The Vice President wore Prabal Gurung for tonight’s Presidential address to a joint session of Congress. Below, the Vice President in the Capitol Rotunda with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as they walked to the House chamber.
And Ms. Harris with the Second Gentleman, husband Doug Emhoff.
One more image as the Vice President made her way across the Capitol Rotunda this evening.
Embed from Getty ImagesMs. Harris and Speaker Nancy Pelosi bumped elbows when they arrived on the dais.
There were multiple “firsts” tonight. More about one of them via this NPR story by Rachel Treisman.
…in another landmark moment, Biden was escorted down the aisle of the House chamber on Wednesday by William Walker, who became the first Black House sergeant-at-arms when he was sworn in by Pelosi earlier this week.
Below, Mr. Walker tonight as he announced the President’s arrival.
Embed from Getty ImagesThere were elbow bumps for POTUS when he arrived.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe President as he handed Ms. Harris her copy of his speech.
Tonight’s address was historic because it is the first time in US history the President has delivered an address while standing in front of two women. President Biden opened his speech this way: “Madam Speaker, Madam Vice President — no president has ever said those words from this podium. No president has ever said those words. And it’s about time.”
A quick clip of that moment.
The scene as the President continued his address and the VP and Speaker were seated.
The President then recognized his wife, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and the Second Gentleman.
Embed from Getty ImagesMr. Emhoff and Dr. Biden applaud each other.
Another view.
A wide shot from this evening’s address.
Now for our look at the Vice President’s ensemble.
Embed from Getty ImagesShe wore a hand-tailored double crepe suit in cream with an ivory silk charmeuse camisole, per the designer.
The jacket featured notch lapels, flap pockets, and a double back vent. Thank you to Vanessa Friedman of The New York Times for the tip on this.
This is not the first Ms. Harris has turned to the designer for an important occasion. She wore a Prabal Gurung dress and matching coat for the Inaugural Prayer Service on January 21.
Another view of the prayer breakfast look as the VP swears in Avril Haines as the new Director of National Intelligence.
The designer posted images from tonight’s speech on his Instagram.
A bit of background on Prabal Gurung from this Elle piece by Justine Carreon.
Gurung, who is no stranger to dressing high-powered women (Michelle Obama and Oprah are fans), has a track record of trying to do what’s right on the runway. During his 10th anniversary show in 2019, he posed the question “Who gets to be American?”, using fashion to examine and criticize the previous president’s handling of the country. The designer is known for inclusive casting, calling out racial injustice, and using his platform to advocate for change.
More from the Elle piece.
I came to the United States to realize my American Dream of becoming a fashion designer. Having been born in Singapore, raised in Nepal and India, and then living in Australia and London, I always looked at the United States as a land of endless possibilities. My story, and what I have been blessed to achieve, could really only happen here.
The Vice President had on a new (to me) necklace, a geometric-style choker in gold with a pearl at each of the open ends, and coordinating hoop earrings. She also may have been wearing a new American flag pin, or it could be the David Yurman design worn for the inauguration (seen below right).
UPDATE APRIL 30: With thanks to Laurie Brookins for the tip, it turns out Vice President Harris was wearing jewelry by Ana Khouri. Below, an Instagram post from the designer.
The necklace looks similar to the ‘Jane’ open front collar-style necklace seen below left, and the earrings look much like the Mirian style. I have not yet seen photos that offer a look at the bracelet referenced in Ms. Khouri’s Instagram post, but will update the site should I learn more about the bracelet.
You can also see the necklace in this photo from The Coveteur. The pieces are crafted of 18K gold and ethically sourced South Sea pearls. Below, the designer.
Ana Khouri launched her eponymous line in 2013, and she uses only Fairmined or Fair Trade gold in her work. More about the artist from her site.
Ana Khouri spent her formative years between her native Brazil and the United States. Khouri first studied Fine Arts specializing in sculpture.
In New York, Ana attained degrees at GIA and Parsons, amongst several other specialized studies in jewelry.
Her designs are inspired by her search for simplicity and purity, toeing the line between sculpture and jewelry, a juxtaposition between the traditional and the contemporary.
Vice President Harris appeared to be wearing a pair of Manolo Blahnik pumps, likely the BB 90 in black leather ($665). It is a signature style for the brand with a classic point toe and 3.5″ heel.
For those curious about Dr. Biden’s dress, Kate Bennett reports it looks like a Gabriela Hearst design, much the same as that worn for the Inauguration.
Dr. Biden as she acknowledges the applause in the chamber.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe dress featured “embroidery reflecting the federal flowers from every state, territory and the District of Columbia of the United States of America,” according to journalist Laurie Brookins.
I love the Vice-president’s style but am I only one that seems to think her sleeve lengths are too long?
I realize there are more important things to worry about in the world but seriously I wonder if it is her preference or the designers are just missing this – I felt like it was very evident last night. OR is this a fashion thing I am just not aware of? 🙂
I love the VP’s style. She is so classy and her style is so understated that it always puts the focus on her words not her attire. I’m striving for this in my own wardrobe and SO grateful to have her and this site as a reference. @Katheryn Lynch – I wonder if that is a personal preference of hers vice the “fashion dictate” – I know I personally hate having my sleeves ride up when i bend my arms so I would prefer they be slightly longer even though that’s not technically correct by tailoring rules.