Sartorial politics: the visual interest in an otherwise legally boring, multi-hour event. It’s one thing to be one of the most important people in the world, but it’s another thing to dress like it.
Reduced engagement between attendees and masked facial expressions, we looked at appearances to occupy our hours as we wait until the moment we’ve all been waiting for the past four years; a moment in time to celebrate and commemorate all the lives lost.
Politics aside, let’s all say we’re glad Trump didn’t come: his ill-fitting suits and (overcompensatingly long) untucked ties would be an embarrassment next to the iconic looks Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, and Madame Vice President Kamala Harris served on January 20th.
Reduced engagement between attendees and masked facial expressions, we looked at appearances to occupy our hours as we wait until the moment we’ve all been waiting for the past four years; a moment in time to celebrate and commemorate all the lives lost.
The usual circus-like Inauguration scaled back to its bare essentials, the fashion at the ceremony caught many people’s eyes. For the first time we’ve seen a woman in the second highest power in the land and she served the looks we all needed to commemorate this historic day.
Dawning a powerful pantsuit/dress outfit by Christopher John Rogers and Kerby Jean-Raymond— independent, Black-owned businesses that also supported frontline medical workers by manipulating their PPE resources—Kamala Harris rocked intentional designers and colors. Just like her fellow trail-blazer Michelle Obama, Madame Vice President stunned the symbolic color of purple. Associating themselves with royalty, power, ambition, nobility, wisdom, and pride, these women made their impact on January 20th.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, however, fell more into the traditional lines of such events—echoing the Biden’s Presidency moderate position in politics. Despite the more rigid rules, Dr. Biden remained intentional with her outfit that Wednesday. Rocking an embroidered coat with the federal flowers of every US state and territory, Dr. Biden implied inclusivity (the name of the game for the Bidens). Designed by Hearst, the new First Lady wore a sustainable piece.
And lastly for Bernie—don’t think for a second we forgot the most iconic look of the day. Representing his home state of Vermont in his affordable Burton ski jacket and homemade gloves knitted by a local teacher, Senator Sanders’ informal outfit was extremely representative of who he is in the political world.
This blog post is meant to appreciate their intentional fashion decisions, giving them a glimmer of excitement following their courageous win. Now let’s see the fashionistas (and their husbands) get down to work in improving the economy, fighting systemic racism, mass unemployment, and socioeconomic inequity.