Fashions Of The 2021 Presidential Inauguration: Who Dressed Whom?
WASHINGTON – Inauguration Day 2021…As the sun rises on a new administration of leaders of the United States of America, arguably the most powerful country in the world, it is very clear the world is paying attention to the event with both eyes open. Throughout history, presidential inaugurations seem to not only be an affair that celebrates the new leaders of the free world, but also the clothes are worn by those taking oaths.
From the iconic inaugural gown worn by first lady Eleanor Roosevelt to the beautifully trimmed dress worn by Michelle Obama during President Obama’s ceremony, it is very clear the fashion worn by the women attending these events is nothing short of an expression representing the United States. And with Kamala Harris being sworn in as the first female vice president, it is very clear her sense of fashion will speak volumes for the country.
The fashion chosen at yesterday’s (Jan. 20) inauguration spoke volumes, as all of the chosen designers were American. Steven Kolb, Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Fashion Designers of America expressed “By wearing these American designers, they’re not only boosting the business of those individuals, but they’re really boosting the $373 Billion industry.”
Vice President Kamala Harris wore a purple ensemble created by Christopher John Rogers. Rogers is a black New York designer, hailing from Baton Rouge, LA. The designer only launched his brand a few seasons ago and has since earned him a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. He has dressed numerous well-known individuals such as Zendaya, Beyoncé, and Lizzo.
Vice President Harris wore shoes by Sergio Hudson and her popular choice of a pearl necklace was created by Wilfredo Rosado. The newly sworn-in Vice President has worn pearls consistently to pay homage to her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha. AKA sorority members all over took to social media sharing photos of themselves proudly wearing their similar choices of pearls and “Chucks” (Converse All-Stars) in solidarity and admiration.
First Lady Jill Biden wore an ocean blue wool coat embedded with Swarovski crystals accompanied by a matching mask and gloves. Her ensemble was created by Alexandria O’Neill, a New York-based designer and creator of the well-known fashion label, Markarian. First Lady Biden was beautiful in her outfit, choosing the color blue, representing “trust, confidence, and stability.”
For the evening concert, the First Lady wore an ivory coat and wool dress with embroidery reflecting all the state flowers of the United States, and territories and the District of Columbia. This was a purposeful gesture signaling the importance of national unity. The coat and dress were specially created by Dr. Biden’s friend and designer Gabriela Hearst.
The overall talk of the day was about our former First Lady Michelle Obama. Mrs. Obama looked stunning in a plum-colored pantsuit, turtle neck, and belt, accompanied with matching black boots and face mask by Sergio Hudson. Hudson became most well-known after his designs were chosen by the iconic Rihanna. He has also dressed Tracee Ellis Ross, Alesha Dixon, and Kourtney Kardashian. The former first lady caught the attention of many with her long wavy hairstyle, styled by hairstylist and salon owner Yene Damtew.
Both Mrs. Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris both chose the purple/ plum colors to represent a mixing of the colors red and blue. With both dressed in luxurious outfits, the question had to be asked—whose outfit was more glamorous? It was a difficult decision, but Spectacular Magazine voted for Mrs. Obama.
The overall display of pride, unity, and progress was displayed boldly at the 2021 inauguration events. Applause is due and should be given to all of our American designers and political leaders for a well-represented inauguration day.
Congratulations to our new President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris!
Writers Greg Hansbrough, Britany Burch, Alyssa Hefner, and Matt Curry contributed to this article.