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Whoopi Goldberg Basically Won the Politically-Charged Opening Ceremony Fashion Show

2 minute read

The Opening Ceremony runway show during New York Fashion Week gave a refreshing take on fashion week offerings by presenting their collection with a decidedly political bent, with the help of some high-wattage guest appearances by some of the funniest women in show business.

Portlandia co-stars Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein hosted the show, dubbed the “Pageant of the People,” a theme that reiterated the show’s emphasis on the current political climate. In fact, the show’s notes stressed the importance of the democratic process, reading: “This year, no ideas are as critical as the ones our country will consider on election day. Our fall II and winter 2016 show is a tribute to the American democratic process and the diversity of those who participate in it.”

Between introducing Opening Ceremony’s new designs, Armisen and Brownstein interviewed 11 celebrity guests who were dressed in the new offerings from Opening Ceremony; they included Parks and Recreation actresses Rashida Jones and Aubrey Plaza, Orange is the New Black’s Natasha Lyonne, comedian Ali Wong, transgender activist Sarah McBride, and none other than EGOT champ Whoopi Goldberg.

The women answered a series of questions ranging from funny to serious, pageant-style, and it’s safe to say that Goldberg effectively stole the show. When asked what brought her to the fashion show, Goldberg’s response was both poignant and side-splitting.

“Only in America can a girl like me find myself walking on a stage like this, dressed in Opening Ceremony, baby,” she joked.

Later, when asked why people should vote this November, Goldberg’s quip was again, both hilarious and resonant.

“Because if you don’t vote, then you can’t b–h.”

Watch Goldberg steal the show at Opening Ceremony below.

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Write to Cady Lang at cady.lang@timemagazine.com