Introduction
After Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election, Kamla Harris became the first woman, the first black woman, and the first woman of Asian descent to be the vice president of the United States. This choice, on the one hand, showed the importance of gender and racial equality in America, and on the other hand, it showed the empowerment of women in the field of politics in recent years.
This year as well, in 2024, Kamla Harris has entered the field as a presidential candidate from the Democratic Party after Biden’s withdrawal and has received more attention from the media and public opinion than ever before. Her political positions, proposed programs, the way she dresses and even her appearance, which has created special challenges for her as a black woman as a candidate for the presidency of the United States, have all come under the microscope.
As is always the case (especially in the US), everything from sports, music, movies, and even politics is connected to fashion, and fashion is surprisingly dependent on each of them. We may pay more attention to her appearance than men due to the fact that Harris is completely female; But it is also inevitable to ignore the subtle messages that each of his clothes carries. Politics is a game of appearances and what politicians wear sends a message to their voters.
A woman who is not afraid to express herself
Not long ago, with a big smile, a pop culture following and a wave of endorsements, Kamla Harris was in the spotlight as the Democratic nominee for the US presidential race. While no one has a specific and sophisticated expectation of what a female politician should look like, Harris has so far proven that she can immerse herself in the world of fashion when she wants to and create a unique type of female politician outfit. For Biden’s inauguration in 2021, she wore dresses from three black designers named Kerby Jean-Raymond, Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson, and she also wore a white coat and pants from Carolina Herrera for the 2020 victory party.
Since the dress and well-groomed appearance are of special importance for women, the appearance of a woman who is a presidential candidate is more important than a male candidate and can even be used as one of the tools of soft diplomacy. Over the years, women’s clothing for politicians, worn by leaders such as Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Angela Merkel and Elizabeth Warren, was just a men’s suit in a variety of colors, as if to bridge the gap between being a man and a woman; But Harris has taken a completely different approach. Dressed casually in her daily life, she is an open fan of pop singers and attends their concerts; As a female president, she wants her clothing to preserve her feminine energy while influencing. With a pair of sneakers or shoes with a medium heel, mostly pearl accessories and a permanent smile, Harris wants to embrace fashion without riding the wave of trends.
What does a president wear, regardless of gender?
This question is a bit complicated; Because the choice of clothes of a president depends on many factors including culture, tradition and situation. But in general, presidents usually wear formal and stylish clothes that show their status and power. These clothes may include suits, formal clothes or traditional clothes related to the culture of each country, which are known as power suits or power suits. In any case, the most important point is that the president’s clothes should be in such a way as to show his self-confidence, honesty and competence; Harris also tries to observe these points while maintaining his personal taste.
The evolution of the clothes of the possible future president
Kamla Harris’ outfit choices so far have showcased her confidence, elegance and readiness to lead. When he came into the spotlight as the Democratic candidate for the 2024 US presidential election, his wardrobe became a more powerful tool to convey his message and personality.
Kamla Harris’ style has evolved significantly from her days as California Attorney General to today as the Vice President and presidential candidate of the United States. Initially, Harris favored formal and simple clothing and was often seen in classic black blazers and simple accessories; This approach reflected the dry and serious nature of his legal responsibilities and his commitment to professionalism. As Harris moved into the world of politics, his wardrobe began to change, helping to project his confidence. Kamla Harris switched to using sharper colors and more modern cuts in her clothes, and her designers were also chosen more carefully; Harris often used the works of black designers and emerging American talent.
One of the significant changes in Harris style was the introduction of modern power suits for women; Whether it’s a vibrant purple Christopher John Rogers blazer or a white Carolina Herrera suffragette blazer, each Harris outfit is chosen to make a special impact and convey a special message. These choices not only enhance her appearance, but also convey her values and political messages.
Merging Formality and Comfort: Modern Powersuits
As the Vice President, Harris mixes formal style with more casual items, wearing tailored blazers with Converse All-Star sneakers! This combination of formal and informal elements has become the hallmark of Harris’s style and makes him look more reliable while maintaining a neat appearance.
Harris’ choices in the type of cover are practical and symbolic at the same time. Sneakers represent his independent personality and his ability to communicate; While his well-tailored and neat suits maintain his professional and authentic appearance. This combination also allows Harris to move from formal meetings to informal meetings immediately and seamlessly.
With this integration, Harris showcased a modern approach to Power Suits, because this style is not only stylish and formal, but also functional, allowing him to feel comfortable during long workdays. His innovative style in power suits encourages others to rethink traditional power suits and embrace a more versatile and personal wardrobe.
Key moments in Kamla Harris fashion
Harris has appeared in several memorable outfits throughout his career, some of which are listed below.
• President Biden’s inauguration
In 2021, on the day of Joe Biden’s inauguration, Kamla Harris wore a purple jacket and pants from “Christopher John Rogers”, which was a symbol of the two parties and the unity between them; In this way, the choice of purple color was a combination of the blue color of the Democrats and the red color of the Republicans, and it deliberately pointed to his commitment to fill the political gaps between these two parties.
• Victory speech
Another notable style Harris wore was a white Carolina Herrera blazer after her 2020 win. This coat and pants was not just a simple choice, but a powerful symbol of the victory of the women’s suffrage movement and a sign of purity and virtue.
• White House Dinner Party
Kamla Harris, who attended the dinner party with her husband, chose a long black evening dress from the Valentino brand.
• Campaign of the month Pride
The colorful jacket that Harris wore during Pride month can also be mentioned as a smart and memorable choice that is completely Harris.
• Democratic National Convention
Harris appeared on stage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in a custom caramel suit designed by Chemena Kamali of Chloé. This was the second time that the vice president wore this brand; So that some people highlighted the importance of Chloé as a brand with a history of providing clothes for female politicians.
Kamla Harris’ wardrobe: a personal signature
Kamla Harris is a master at blending tradition with modernity, and every element of her style is carefully chosen to convey her power, elegance, depth and purpose. Now we’re going to look at the wardrobe elements that define her choices and make Harris a political fashion icon.
1. Modern power suits
Kamla Harris has redefined the use of traditional jackets and trousers in a modern way. While classic black or navy blazers still have their place, Harris often chooses jeans or blazers with bold colors and stylish designs; For example, his burgundy suit stood out against a sea of more casual colors, showing his confidence and willingness to break the mold. Her blazers aren’t just about making a cute look; Rather, they are carefully designed, and the great detail of the clothes—from the cut to the stitching—reveals a level of professionalism that is essential for any leader. A suitable suit is a sign of preparation and respect; Characteristics that Harris also applies in his political career.
2. The role of colors in Kamla Harris clothes
Color plays an important role in Kamala Harris’ wardrobe. The choice of each color by him is deliberate, conscious and has a deep political and cultural significance; For example, his iconic purple suit was originally a symbol of the union of the two parties.
Another iconic choice for Harris was a white Carolina Herrera coat and pants with a white silk bow, a nod to the women’s suffrage movement and a symbol of purity and virtue. Dressed in white, Harris paid tribute to the pioneering women who fought for the right to vote and linked her historic achievement to their legacy; In America, white is one of the three colors associated with the women’s suffrage movement.
Wearing a light blue suit was also a subtle homage to the blue color of the Democratic Party. In general, the bold colors of Kamla Harris’s wardrobe can express her confidence and authority, while the softer colors represent intimacy and relaxation.
3. Pearl and its importance in Harris style
Pearls are a recurring element in Harris’s style and have a special meaning. Harris’s pearl accessories, which are often seen in every place and event in her style, are a special sign for her. Kamla Harris always praises the women who fought for the right to vote and the women in her family who raised her. He said in a speech: “My mother instilled in me and my sister Maya the values we have today and taught us to put family first, both the family we were born into and the family we choose later. My second family is also Alpha Kappa Alpha.”
Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is one of America’s oldest black sororities—with memberships such as actress Felicia Rashad and poet Maya Angelou—who had a profound impact on Harris’ life. In 1986, while at Harvard University, Harris joined this great society, which was founded by a group of women who later became known as the “Twenty Pearls.” Harris’ affiliation with this group continued after his graduation. Harris’ emotional connection to the association runs so deep that she wears the pearl—often a 34-inch necklace adorned with aqua and South Sea pearls—to her speeches as a symbol of support for her sisters. This link to Harris’ roots highlights his commitment to heritage and tradition. Harris considers the pearl to be a symbol of wisdom and elegance. Pearls have long been associated with powerful and powerful women, and Harris’ frequent use of them reflects her status as a leader.
How to get ideas from Kamla Harris’s style
Over the decades, there has always been much talk about the wardrobe of the First Lady of the United States. One of the first things to note about Harris’ perfect style is that she always dresses for the occasion; Whether on the campaign trail with supporters, at a fundraiser, or in the Senate while serving as California’s senator. Her clothes are always suitable for any event. No matter what Harris wears (suits, blazers, nightgowns, coats, or even jeans), his clothes always fit him perfectly.
While she’s always been in an official position as attorney general, senator, vice president, and now a presidential candidate, that doesn’t mean her outfits have to be boring and repetitive.
The next point is that Kamala’s jackets and trousers are often complemented by stylish patterns, special cuts, plaids and neutral or bold color combinations, and in general, it can be said that four things define Kamala’s personal style: modern power dresses, pearl accessories, cotton Converse All-Star and a permanent smile.
Kamla Harris’ style prediction if she wins the presidential election
If Kamla Harris is elected president, it is expected that she will carry her unique and glamorous style of dressing to the post. Given her history of using clothing to express her identity and values, it’s safe to assume that Harris will use this opportunity to continue her personal approach to being a role model for many American women and girls. The items that Kamla Harris is expected to use in her style after winning the election are:
– Passionate colors like burgundy, royal blue and emerald green
– Coats with clean and quality stitching
– Elegant clothes
– Shoes with a medium heel
– Classic A-line dresses with modern designs
– Luxurious fabrics such as silk and satin
– Clothes designed by black and minority designers
– Asymmetric cuts
– Pearl accessories
– Custom or heirloom jewelry
Harris’s perfect relationship with celebrities and its influence on fashion
In recent years, some politicians use the popularity and influence of celebrities to attract voters. The use of celebrities by politicians to gather votes has its own advantages and disadvantages; On the one hand, it can help attract young voters and increase public recognition of candidates, but on the other hand, it may lead to the instrumental use of celebrities and the reduction of issue-oriented politics. Of course, it has never happened that a meme came to the aid of a politician and had a deep impact.
1- The story of the “Completely Bert” meme and the support of Generation Z for him
According to reports, after Kamla Harris announced her candidacy for the presidency, she managed to set a record $81 million in fundraising in just one day; But it wasn’t his main support, but his strongest support culturally, starting with a post on Platform X.
While almost all Democrats supported the vice president, British pop singer Charli XCX sent a huge wave of support to Harris on Twitter with just one tweet that read, “Kamala IS brat.” The singer, who recently released his album titled BRAT, said in an interview that Brat is not just a name, but a lifestyle that is inspired by the excesses of people who love excitement and excitement.
Charlie explained on TikTok that the model is like a girl who is a little messy, likes to party and sometimes express herself. A Brat’s summer essentials in Brat Summer are: a pack of cigarettes, a lighter, and a white tank top with no underwear. Even the neon green background of Charlie’s Brat album suggests a long night and the impending fall of a hangover.
After these events, Harris’s official campaign page on Platform (X) changed its background to neon green; Kamla Harris fans also wear neon green t-shirts or crop tops with the words Kamala Is Brat or Kamala in various campaigns and circles.
Harris’ former speechwriter, Gevin Reynolds, said in a post that he believed leaning into the meme was a smart move; Because this issue draws young voters to Harris. While memes alone don’t win elections, Charlie’s tweet sparked a race that’s still going strong.
2- Beyoncé and Kamla Harris
After Charli XCX, Beyoncé also allowed Kamla Harris’ campaign to use her songs on the Democratic campaign. The Washington delegation at the Democratic National Convention chose Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” as the main anthem of the Harris campaign; Her fans also wore cowboy hats and “Cowboy Kamala” logos, a nod to Beyonce’s “Cowboy Carter” album.
The original idea for the hats and logos was suggested by Shasti Conrad, head of the Washington Democratic Party: “I’m a big fan of Beyoncé and Vice President Kamala Harris, so I thought the combination of these two successful women of color would make a great cultural and political event.” “
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