Joe Biden has been sworn in as US president, with Kamala Harris as vice president.
The inauguration was a celebratory occasion, with performances from Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez, and Biden speaking about hope and unity.
For the swearing-in ceremony and all the events around it, politicians and celebrities used fashion as a powerful tool. So much can be conveyed through clothes; it was an opportunity to showcase a diverse America and heralds a new era.
Kamala Harris
The evening before getting sworn in, Harris, Biden and their partners attended a memorial for those who’ve lost their lives due to Covid-19.
Harris wore a beige coat by designer Kerby-Jean Raymond of label Pyer Moss. Throughout the inauguration events, Harris only wore black designers – significant because she is the first black and Indian-American woman to be VP.
Raymond was also a powerful choice because he turned his New York office into a PPE donation centre and set up a fund to support "minority and women-owned small creative businesses who are currently in distress".
For the swearing-in ceremony, Harris wore a purple coat and dress by Christopher John Rogers, a queer, black designer based in New York. His designs have previously been worn by Zendaya and Tracee Ellis Ross, and he’s known for bright colours, bold silhouettes and high glamour.
The colour purple is likely a nod to the colours of the US suffragette movement: purple, white and gold or possibly Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress who was known to wear the colour while campaigning.
For the virtual concert in the evening, Harris tapped Southern designer Sergio Hudson. Hudson created a black sequinned cocktail dress with tuxedo overcoat, and told Harper’s Bazaar:
"We kept the silhouette very structured and tailored, because that’s who the Vice President is, but the liquid sequins give her glamour and shine, because her influence and the way she’s broken barriers is a light for so many of us. She shines so we can all shine."
Dr Jill Biden
First Lady Dr Jill Biden wore a bright teal ensemble for the inauguration, complete with a matching face mask. Instead of choosing a mainstream, established designer, Biden wore up-and-coming label Markarian. Founded in 2017 by Alexandra O’Neill, Markarian has dressed the likes of Kerry Washington and Laura Dern.
Biden then changed into a white coat and dress by Uruguayan American designer Gabriela Hearst. The outfit was embroidered with flowers, which New York Times fashion director Vanessa Friedman noted reflected "all of the state flowers of the United States and territories and the District of Columbia".
Joe Biden
Biden wore a Ralph Lauren suit, a brand that very much fits his values. An all-American brand, Ralph Lauren often incorporates the national flag into its designs, and has dressed team USA for the Olympics.
Michelle Obama
Former First Lady Michelle Obama attended the inauguration in a jaw-droppingly chic outfit. With wide-legged trousers, a statement belt and long coat, Obama’s plum ensemble was also designed by Sergio Hudson.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga sung the national anthem in suitably dramatic attire. Her giant Schiaparelli gown featured a red skirt and navy jacket – reminiscent of the American flag – and had a golden brooch attached. Gaga explained on Twitter it was, "A dove carrying an olive branch. May we all make peace with each other."
Ella Emhoff
Harris’ stepdaughter Ella Emhoff was one of the breakout fashion stars of the day. A student at the Parsons School of Design, Emhoff wore an embellished Miu Miu coat and a burgundy Batsheva dress. The look was youthful and stylish, with some seeing the statement collar as a nod to late Justice of the Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Bernie Sanders
Senator Bernie Sanders isn’t exactly known for his style, but his low-key inauguration outfit still went viral. He wore a heavy winter coat with knitted mittens, sparking countless memes.
DID NO ONE OFFER YOU TEA BERNIE? AND YOU FROZEN WITH THE COLD?
— Irish Mammies (@irishmammies) January 21, 2021
COME IN FOR GOODNESS SAKE YOU'LL GET DOUBLE PNEUMONIA IN THAT. AND NO HAT ON YOUR HEAD. pic.twitter.com/tlDQg5D6pm
Sanders later told CBS: "You know in Vermont, we dress warm, we know something about the cold. And we’re not so concerned about good fashion, we want to keep warm, and that’s what I did today."
Vermont schoolteacher Jen Ellis was responsible for his gloves, and tweeted: "They are made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece (made from recycled plastic bottles)."
