Symbolism of Fashion in 2021 Presidential Inauguration

Written by Chloe Gray

With the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone was home. This meant, more than ever, eyes were glued to the screen for the 46th United States Presidential Inauguration. Important individuals were on par with their designer pieces that had carried the long-lasting tradition of symbolizing the country’s history, noteworthy trailblazers, and their current hope for the nation.

Amanda Gorman, who stands as the youngest poet in U.S. history to speak at the inauguration, was seen in a Miuccia Prada yellow overcoat. Gorman wore it as a tribute to Jill Biden. She was inspired when she saw the first lady wearing it in a video. Gorman also wore a ring in the shape of a caged bird that was gifted by Oprah Winfrey. The ring resembled race, identity, and acceptance. Her other accessories included a scarlet red headband from Prada and gold hoop earrings.

As Lady Gaga performed the national anthem, she was clothed in Schiaparelli. The haute couture design consisted of a navy cashmere blazer, a surging, silk, red skirt, and a large golden bird pin. The pin encouraged peace and acknowledged the present divide in the nation.

Jennifer Lopez also sang at the inauguration. Dressed mainly in Chanel, she sported an allwhite look. The house of Chanel designed for Lopez a tweed coat, a ruffled silk blouse, and wide-legged, sequined pants. Lopez also wore six-inch, peep-toe stilettos by Jimmy Choo. Her outfit was white, representing suffragettes, a women’s organization that fought for the rights of women to vote in public elections. The white also served as a symbol of purity and feminism. Lopez wore pearls that could possibly acknowledge the first black woman to be elected to Congress and run for President, Shirley Chisholm.

Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of Vice President

Kamala Harris, surprised many when she appeared with a fashion statement piece. She was dressed in a Miu Miu plaid red, white, and blue tweed coat with crystal embellishments and an oversized white collar. Under her coat was a Batsheva Dress. She also wore chunky boots and a black headband. The patriotic colors and the incredible style brought a fashion week piece into the inauguration.

Vice President Harris wore a purple coat and a matching dress by designer Christopher John Rodgers. Similar to Lopez, Harris wore her outfit as a “nod to Shirley Chisholm” who Harris looked up to in her political career. The color purple represents loyalty and hope, which was a large part of the Biden and Harris’ campaign.

Former First Lady, Michelle Obama, wore plum pants, a sweater, and a cashmere coat. To top off the outfit, she paired it with a thick plum belt with gold detailing for the holes and belt buckle around her waist . The clothes were designed by Sergio Hudson. The plum color is a mix of red and blue, which represents unity.

Joe Biden, president elect, was seen in a custom blue suit designed by Ralph Lauren - one of the top American fashion houses. The blue suit represented the democratic association, trust, confidence, and stability. George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton, who were all present at the inauguration also wore blue ties.

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden wore a monochromatic, blue Alex O’Neil piece. Dr. Biden wore it with the idea of trust, confidence, and stability. Dr. Biden also wanted to represent the unification of the country by wearing a dress that had each state’s flower embroidered on it.

The fashion symbolism presented during the inauguration was meant to speak volumes to a nation and solidified the influential power that fashion has on the world.