On Monday, Jan. 20, the arctic temperatures in Washington, D.C., relocated the 74th Presidential Inauguration inside, and everyone took advantage of this to display their stylistic talents, offering a unique opportunity for fashion to take center stage. Those in attendance wore their favorite designers and chose pieces representing their character. As fashion intersected with American politics and business, a fresh perspective was cast on women’s fashion in the political world.
To begin, First Lady Melania Trump adopted a bold look, sporting navy outerwear and a provocative hat that has received endless media attention. Retiring her former designers such as Ralph Lauren who she wore for the 2017 inauguration, Trump introduced Adam Lippes’ designs as the main element of her outfit to establish new roots of talent. Lippes’ designs are created solely by American crafters, sewing straight out of New York City.
In a recent press release, Lippes expressed how honored he was to display his American artistry and dress Trump.
“Mrs. Trump’s outfit was created by some of America’s finest craftsmen and I take great pride in showing such work to the world,” Lippes said.
According to Vogue, the all-American look for the first lady seems to intentionally display President Donald Trump’s emphasis on American business and American products.
Showing her need for a flare of creativity, Melania Trump’s headwear was a dramatic fashion statement, stirring some discussion about her covered eyes and her husband’s failed kiss on the cheek. The hat, designed by Eric Javits, completed her modest aesthetic together by tying in the navy from her wool coat and the cream of her silk blouse. Her flare of creativity and simplistic look are the styles that Melania Trump constantly returns to. Although her heart has led her to new designers, she relies on her authentic style to represent herself and the Trump family as her husband assumes the presidency.
On the opposite side of Melania Trump stood the former First Lady, Jill Biden, in full purple attire. Biden chose a royal color, almost as if she was alluding to her final moments as the first lady. Dressed by another American designer, Ralph Lauren, Biden’s classy look with a pop of purple made for a final striking appearance.
Commenting on a different analysis of Biden’s purple attire, Sam Woodward of USA Today shared her thoughts on the possible symbolism of the color purple.
“Purple, being the result when you mix red and blue, could be [Biden’s] final call for cooperation amongst the two parties as America braces for a hostile political environment,” Woodward said.
Therefore, Biden may be suggesting political unity between the two opposing parties to discourage conflict in the Capitol.
Another notable woman in the Democratic Party, former Vice President Kamala Harris, was dressed in full black, all the way down to her leather gloves. Her black theme could represent her fear of the unknown future under Trump’s next term. On the other hand, Harris may have believed Trump’s inauguration was a funeral for the Democratic Party and her defeat, hence the full black attire. Harris may be still mourning her loss and expressing her emotions with her wardrobe.
Sharing the stage with Melania Trump, Second Lady Usha Vance came prepared for her first inauguration with a classy look. A new female face for the Republican Party, she rose to the challenge and embraced a powerful look. Vance sported a light pink Oscar de la Renta overcoat with a matching scarf tucked into a waist belt. The subtle light pink color definitely brightened up the room, showcasing the flamboyancy in her playful fashion taste.
While others dressed more conservatively for the event, Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, decided to take a risqué approach with her outfit. Sanchez wore a white overcoat blazer designed by Alexander McQueen, but under the blazer, Sanchez wore a white lace top that resembled a piece of lingerie.
First-year Colgate University student Anna Lee Geoghan acknowledged Sanchez’s bold choice. She perceived the corset top as a tasteless and unacceptable choice made by Sanchez, as it exposed her lack of social awareness and respect for the inauguration.
“I thought it was situationally inappropriate and in poor taste,” Geoghan said.
The women attending the inauguration faced the spotlight and crafted their looks to display what they believe is the most powerful version of themselves. With every news channel recording and photographers taking snapshots, these women got to choose the persona they would display to America. Melania Trump, Jill Biden and Kamala Harris all dressed respectfully for the occasion, with the continuity of their style displaying their reliability and support for America. Which, I believe, symbolizes their ability to respect each other, regardless of their political affiliation in a time of political uncertainty
