The Future Is Bright: The Symbolism & Politics of Inauguration Fashion
The message from the Biden/Harris crew was clear on Inauguration Day: The future is bright. We love how history-making Vice President Kamala Harris, new First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and former First Lady Michelle Obama all donned wardrobes from young, emerging American designers in bold, optimistic hues for the Inauguration festivities. So much of fashion gets written off as fluff and frivolity, but their wardrobe choices prove there’s real power and a deeper meaning that can come from dressing with intention.
The night before the Inauguration, First Lady Jill Biden wore a purple ensemble by sustainably minded, Mexican-American designer Jonathan Cohen Studio. On Inauguration Day, Madam Vice President Kamala Harris wore a purple dress and matching coat by Black designer Christopher John Rogers, plus her signature strand of pearls. FLOTUS wore a twinkling blue tweed dress and coordinating coat by Markarian, a color that’s symbolic of trust, confidence, and stability. Michelle Obama wore a fierce merlot pant suit by Sergio Hudson. And the amazing poet laureate Amanda Gorman wore a cheerful yellow Prada coat that seemed to nod to sunnier days ahead. Compare all those messages of diversity and inclusivity to Melania Trump’s infamous “I don’t really care” jacket...
Later that evening, First Lady Jill Biden donned a cream cashmere coat made by one of our favorite designers Gabriela Hearst, who’s known for her sustainable fashion practices and ethos. The coat and matching cocktail dress in suffragette white featured delicate, hand-embroidered flowers representing each state and territory in the U.S.—yet another inaugural ensemble that’s beautifully symbolic of unity and inclusivity in America. We also loved Naomi Biden’s vibrant purple Valentino jumpsuit and Ashley Biden’s Ralph Lauren tux and Chloe Gosselin heels, a sexy and irreverent take on traditional black tie, and the same suit designer worn by her dad, Preisdent Joe Biden, on Inauguration Day. And speaking of coats, we can’t stop thinking about Ella Emhoff’s embellished Miu Miu coat she wore to the Inauguration.
We’re so happy to have fashion, style, and decency return to the White House. We can’t wait to see what the First Lady and Madam Veep wear next! Who gets your vote for best dressed on Inauguration Day? Cast your ballot in the comments below!