This week, the Democratic National Convention is underway at the United Center in Chicago, running until Thursday. While the four-day convention will focus on voter enthusiasm for Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as the vice-presidential candidate, the focus will also be on fashion. Politicians have long used personal style as part of their strategies to convey messages during their campaigns . Less incisive for men, when it comes to style the best communicators are still women, capable of speaking to voters through outfits and accessories.
Harris took to the stage to the tune of Beyoncé’s song ‘Freedom’, wearing a custom-made suit for the first night of the Democratic Convention, courtesy of the French house, Chloé. Despite being an easy target as the designer’s choice might appear not patriotic enough, the tan power suit in grain de poudre wool with single-breasted blazer and wide-leg trousers immediately went viral. According to Google Trends, Harris’s outfit, accessorized with a white crepe de chine blouse, was first in searches throughout the night.
In 2014, then-President Barack Obama had stirred controversy for wearing a suit of the same (slightly lighter) shade, with the opinion (of the Republicans) that the hue was not ‘appropriate’ for the office. Who knows whether Harris’s decision to wear the color was intended to counter that sentiment. The choice is certainly appropriate for a candidate running on progressive ideals.
The intention, when it comes to style, may be for Kamala Harris to speak to a larger electorate. Her recent choices have seen her replacing the more conservative pearl necklaces with the knot neck blouse under her power suits, a nod to a more recent feminist history. Truly relevant is the message conveyed by the Converse Chuck Taylors shoes, quintessential American history. If authenticity is determined through a person’s style, then it matters that Kamala’s taste shines through.
The First Lady of the United States also shows excellent taste. On the first day, Dr. Jill Biden opted for two outfits. The first was a Ralph Lauren lilac double breasted blazer paired with white trousers. Later in the evening she dazzled in a baby blue custom made Ralph Lauren sequined sheath dress with long sleeves, coordinated with a pair of sparkling, pointed-toe pumps and a set of shimmering statement earrings to complete the ensemble. The First Lady has never missed an opportunity to show her support for American designers. Most recently she did so for the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics last month, where she wore a look once again by Ralph Lauren. During her tenure as First Lady, Jill Biden’s wardrobe has been demonstrating her strong attachment to her country, showing patriotism while wearing outfits by Sergio Hudson, Christian Siriano, Markarian and others.
Also present on the first night of the Democratic Convention was former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who wore a white tweed tunic and pants outfit, perhaps as a subtle reference to the women’s suffrage movement of the 19th century. In 2016, during her campaign as the candidate to the White House against Donald Trump, Clinton radically changed her wardrobe, having Ralph Lauren design it. Even though boring, her choice also spoke about patriotism.
Another noteworthy fashion detail was Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan’s outfit: a blazer and printed dress by Jamie Okuma, a prominent contemporary Native American designer and artist. Showing her support for Okuma, Flanagan – who belongs to the Ojibwe Nation – brought to the stage Native American citizens, often key voters in the so-called swing States.
