Andrew Cuomo Debuts as a Model Walking the Runway at NYFW Ahead NYC Mayor Election - VIDEO

New York politics took an unexpected turn onto the fashion runway this week when Andrew Cuomo, the former governor and now independent candidate for mayor, made his debut as a model at the Style Across the Aisle show on the eve of New York Fashion Week. The event blended politics, charity, and high fashion, drawing headlines at a moment when the city's mayoral race is dominating the conversation.

The marble halls of the New York County Surrogate's Court, located near City Hall, transformed into a catwalk for more than 30 New York politicians on Wednesday. The bipartisan showcase was designed to support small designers and raise funds for Witness to Mass Incarceration, a group that trains formerly incarcerated New Yorkers in tailoring and design.

Cuomo was the final model of the night and earned the loudest reaction. Wearing a tailored navy suit by Bond & Bari, he walked with confidence, smiling at the crowd and flashing the custom lining of his blazer, which featured images of New York City and Marilyn Monroe. Attendees stood to record him on their phones, with many surprised by the ease of his runway presence.

"I have been practicing for weeks. The turn is the trick," Cuomo told reporters after the show.

Fashion and Politics Collide

The event, called Style Across the Aisle, highlighted the growing overlap of cultural spectacle and political campaigning. Former Governor David Paterson also walked the runway, earning applause with a playful spin, while other city leaders modeled clothes made by students and up-and-coming designers.

Mayor Eric Adams, who was invited, skipped the show, saying he had "a city to run." His absence drew attention, especially as Cuomo's independent run threatens to siphon votes from Adams' centrist base.

The Election Stakes

Cuomo's fashion cameo comes just weeks before New Yorkers head to the polls in November. The 2025 race for mayor has turned into one of the city's most unpredictable contests in decades.

• Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman and self-described democratic socialist, is the Democratic nominee after defeating both Adams and Cuomo in the June primary. He currently leads most polls, drawing between 43% and 50% support among likely voters.
• Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, is polling in the mid-20s. His campaign emphasizes experience and executive leadership, while critics argue his independent run risks splitting the vote.
• Eric Adams, the incumbent mayor, is also pursuing re-election as an independent but has struggled to break into double digits in most surveys.
• Curtis Sliwa, representing the Republicans, hovers around 10% support.

The top issues for voters are housing affordability, public safety, and economic stability. Mamdani has gained traction with younger and progressive voters, while Cuomo hopes events like his Fashion Week appearance will reintroduce him to moderates and independents as a relatable, energetic candidate.