You might expect that a presidential inauguration would be plastered with colors of red, white and blue, with uninteresting fashion from political figures in attendance — but the 2021 presidential inauguration was far from the status quo.
A poised administration and guests draped in vibrant colors, glistening accessories and well-known designer threads graced the U.S. Capitol while sparking attention across media outlets. Household brands took center stage at the inauguration, and unique stylings left audiences bewildered.
Ruth Samuel, a senior majoring in media and journalism, is a senior adviser for The Bridge, a student-run publication. She said writing articles that concern the world of fashion has shown her that fashion is inherently political.
“Fashion is political in a sense that it has so much of an effect on our society and it affects how much you move through the world,” Samuel said.
President Joe Biden sported a clean-cut, navy blue Ralph Lauren suit with a gray wool overcoat to layer. First Lady Jill Biden wore a shimmering teal dress and coat from American designer Alexandra O'Neill from the New York label Markarian.
The representation of American designers embodies a message that the American fashion industry is worth appreciation. Although the president and first lady were the main stars of the event, they weren’t the only individuals to put their best foot forward.
Denasia Pegues, a sophomore majoring in business administration who is the designer of her own clothing line, Sweven, said she loved how Vice President Kamala Harris embodied her culture through her clothing.
“I loved Kamala Harris’ coat,” Pegues said. “I really liked that she represented us, and she wore our designs because I know you could go out and wear Gucci, which is white, but if I had that status, I would always support my people.”
Harris greeted crowds in a purple single-breasted coat and dress from Black American designer Christopher John Rogers. Many presume that the vice president’s bold choice of purple was a homage to women’s suffrage and the unification of the colors red and blue. Similarly, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wore a purple pantsuit by Ralph Lauren.
