American Fashion Designers Were Front and Centre at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration

Following Melania Trump’s farewell ensemble of all-European designers earlier this morning, American fashion designers got a major shoutout at the 2021 Inauguration ceremony. President-elect Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and Douglas Emhoff all wore pieces by American designers on Inauguration Day.

President-elect Biden appeared in a custom navy Ralph Lauren suit, breaking from tradition and forgoing the expected choice of Brooks Brothers, which 41 of the past 45 U.S. presidents have worn for their Inaugurations, including Barack Obama and Trump. Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff, also chose Ralph Lauren for his Inauguration Day suit, as well. Dr. Jill Biden wore a custom Markarian-designed matching blue coat and dress set embellished with Swarovski crystals and pearls, complete with a matching silk face mask by Colorado-born, New York City-based designer Alexandra O’Neill, of up-and-coming American label Markarian. According to a press release, Dr. Biden chose a blue dress to signify “trust, confidence, and stability.”

Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris wore designs by two Black designers, a dress and coat by Louisiana-born Christopher John Rogers, and heels by Sergio Hudson of South Carolina. Vice President-elect Harris finished her look with a pearl necklace by Wilfredo Rosado and a David Yurman American Flag Lapel Pin.

Continuing the day’s trends, Hillary Clinton wore a Ralph Lauren suit (in a deep purple shade), while Michelle Obama opted for a plum suit by Sergio Hudson.

Watch this space for more Inauguration Day 2021 fashion moments.