Inauguration Power Dressing and Pantone’s Palette of New Beginnings
Tearsheets by Caitriona Moran and Tessa Swantek.
In honor of a new year and a new administration what could be more refreshing than cleansing our palates with a new color palette? The inauguration to welcome Joe Biden as president and Kamala Harris as the first female vice president offered a breath of fresh air for the United States of America. A few fashion moments symbolize new beginnings with many sporting a brilliantly colored monochromatic look. The coat dress was certainly a favorite of many women at the event while other attendees opted to wear emerging American fashion brands. Of course, the inauguration is much more about our political future and the safety and well-being of oppressed members of American society, however the color palette of the inauguration runs parallel to a renewed sense of hope in our political environment. From the illuminating yellow worn by our new poet laureate, Amanda Gorman, to the blooming purple donned by Kamala Harris, this rainbow of fashion is a welcome respite from the gloom of winter.
The official Pantone colors of 2021 are “Illuminating Yellow” and “Ultimate Gray.” Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, states that “The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow ‘Illuminating’ expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock-solid while at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.” Pantone also curates three accompanying color palettes that express this same notion of a brighter future ahead. One of these palettes is appropriately entitled “Enlightenment” with vibrant hues of purple, pink, and blue that can be seen on many political attendees at the inauguration. The palette is described as a “future facing color story that stimulates our desire to reimagine. The pairing of ‘Ultimate Gray’ and ‘Illuminating’ blends wisdom and experience with our desire to press forward toward new ways of thinking and reveal new insights.” These color choices reflect our desire to leave 2020 behind and be swept away on a light airy breeze of pulsating pastels.
Graphic by Tessa Swantek, Amanda Gorman wearing Prada via @prada on Instagram
Amanda Gorman, Poet Laureate, embodies “Illuminating Yellow” in her Prada Double Breasted Wool Coat, which is almost as illustrious as her poignant words. In following a tradition she had started with Maya Angelou in 1993, Oprah Winfrey gifted Gorman with a glowing pair of gold hoop earrings by Nikos Koulis, and a caged bird ring from Of Rare Origin in a symbolic nod to Maya Angelou’s, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” A bright red headband from Prada is the perfect topping for the look. Gorman is styled like a beacon shining on the path forward.
Graphic by Tessa Swantek, Dr. Jill Biden wearing Markarian via @markarian_nyc on Instagram
Dr. Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, stuns in her blue tweed Markarian coat and dress while President Joe Biden complements her with his black and navy Ralph Lauren ensemble. Both chose to honor the tradition of wearing an American brand to the inaugural event, however, Dr.Jill Biden chose to wear an emerging brand while the President chose an established name. Blue hues reflect the incoming Democratic administration. Pantone’s “Peacock Blue” in its symbolism of confidence and dignity, is a perfect choice for Dr. Biden.
Graphic by Tessa Swantek, Natalie Biden wearing Lafayette 148 via @lafayette148ny on Instagram
Natalie Biden, the granddaughter of President Biden, turns heads in a youthful monochromatic “Prism Pink.” Her look is a breath of purely refreshing air and speaks of hope, dreams, and a new page. Natalie Biden, like her family, chose to wear an American brand. We are in for a fashionable term as long as Natalie Biden has anything to say about it.
Graphic by Tessa Swantek, Vice President Kamala Harris wearing Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson via @christopherjohnrogers on Instagram
Vice President Kamala Harris’ look speaks to her legacy of becoming the first woman vice president and first black vice president of the United States of America in that she chose a style from two young black American designers for such a historical occasion. Her regal “Iris Bloom” colored coat symbolizes unity and presents a certain gravity which her position as vice president requires. She appears both beautiful and strong. Her unique place in history is perfectly reflected in her choice of color, and her entire look inspires confidence and calm, both much needed in the days to come.
Article by Tessa Swantek, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
