Wednesday, January 20, 2021: Flags soared high in the air as people gathered in the cold morning hours to witness US President-Elect Biden officially become the 46th President of the United States.

Amongst the socially distanced crowds were people in a variety of different outfits, many of which had greater meaning and symbolism than could be seen at first glance.

Kamala Harris, the first woman, African-American, and South-Asian to be voted into the office of Vice President was seen wearing a long, tailored coat the color of a purple hue designed by young American designer Christopher John Rogers. She topped off her entire outfit with a “string of pearl” necklace by Los Angeles Designer Wilfredo Rosado. She says her pearls stand for her “Alpha Kappa Alpha” group, the first African-American Greek letter Sorority Group.

Jill Biden was another statement-maker. Her ocean blue coat and matching dress were designed by the small, New York based brand of Markarian. The color blue, the designer comments, was used to “signify trust, confidence, and stability.” Following the inauguration, at the inaugural concert, the new First Lady was seen wearing a white dress with embroidered flowers. The flowers weren’t just any flowers though- American designer Gabriel Hearst states that the dress contained “the federal flowers from every state and territory of the United States of America,” with the Delaware flower being the closest to the First Lady’s heart, showing her love to her home state.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama also rocked her look, appearing at the inauguration in a stunning maroon purple floor-length coat, paired with a matching turtleneck sweater and flared pants. To top it off, she accessorized with a gold belt and maroon gloves. Her outfit was also completely designed by American designers, including designer Sergio Hudson.

Yet another person who stole looks at the event was Harris’s stepdaughter, Ella Emholf. She stunned in a plaid coat embellished with falling rhinestones from the shoulders. Her coat was created by the French-based branch, Miu Miu. Soon after the inauguration, Emholf signed a contract with IMG Modeling company, showing just how stylistic she is.

Although Harris, Biden, Obama, and Emholf are noted for their iconic style during the inauguration ceremony, there were many more memorable outfits at the event (let’s not forget Bernie Sanders, who was seen wearing a parka and handmade, gifted knit gloves).
Some analysts say that the significance of the purple and blue colors seen on inauguration day are beyond just the look. Purple, a mix of the colors blue and red, is thought to signify bipartisanship. With the color red symbolizing the Republican party and the color blue symbolizing the Democratic party, the color purple could just have been a nod towards bipartisanship, and a look towards working together to make a brighter future for all citizens of America.