After a tumultuous election and what can only be described as a difficult year altogether, the Biden-Harris team formally took their oaths before beginning their term as the new administration of the United States of America. Marked as Inauguration Day, the event is much-awaited and followed during the beginning of each term and this one was no different. What was also significant was the attendees—which constituted of former office-bearers and family—making powerful statements with their fashion choices.
Fashion Moments From The 46th Inaugural Day
From using colour meaningfully to promoting young designers and BIPOC-owned labels, the fashion statements made at Inaugural Day didn’t disappoint. Here’s taking a look at the key, standout moments.
The Bidens
Both President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden chose American designers to mark the occasion. The former wore head-to-toe navy by Ralph Lauren, one of the most established names in American and global fashion. In her initial outing as the First Lady, Dr. Biden opted for a turquoise dress and coat with highlighted velvet lapels from New York-based label Markarian, run by designer Alexandra O’Neill. The colour for confidence, the blue of the outfit was complemented by the embellished neckline of the dress, the Swarovski crystals and pearls standing out. What’s also worth noting is the nod to sustainability, given that the label dabbles in made-to-order pieces to reduce waste.
Kamala Harris
Becoming the first woman Vice President of the United States of America, Kamala Harris is also the first woman of colour to hold the position. For the monumental occasion, the Vice President was seen in a monochrome purple outfit from Christopher John Rogers, a promising Black designer. Not only did Kamala Harris represent a designer based out of America, she also chose purple, one of the colours of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in the US and one used to denote purpose and loyalty.
The look is the second monochrome one by the VP. Soon after election results were announced in early November, she had worn a white tailored suit by American designer Caroline Herrera.
Michelle Obama
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the former First Lady Michelle Obama broke the internet with her choice of outfit for Inaugural Day. Also wearing a black American designer, she kept it formal in a turtleneck and pants that were layered with a matching coat, the monochrome plum-hued outfit from Sergio Hudson further elevated with a noticeable belt.
Ella Emhoff
If there has been a prize reserved for ‘the breakout star’ from the US inauguration, it would, without a sliver of doubt, go to Ella Emhoff. Kamala Harris’s 22-year-old stepdaughter made an unexpected and stunning debut with her chic houndstooth coat from Miu Miu that came with embellished shoulder details. Layered over a burgundy dress from popular NYC label Batsheva, Ella Emhoff accessorised her look with a prominent white-collar, round glasses and black boots. Nothing to not love here.
Prominent Atendees
Several other performers and attendees were seen in memorable looks. Jennifer Lopez, who performed at the ceremony, wore head-to-toe white, another suffragette colour. For the event, the singer and actor was decked up in a sheer blouse, wide-legged pants, a long coat and accessories, all from Chanel. On the other hand, Lady Gaga, who also performed at the ceremony, chose to wear a red and black Elsa Schiaparelli gown, accompanied by a gold pin.
At 22, Amanda Gorman became the youngest inaugural poet in the country’s history and for the groundbreaking occasion, wore a vibrant yellow coat and a red headband from Prada. Scroll to take a closer look at their attires.
One simply couldn’t miss out on Bernie Sanders, who arrived in a laidback look, complete with mittens to beat the cold and sparked a hundred memes on Twitter.
"This could have been an email." #BernieSanders pic.twitter.com/NaGYQwY4bU
— Lamang (@lamangayidova) January 20, 2021
When you have an inauguration at 12, but the post office at 1 😂 #BernieSanders #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/3pfT5yh88a
— Ian Chang (@iannchang) January 20, 2021
Might be my fav #BernieSanders meme 😆 pic.twitter.com/DFtEB7eWRt
— Turd Ferguson (@StephPhotoGeek) January 20, 2021
Me after the pandemic when I'm asked to socialize again. #InagurationDay #BernieSanders #COVID pic.twitter.com/muDKQfFka3
— d t (@DanTraicoff) January 20, 2021
Internet makes me cry#BernieSanders ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dEzmrIBu2n
— pererepaoduro (@osmardeirada) January 21, 2021
This one certainly won’t be forgotten for a long time.
Featured Image: Instagram/Twitter
