Kamala Harris and Dr. Jill Biden Support Immigrant Fashion Designers in Victory Speech
Source: Daily Mail
On Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11:25 a.m., major news outlets including AP News, CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC officially declared former Vice President Joe Biden the president-elect and former California Senator Kamala Harris the vice president-elect in the 2020 election. Following a day filled with celebrations across the country and around the world, Biden and Harris officially gave their victory speeches in Wilmington, Delaware.
Future Madam Vice President Harris stepped out wearing a white pantsuit and white pussy-bow blouse. Harris has been a known fan of the power suit, often donning ones in navy or black. In her choice of attire, the look was a conscious decision. Harris wore Suffragette white as a symbol to mark the 100th anniversary of the women's suffrage movement. The 19th amendment, which granted women the right to vote, was ratified on August 18, 1920. Founded in 1913, the National Woman’s Party colors are white, gold, and purple.
“A new generation of women in our country who cast their ballots and continued the fight for their fundamental right to vote and be heard. ”
Source: Vogue
Referencing the Women’s Suffrage Movement in her speech, Harris stated, "One hundred years ago with the 19th Amendment, 55 years ago with the Voting Rights Act, and now, in 2020, with a new generation of women in our country who cast their ballots and continued the fight for their fundamental right to vote and be heard. Tonight, I reflect on their struggle, their determination, and the strength of their vision—to see what can be unburdened by what has been—I stand on their shoulders."
Harris wore a full outfit by American fashion designer Carolina Herrera, who is known for dressing various First Ladies, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump. While Herrera’s ties to America are significant, so is her heritage of being a Venezuelan immigrant. Born in Caracas in 1939, Herrera’s brand permanently moved its headquarters to New York City in 1980. Carolina only recently received her naturalized citizenship status in 2009.
Source: Evening Standard
Carolina Herrera (center) with Lucy Liu, Lena Waithe, Renee Zellweger, and Jackie Kennedy wearing her creations
Later, Dr. Jill Biden stepped out to join her husband for the first time as the future First Lady. Dr. Biden graced the outdoor stage post-acceptance in a black floral, asymmetrical dress from Oscar de la Renta. The frock was reminiscent of Dr. Biden’s background of being a teacher, embodying the characteristics of being simultaneously firm and kind.
Source: Glamour
Dr. Biden, similarly to Harris, chose a designer with an immigrant background. The dress was designed by two immigrants: Fernando Garcia, who is from the Dominican Republic, and Laura Kim, who is from South Korea. Both designers studied under Oscar de la Renta. The late famed couturier, who is known for dressing Jackie Kennedy, trained under Cristóbal Balenciaga in Spain and Antonio del Castillo in Paris at Lanvin. De la Renta was also an immigrant to the United States from the Dominican Republic.
Source: WSJ
From left to right: Fernando Garcia, Oscar de la Renta, and Laura Kim
As the Biden-Harris duo make their transition from Democratic Party nominees to the 46th presidential administration, more iconic and symbolic looks are sure to follow. Most notably, the Inaugural Ball held on January 20, 2021 is sure to bring outfits fitting of the new First and Second families. Many Twitter users are already anxiously waiting and debating what Harris and Dr. Biden will be wearing; some wish for Kamala to forgo a suit for a sari. Here’s to manifesting outfits from both women that is equivalent to the bar Jackie Kennedy set with her iconic Chanel skirt-suits.