#Kamala Harris’ inauguration outfit features black designers

For Wednesday’s historic inauguration, Vice President Kamala Harris elected to wear black designers Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson.

On a day that is not only historic for the incoming 56-year-old vice president — Harris is the first female, the first woman of color and the first woman of Asian American descent to occupy the vice presidency — this inauguration signals a monumental moment for black fashion designers as well.

Madam vice president made her first appearance Wednesday morning during a church service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC, dressed in a bold-shoulder, two-button purple overcoat (a signature hue in Christopher John Rogers’ collections), a black mask and a low pair of black heels.

She accessorized with her signature white pearls — an ode to her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, at Howard University — paired with gold bracelets and an American flag pin by David Yurman on her lapel.

While many of her signature, polished style choices were present, Harris is signaling a sartorial turn with her inaugural wardrobe choices.

At a ceremony Tuesday night honoring the 400,000 COVID-19 victims, Harris wore a custom camel-colored overcoat by Kerby Jean-Raymond’s Brooklyn-based label Pyer Moss. Last spring, the Haitian American designer was among the first to gather PPE, as well as provide $50,000 in grants for small businesses affected by the pandemic. It is not coincidental that Harris chose to wear something by Pyer Moss, championing a brand that designs with intent and integrity.

Christopher John Rogers is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and designs in New York City. His bold, flair-for-the-dramatic designs have been worn by Zendaya, Lizzo and former first lady Michelle Obama. Launching his brand in 2016, he’s a 2019 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner.

Sergio Hudson is from South Carolina and in 2014 launched his LA-based brand, worn by boldface names like Amal Clooney, Demi Lovato and Michelle Obama.