Inauguration Fashion Statements

John Quinlan, Writer

With nearly 40 million viewers, all American eyes were on the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. While the event was political and focused on the new administration, viewers had their eyes on other things. Fashion statements from attendees went viral and sparked a media frenzy from a fawning liberal media.

Perhaps the most talked-about fashion choice, especially on Twitter, was from Nikolas Ajagu, the husband of Meena Harris, the Vice President’s niece. In a huge win for sneaker culture, Ajagu rocked Air Jordan Dior 1s with his grey suit. These shoes are a limited edition collaboration between the Dior and Jordan brands and go for up to $7,000 a pair.

Twitter Reacts to Dior 1s Stealing the Show at the Inauguration

Meena Harris was just as surprised at the wardrobe choice and reacted on Twitter to the social media buzz, “I step away from Twitter for less than an hour for the inauguration ceremony and Nik’s shoes are #1 trending?????…..I cannot.”

Ajagu’s shoes were not the only Jordan sneakers present at the event. President Joe Biden’s granddaughter, Maisy Biden, rocked the purple Air Jordan 1

“Sisterhood” sneaker. The appearance of these Jordan shoes at such an important and historic event marks a turning point in modern fashion and popular culture. Even at an event as traditional as the Presidential Inauguration, boundaries of what should constitute formal fashion were pushed. Sneakerheads should view this as a huge win in fashion culture.

Eugene Goodman, Iraq War veteran and U.S. Capitol police officer who became famous after diverting an angry mob away from the Senate Chambers during the January 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection, also made waves on social media for his attire. Now promoted to deputy senate sergeant-at-arms, Goodman escorted Vice President Harris to the ceremony rocking a blue Gucci scarf.

Michelle Obama sent Twitter into a frenzy with her Inauguration look. The Former First Lady wore a plum burgundy turtleneck pantsuit and a jacket from designer Sergio Hudson. Obama has always supported up-and-coming Black designers, and Hudson’s outfit gave her an amazing look of elegance and power.

Garth Brooks, famous country singer and known Republican, made headlines when he accepted an offer to perform at the Inauguration. He used the moment as an opportunity to appeal to the whole country, not just a political party: “This is not a political statement. This is a statement of unity.” Brooks arrived to perform his rendition of “Amazing Grace” wearing a cowboy hoot, blue jeans, and boots. The country star brought a unique aspect to the event.

Singer Lady Gaga was present to sing the national anthem, and her attire reflected her usual eccentric style. Her dress had a red silk skirt and a navy top covered with a dove on her chest. The dress was meant to symbolize a call for peace, but many on the internet drew comparisons to the Hunger Games. Twitter users joke that Lady Gaga resembles Effie Trinket, the eccentric female guide in the dystopian film.

Lady Gaga arrives to sing the National Anthem during the 59th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, Pool)

Author, activist, and poet Amanda Gorman stole the show in her performance of her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” but more than her words gained attention. Gorman sported a bright yellow Prada jacket, red headband, and jewelry gifted from Oprah Winfrey. The 22-year-old made history as the youngest inaugural poet, and her outfit only enhanced the moment.

In a time when the rush of politics and a presidential transition can make many Americans feel polarized, these were some great fashion moments that could interest any viewer. Politics and fashion have always gone together and made loud statements, and this year Presidential Inauguration was no exception.