As a gamer who has spent countless hours analyzing the strategies and tactics of political campaigns, I must say that Vice President Kamala Harris‘ wardrobe choices are not just fashion statements; they’re masterful moves on the grand political stage. Her transition from casual Converse Chuck Taylors to chic Manolo Blahnik pumps is a testament to her ability to adapt and evolve, much like a character leveling up in a game.
Since announcing her presidential run on July 21, Vice President Kamala Harris’ wardrobe has undergone a significant shift, particularly in footwear. Her Converse Chuck Taylors, once a frequent sight, have been largely replaced by stylish Manolo Blahnik pumps as she walks across airport tarmacs or onto rally stages.
As a gamer, I can’t help but notice the undeniable cool-girl vibe radiating from Harris’ Chucks. It seems that even online interest in this sneaker brand skyrocketed over 4,500% between July and early August, as reported by Retail Brew. However, a polished pump feels more fitting for the presidential role. Just like her, I appreciate dressing in a way that suits my needs and makes me feel comfortable. The tailored suits Harris often wears have been her signature for a long time, as L.A.-based designer Sergio Hudson explains. “As a lawyer and later an attorney general,” he says, “that was her look.” It’s crisp, professional, and she feels at ease in something that needs to work for her all day. Ultimately, she adapts fashion to her position, rather than adjusting her position to fit fashion.
On Monday evening, during the opening night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Vice President Harris confidently stepped onto the stage wearing a stylish camel-colored suit tailored by Chloé’s creative director Chemena Kamali, accompanied by a crisp white silk-crepe blouse. Political analysts noted that the color selection might be a tribute to the controversy that arose when former President Barack Obama wore a tan suit during a press conference in 2014. Previously, Vice President Harris had chosen Chloé for a special occasion too; she wore a custom-made deep green silk cape gown by the French label at a White House State Dinner held in May for Kenya’s president and first lady.
Despite a few American designers feeling slightly displeased with the choice of a Paris house for that particular event, Harris has consistently preferred clothing brands from New York and Los Angeles. Notably, she wore a striking purple coat and dress by Christopher John Rogers at the 2021 inauguration, and in recent years, she’s been seen sporting designs by Hudson, Prabal Gurung, Joseph Altuzarra, Christian Siriano, and Tom Ford. As she continues to favor jacket-and-trousers ensembles, Harris’ style is even helping bring back the term “power suit.”
In August 2020, Hudson received a call to design suits for the vice presidential candidate, who happened to be Joe Biden’s running mate. Having been a resident of Los Angeles when she ran for attorney general and Senate, Hudson had previously cast her vote for this individual. When the woman started campaigning for the vice presidency, Hudson felt compelled to find ways to help: “What can I do? How can I contribute?” he said.
Working alongside Harris’ team, Hudson explains that he has consistently been given clear guidelines. “The focus was to establish her as a credible elected official, not just a fashion icon,” he notes. “During the initial years, the suits I designed for her were limited to black, navy, and gray. However, now I feel she’s grown more confident, so we’re starting to experiment with colors. I recall Prabal [Gurung] creating a tan suit, while I’ve designed one in vibrant pink and most recently one in bold turquoise.”
Gurung, known for creating suits for Harris, shares with THR, “Our objective currently is: Does it appear presidential? Is it fitting for this specific moment? The world is watching the events unfolding in America, and this holds significance for me, being someone who hails from Nepal, where America symbolizes a beacon of hard work and turning seemingly impossible dreams into reality.”
Siriano crafted one of Harris’ highly debated outfits – a Bordeaux-colored suit paired with a satin blouse. This ensemble was worn by Harris during the 2023 State of the Union address. “This was actually our second suit we designed for her,” Siriano notes. “Since it was broadcasted, we pay closer attention to fabric quality and texture, and the blouse added a touch of shine.”
Historically, the campaign has been secretive about whether Kamala Harris collaborates with a fashion consultant. In the early days of her vice presidency, it was said that she worked with stylist Karla Welch, whereas more recently Leslie Fremar dressed her for a feature in Rolling Stone. Neither stylist’s representatives were willing to discuss this matter publicly.
Harris’ designs often include intricate touches. Siriano crafted a jacket with additional sewn panels and a notched bottom, which he says “provided more structure while also enhancing mobility.” Meanwhile, Gurung lines the vice president’s jackets with silk charmeuse fabric. He explains that this “breathable material contributes to a sense of ease and comfort, making it ideal for transitioning from morning to evening events.”
Necklines, on the other hand, are usually designed to complement a necklace, another signature piece from Harris’ style. Frequently, she dons a double-strand pearl link necklace, created by L.A.-based designer Irene Neuwirth, along with a necklace featuring black Tahitian pearls. The gemstone represents Alpha Kappa Alpha, the sorority Harris became a part of during her time at Howard University.
As Election Day draws near, you might not notice many new outfits on her. Here’s why: “She consistently wears the suits designed for her,” Hudson clarifies. “The navy suit we made for her almost five years ago was used for her vice presidential portrait, and she still sports it today.” Siriano adds, “It’s great that women observe her wearing pieces multiple times.”
Should Harris’ campaign prevail, it seems there won’t be any set plans for the inauguration as everyone will be vying to contribute their designs, according to Hudson, who chuckles and describes it as a fierce competition, much like a ‘royal rumble’.
Originally published in the August 21 edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine, you can find more such stories by subscribing here.
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2024-08-21 19:55