary by state, making it difficult for non-Democrats and Republicans to mount a promising general election campaign. According to reports, Mr. Kennedy's team is struggling to find all the signatures needed for state ballots and is considering starting its own “We the People” party to improve Mr. Kennedy's chances. He is reportedly considering partnering with the Libertarian Party.
Even as Kennedy's campaign faces an uphill battle over access to the ballot, his team and a pro-Kennedy super PAC continue to expand their network of supporters. In recent months, he has traveled the country to keep his candidacy alive, holding celebrations and meeting with influencers with large and small followings.
