8 times women in US politics used fashion for impact: From Melania Trump's Jackie O homage to Kamala Harris' VP suit
8 times women in American politics used fashion for impact
It's no secret that politicians use fashion to convey specific messages. While it may not be their top priority, fashion contributes significantly to the narrative and image they project. Building an ideal image for a politician is greatly aided by their choice of clothing. Sometimes, a piece of clothing can communicate more than words, whether through color, style, or a written message. Let's take a look at eight times women in American politics used fashion for impact.
1. Ruth Bader Ginsburg's necklaces
Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died in 2020, made history by becoming the second woman to be nominated to the US Supreme Court. Known for her numerous court rulings and dissents, she is recognized as a fighter for gender equality and women's rights. Over her 27 years on the nation's highest court, Ginsburg often expressed her support or disapproval of court rulings through her jabots or necklaces.
2. Madeleine Albright's brooches
During her tenure in the Clinton administration from 1997 to 2001, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright used brooches as symbols of the status of diplomatic ties, as she disclosed to NPR's Susan Stamberg. She developed a fondness for symbolic jewelry during her time as a UN ambassador. As Secretary of State, Albright said her choice of brooches was influenced by the moment she was referred to as a "serpent" by Saddam Hussein, the President of Iraq at the time.
3. Michelle Obama wearing red and black for Obama’s inauguration
In 2008, Michelle Obama wore a black-and-red dress designed by LGBTQ designer Narciso Rodriguez, whose parents were immigrants from Cuba, to an event following Obama's election win. Opinions on her bold attire varied. The New York Times compared it to a "lava lamp." However, many praised her decision to wear an item from a first-generation American designer. Throughout her tenure as First Lady, Obama consistently chose gowns by Rodriguez, as well as outfits from Black-owned businesses, American immigrant designers, and young female entrepreneurs.
4. Melania Trump's 1960s-inspired look for Trump's inauguration
Jackie Kennedy's iconic 1960s looks were evoked by Melania Trump's monochrome Ralph Lauren shawl, dress, and gloves, which she accessorized with Manolo Blahnik heels during Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2017. The Ralph Lauren Corporation highlighted the historic American origins of the First Lady's gown in a statement made after the inaugural event.
5. Hillary Clinton's white coat and pantsuit
Hillary Clinton, the former Democratic nominee for president, honored suffragists on Inauguration Day in January 2017 by wearing a white coat and pantsuit by Ralph Lauren. According to Vanity Fair, Clinton's decision to wear all white to Trump's swearing-in event was seen as a powerful feminist message and perhaps an homage to the suffragists.
6. AOC's red jacket in 2020
In July 2020, following an aggressive confrontation on the steps of Capitol Hill where she was called a "f****g b***h," Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez addressed Republican Rep Ted Yoho of Florida. The incident was initially reported by The Hill. Taking the stage to respond to Yoho's remarks, AOC wore lipstick that complemented her scarlet-red jacket. She later explained to Vanity Fair that she had applied "a little war paint" that day.
7. Jill Biden's 'vote' boots
In September 2020, Jill Biden issued a statement on the civic duty of voting. Not only did she don a pair of over-the-knee Stuart Weitzman boots with the word "Vote" carved down the leg, but she also set an example by casting her ballot. She was seen exiting the Delaware State Building in Wilmington, Delaware, while sporting the sneakers. Her Stuart Weitzman boots were produced in collaboration with the charity group "I am a voter," and proceeds from the limited-edition boot sales were donated to the latter.
8. Kamala Harris' all-white suit
Kamala Harris made her inaugural speech after being elected as the Vice President while donning an all-white suit from the women-founded company Carolina Herrera. She also wore a blouse with a necktie design called a lavalliere, or what is more often referred to as a "p**y bow."
