Kamala Harris Swaps Suits For LaQuan Smith Sequins And We're In Shock
Vice President Kamala Harris has come a long way since her uniform of blue jeans and white sneakers. The 2024 Democratic nominee for president has peppered her campaign trail with pussy-bow tops and Chloé suits, offering a polished look that means business.
On Sunday night, her winning campaign fashion made another appearance at the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Foundation’s 2024 Phoenix Awards dinner in Washington, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American society. There, both Harris and President Joe Biden address the crowd, spotlighting their ongoing relationship with the CBC.
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'The Congressional Black Caucus has served as the conscience of the Congress and of our nation, and as a proud former CBC member, I know first-hand America relies on the leaders in this room, not only for a conscience, but for a vision,' Harris said. 'Now the baton is in our hands. I truly believe that America is ready to turn the page on the politics of division and hate, and to do it, our nation is counting on the leadership in this room.'
For the occasion, Harris wore a custom black sequin gown by LaQuan Smith, a budding Black American designer. Given the evening aimed to highlight Black excellence in all forms, the shimmering gown felt like a fitting choice. With details including a high, rounded neckline and all-over black sequins, the dress also seemed to balance the conventional and the celebratory, much like Harris’s campaign itself.
'Having my designs worn by Vice President Kamala Harris is both a profound honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication that have gone into building my brand,' Smith shared with Harper’s Bazaar. 'It’s incredibly gratifying to see my creations resonate with influential individuals and to have them represent my vision on such prominent platforms. It reaffirms my belief in the power of fashion to make a statement and inspire, and it motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and elegance in my work.'
The glistening gown, which Harris wore with pointed black pumps, marked a departure from her signature suiting. Tailored looks, namely by French fashion label Chloé, have defined her campaign trail—making her sequinned style by Smith, an American designer, all the more meaningful. After all, Americans were who Harris was addressing last night, and with all eyes on her (and like it or not, her outfit), her dress served as a patriotic tribute.
American designers often take a forefront in political fashion for the same reason. Dr. Jill Biden, for example, often reaches for American labels such as Ralph Lauren and Markarian. It wouldn’t come as a surprise that Harris might play into the same sartorial statements as her presidential campaign continues. Because when she wears a designer, it’s not just for looks—in a way, it’s for this country.
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