Black designers, although mega talented have forever had it tough in the fashion world but thankfully, that narrative is changing by the minute with many making great strides and with a nod from the Vice President of the United States who making a statement proudly donned on a black creation for an historic moment in world history, the divide just got bridged tons.
While the moment was no doubt iconic, Kamala’s choice of outfit, head to toe was of huge significance. Notably, the newly-elected Vice President wore Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson as she took oath of office.
Harris teamed the purple dress with a matching jacket by designer Christopher John Rogers.
Rogers is an emerging Black designer from Baton Rouge and Hudson is Black designer from South Carolina.
Rogers, 27, posted a photo of Harris in the vibrant look on his Instagram. “Thank you, Madam Vice President. We are so honored and humbled to have played a small part in this historic moment,” he wrote.
Christopher John Rogers known for eye catching hues has become a favorite of influential women including former first lady Michelle Obama, Rihanna, and Cardi B.
Sergio Hudson has dressed Amal Clooney, Issa Rae, and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ bright purple outfit on Inauguration Day is said to likely be a nod to Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for president.
Chisholm who famously wore purple during her presidential campaign is well revered by Harris. Chisholm is well known for donning on colour purple.
On January 16, Harris acknowledged the influence Chisholm has had on her political career, tweeting “Shirley Chisholm created a path for me and for so many others.”
Harris also spotted her inauguration pearls, a visibly enchanting piece of jewelry designed by Wilfredo Rosado as a homage to the sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, she belonged to at Howard University.
“The necklace has a few unifying themes; the gold chain link symbolizes strength, the pearl is representative of both femininity and resilience, and the diamonds add a hint of glamour that I felt was perfect for the occasion,” Rosado tells BAZAAR.com.
At the Covid-19 memorial service in Washington D.C. on Tuesday night in honour of victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, Harris also paid homage to black designers as she was spotted wearing a camel colored coat by Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss, a Black designer from Brooklyn, New York.
Congratulations Madam Vice President Kamala Harris: the first Woman, first Black, first South Asian American Vice President of the United States of America.
