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We know these are grave times, but we think we all deserve the fun of speculating about the fashion of Inauguration 2021. Just for a minute or two, we promise. So: what will the soon-to-be Madame Vice President (MVP!) wear when she is sworn into office? What will she wear to the low-key social festivities to follow? We have zero inside information. But here’s our take on which luxury American fashion designer (or designers) has a very good chance at providing one of the two outfits Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris will wear for the 2021 Inauguration.

which designer (or designers) will VP-Elect Kamala Harris choose for the Inauguration 2021?

We are SO excited for so many reasons at the election of the nation’s first female Vice President! The first Black woman, the first woman of Southeast Asian descent, the first member of a Black sorority, the first graduate of a Historically Black College or University. It’s all Just. So. Good.

Inauguration 2021 fashion designers for Kamala Harris

Which luxury American fashion designer (or designers) will Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris choose for the Inauguration 2021?

what events are happening at the Inauguration 2021?

Sadly, due to the coronavirus pandemic and the threat of further violence following the insurrection of January 6, this Inauguration will not be the unequivocally joyous national celebration of democracy and the peaceful transfer of power that it normally is.

Much of the pageantry and fanfare have been cancelled, and the overall mood on January 20 is likely to be more somber and subdued.

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As of this posting, the plan is that the President-elect and Vice President-elect will be sworn in at an outdoor ceremony on the west side of the Capitol building. The inauguration ceremony will feature Lady Gaga singing the national anthem, as well as a musical performance by Jennifer Lopez.

Inauguration 2021 fashion designers

The Capitol on Inauguration Day.

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor will swear in the new Vice President on Inauguration Day.

The current plan is that the new Administration leaders will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. They are to be accompanied by several of the living former Presidents and First Ladies.

The usual round of Inaugural Balls that evening will be replaced by a 90-minute “Celebrating America” television special. It will be hosted by Tom Hanks, and feature performances from Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake, and Ant Clemons.

So: one daytime outfit and one evening outfit are what we’re expecting. Pretty much just like usual.

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Which Luxury American Fashion Designer will Dress VP-Elect Kamala Harris for the Inauguration?

We think it’s safe to assume that whoever designs the outfit worn by the Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris on Inauguration Day will be American. So the fun speculation is more about questions like these. Will it be a woman? A person of color? A well-established name? Or a brilliant up-and-coming designer? Will all of her outfits be some variation on the theme of red, white and blue? Or might she go with crisp black and white?

Inauguration 2021 fashion designers

Which luxury American fashion designer (or designers) will Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris choose for the Inauguration 2021?

If we were her, we probably wouldn’t wear something from the collection of a designer that we’d never worn before. Who wants to risk a trial run with a new fit and feel on one of the biggest days of their careers? We’d give the nod to a designer she’s already worn at least once.

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The daytime choice is probably easier, as the Vice President-Elect already has a signature look that works for her. A sold-color pant suit with a strong shoulder, sensible heels and a pearl necklace seem like a safe bet.

But will she also wear a really cool coat? That’s a perfect way to add some flair and personality to such a serious occasion.

The evening attire is trickier, though. As it is for every executive woman. You want to look sophisticated and festive. But if you show too much skin, or the gown is too revealing in other ways, you’ll be criticized for days. Actually, make that years in this case.

We predict a floor-length A-line gown – not a column. It’ll be fun to see how daring she is with the collar, neckline and back – strapless seems unlikely, but it’s not out of the question.

Only time will tell, but here are some of the names to know if you’re in the mood to speculate on who will dress our MVP.

Which luxury American fashion designer (or designers) will Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris choose for the Inauguration 2021?

American fashion Designers VP-Elect Kamala Harris

1. Gabriela Hearst.

A master of the tailored suit, which is a signature look of the Vice President-Elect, Hearst was recently named the creative director of French brand Chloé – but we still claim her as our own! The Duchess of Sussex is among the Power Women often seen in her designs.

From her latest collection, we could totally see Madame Vice President wearing this Gabriela Hearst heritage-check tailored wool suit on her Big Day – or perhaps her first day on the job.

 

 

BUY NOW: Jacket – $2,490; Pant – $1,090.

2. Tory Burch.

A successful American entrepreneur who also embodies the American can-do spirit, Burch is highly generous in her philanthropy and proactive support for other women. From her current collection, a standout is this statement single-breasted coat – which would be a striking topper for whatever Vice President-Elect Harris chooses to wear for the swearing-in ceremony.

vice president harris fashion Inauguration 2021 designers

BUY NOW: $1,103.

3. Michael Kors.

Kors is another American designer known for timeless classics that are flattering and chic. And it was a pale blue suit by Michael Kors that Vice President-Elect Harris chose for her preferred Vogue cover shot.

 

Inauguration 2021 fashion designers

BUY NOW: Blazer – $687; Pant – $357.

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4. Carolina Herrera.

Vice President-Elect Harris chose to wear an all-white Carolina Herrera suit designed by Wes Gordon on the night that the election was called by all of the major news networks and she made her first appearance along with President-Elect Joe Biden. WWD reports that a website called “Kamala’s Closet” spotted her wearing an custom apple green Herrera coat to pick up takeout at a Washington, D.C., restaurant recently.

It’s pretty extra, but how much fun would it be if our MVP arrived at the virtual Inaugural Ball in this jaw-dropping red Carolina Herrera gown?

 

vice president harris fashion

BUY NOW: $5,681.

5. Altuzarra.

Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris has also chosen in the past to wear smart suits designed by Joseph Altuzarra. When she accepted the nomination for Vice President on the Democratic ticket on August 19, 2020, she was wearing a plum-colored Altuzarra suit.

This powder-blue coat would do nicely for an outdoor swearing-in, don’t you think?

 

vice president harris fashion

BUY NOW: $2,995.

6. Oscar de la Renta.

The two young designers who took over this storied American brand after the death of its founder have mastered the art of refined evening wear that doesn’t feel stiff and overly formal. They would have to be on the list of potential designers for the Big Day for both the future First Lady and the Vice President-Elect.

This stunning dark blue gown checks all the boxes.

which designer Kamala Harris

BUY NOW: $6,990.

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7. Carly Cushnie.

Which American fashion designer will dress Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris? Well, we could easily see a frock from Carly Cushnie at an Inaugural Ball. We were truly saddened when we learned that the designer has announced that she’s shuttering her namesake label due to pandemic-related economic downturns. This would be a splendid and hard-earned swan song.

which designer Kamala Harris

BUY NOW: $2,647.50.

8. Rodarte

We have long admired the work of Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the LA-based sisters behind the American designer fashion label Rodarte. It might be a little bit too on-the-nose – but this white coat embellished with the phrase “I Love You” would be a spectacular riposte to the jacket worn to the refugee children’s camp at the Mexican border by the current First Lady.

 

which designer Kamala Harris

BUY NOW: $4,785.

9. Brandon Maxwell.

American designer Brandon Maxwell’s latest collection is filled with gowns that have the understated elegance and authority that’s needed for an Inaugural Ball. We particularly love this champagne wool-silk gazar collared button-front gown, with a neckline that is perfectly balanced between sexy and serious.

BUY NOW: $4,490.

10. Naeem Khan

Finally, we could easily see Madame Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris in a gown for the Inaugural Ball designed by Naeem Khan. The tie between the two would be lovely: Khan was born in India and launched her eponymous line 2003. What better nod to her Southeast Asian heritage and support for women? And she’d be in good company. Lots of stars choose Khan’s hand-embroidered gowns to walk the red carpet in Hollywood and Cannes.

If red, white and blue are the order of the day, this dreamy pale blue lace illusion long-sleeved gown would be wonderful.

BUY NOW: $1,997.

Which fashion designer will VP-Elect Kamala Harris choose for the Inauguration?

Which luxury American fashion designer (or designers) will dress Vice President Elect Kamala Harris (Madame VP) for the Inauguration in 2021? We can’t wait to find out! Stay safe and strong out there, dear reader.

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Pamela Thomas-Graham

Pamela Thomas-Graham is the Founder & CEO of Dandelion Chandelier. She serves on the boards of several tech companies, and was previously a senior executive in finance, media and fashion, and a partner at McKinsey & Co.