One Seattle Fashionista Gets Political

It's right smack in the middle of Seattle's 2009 Elections, and we've noticed a familiar name on the ballot. Kay Smith Blum...Kay Smith Blum--like, CEO of Butch Blum? Yes, Seattle's premier high fashion retail exec is running for Seattle School Board Position #5, and we got a chance to ask her what's the deal.

Just a few months ago we were interviewing you, as one of Seattle's main fashion forces, about your perspective on how the historical Inauguration has influenced Seattle's local fashion scene. What inspired you to make the switch to public service?

I have ALWAYS wanted to run for school board. I feel I would bring a marketing savvy back to our public schools and a common sense approach to budgeting. Whatever we spend or don’t spend should be based on what is right for our students, period. I have been a public school advocate for years, raising money, and community building in Central Area schools, so it's time to take it to the next level.

How will Butch Blum be affected by your potential new role? Are you leaving the business?

I have organized our business so I do not have to manage the day-to-day anymore. We have a great promotions administrator, floor manager, two additional buyers, and a superb tailoring staff. Soooooo, theoretically I have time to spend 30-40 hours per week on an unpaid non-partisan position on the school board. Yes, I have clearly lost my mind!

Do you suspect that you will still be at all involved in the local fashion community if you win?

Absolutely! I will never ignore my "paying" job and the community around it.

As a fashion writer, we have to ask, how do you see your new possible role in the community affecting your style? Will we start seeing you in Sarah Palin-esque wear (to quote you) "the good stuff, before her horrible vintage clothing, of course"?

Never! A side benefit of me possibly winning is that the school district is a whole new arena of potential Butch Blum clients!