In her first televised appearances during Inauguration week, Vice President Kamala Harris set a new precedent for slaying looks designed and styled by Black Americans.
On Tuesday night, Harris and President Joe Biden attended a COVID-19 memorial at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to honor and pay tribute to the over 400,000 Americans who have died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic thus far.
Biden and Harris spoke at the memorial about healing collectively as a nation and moving forward into a new era of togetherness.
“For many months we have grieved by ourselves. Tonight, we grieve and begin healing together,” Harris said. “Though we may be physically separated. We, the American people, are united in spirit.”
VP-elect Kamala Harris at the National COVID-19 Memorial: “For many months we have grieved by ourselves. Tonight, we grieve and begin healing together.” pic.twitter.com/7RrHA4KVmv
— The Recount (@therecount) January 19, 2021
Thousands of people online thanked her and Biden for thinking of the family members they lost during one of the most tumultuous years in American history.
Thank you @JoeBiden
@KamalaHarris for the COVID-19 Memorial. I appreciate the acknowledgment for ALL the lives lost, which includes my dad, my hero, Marlin Shackleford and my brother-in-law, Rev. Jason West.— Priscilla Littles (@pscillarenee) January 20, 2021
My dad died March 14, 2020. His last conversations focused on his concerns about family and country. Tonight's memorial helped me feel less alone with the heavy weight of grief I've been carrying. Thank you @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris
— Chava (@The_Marchioness) January 20, 2021
Many fans of Harris were also impressed with her fantastic styling decisions for the occasion. Even her choice of coat became a topic of conversation.
kamala looks stunning and somber in a camel coat by kerby jean-raymond of @pyermoss at the covid memorial in washington, dc#KamalaHarris
#kamalaharrisfashion
#kamalascloset
pic.twitter.com/daDTJt7i8X— kamalascloset (@kamalascloset) January 19, 2021
The first-ever Black woman vice president wore an elegant camel coat made by Haitian-American designer Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss, according to The Cut.
For her swearing-in as vice president, Kamala Harris wore a vibrant purple coat and dress by the young Black American designer Christopher John Rogers https://t.co/slYw9jZhVD
— New York Magazine (@NYMag) January 20, 2021
As a designer, Jean-Raymond is renowned for using his work as a platform to challenge social injustice. When the pandemic was at its worst in New York City, the Pyer Moss brand transformed its studio into a service center for N95 masks and latex gloves. He said he pledged $5,000 to buy supplies on his own and set aside an additional $50,000 to help support women-owned and BIPOC businesses, per The Cut.
At the inauguration, Harris was styled in a gorgeous purple overcoat selected by Baton Rouge native, Christopher John Rogers, according to WBRZ. He centered her wardrobe on works by Black designers Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson, according to the New York Post.
Harris’ accessories included Wilfredo Rosado-designed white pearls, a nod to her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and gold bracelets with an American flag lapel pin by David Yurman.
Rogers is a 2020 winner of the Council of Fashion Designers of America’s Emerging Designer of the Year award. He’s also used to his works garnering the limelight, having designed for celebrities like Zendaya, Michelle Obama and Tracee Ellis Ross.
