The inauguration of Joe Biden on January 20, 2021, was a significant day for not only our nation but our people. History was made this day. Kamala Harris was sworn in as the first black and South Asian female Vice President of The United States of America. Not only did Harris make history, but she also stole the show with her outfit.
Kamala Harris
If you watched the Inauguration you know it was basically a red carpet fashion show for the White House, and what a show it was! Madam Vice President Kamala Harris captivated us with an iconic monochromatic ensemble. She presented herself in a royal purple A-line tailored coat with a deep V-neckline opening, and a matching dress peaking out.
The royal purple color of Harris' outfit, while beautiful and flattering, was also symbolic. The color purple was mean to pay tribute to Shirley Chisholm. Chisholm was the first black female elected into congress was the first African American woman to campaign for the Democratic Party presidential nomination in 1972. The tribute was a way for Harris to note those who paved a way for her.
The designer behind the engenius look was none other than 2020 American Emerging Designer of the Year, Christopher John Rogers. It is rare to see black designers represented in the mainstream media, so not only was it amazing to see a celebrity show a minority designer some love, this was a tribute to all minority designers everywhere.
I think I speak for us all when I say our Vice President is not only a powerful woman but she also possesses a matching fashion sense.
Jill Biden
Jill Biden, America’s newest first lady, also joined in on the monochromatic look. Biden wore a tweed coat with velvet covering the sleeves and collar, and she paired her ensemble with matching gloves and a printed face mask.
Dr. Jill Biden looked classy and elegant, to say anything else would be an understatement. Biden's dress and matching jacket were created by emerging artist Alexandra O'Neil, who just recently created the new fashion brand, Markarian.
Michelle Obama
Former first lady Michelle Obama wore a burgundy jacket, along with matching wide-leg trousers and a turtle neck. She completed her monochromatic chic look with a gold belt and black leather gloves. Each piece, seemingly simple, worked together to create a stunning outfit.
Obama also supported an emerging black designer and had Sergio Hudson design her outfit for the historic day. Hudson also designed Kamala Harris’ black sequined cocktail dress for the evening television special.
With all this fashion talk, when it comes to the Inauguration, it would be a crime if we forgot about our next generation of fashionistas at the White House.
Ella Emhoff
When it comes to the next generation of fashionistas Emhoff takes the cake. Ella Emhoff, the stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris, wore a beautiful plaid Miu Miu coat, with crystal detailing on the shoulders, and a Batsheva dress underneath. The young emerging knitwear designer looked amazing serving us very classic and vintage vibes.
Meena Harris
Meena Harris, the niece of the Vice President, also wore a monochromatic look to the inauguration, and man did she look amazing. Her play on the different hues of green really stood out from the other monochromatic looks we have discussed so far. However, it was her vibrant green coach jacket that stole the show, layering it over a design created by Ula Johnson.
It's clear there is a new wave of fashion that's arrived at the White House and it's here to stay.