The Return of #FashionDiplomacy

Lady Gaga

Fashion diplomacy is simply the use of fashion as a tool to deliver clear messages, influence and shape opinions. For example, Princess Diana's style, Margret Thatcher's blue coats, dresses and skirt suits (hardly any trousers) and Madeline Albright's choice of brooches, communicated their stand about a particular issue.

I've missed blogging about fashion and the Biden-Harris inauguration on 20th January, 2021 gives me so much inspiration. I don't think the fashion choices were mere coincidences; there could have been an element of coordination to make the messages louder and clearer, considering what the USA is currently going through. "There was a return to fashion diplomacy that became Michelle Obama's calling card", says #Vogue.

Here are some of the messages:

- Political values: the colour purple (a blend of red and blue) signified bipartisan unity. It was also a nod to the women's suffrage movement (the push for women's rights to vote), and to nobility.

                              

- Investment in American businesses: The Bidens and the Harris celebrated American designers from older and younger generations including black designers (as worn by Kamala Harris) and up-and-coming designers (like the Markarian blue coat and dress worn by Jill Biden).

- Confronting climate change: Markarian designs promote sustainable, minimal waste policies and the First Lady patronised the brand. Senator Bernie Sanders also promoted same with his mittens, made from recycled materials by a school teacher, which went viral.

- Love for country: Lady Gaga's "love letter" dress by Maison Schiaparelli signified the love for a country many miss so dearly.

- Inclusion: First Daughter Ashley Biden (above) made bold fashion statements in black tuxedo, bow tie and stilettos. It was probably a nod to inclusion, intersectionality, sexual and gender rights, fluidity and diversity.

However, beyond the the fashion statements made at the Inauguration, my eye candy of the day was the fresh energy coming from the younger women and girls; the Biden grand daughters in an array of monochromes, with matching masks.

My favourite looks were Michelle Obama in matching coat and pants, 16 years old Natalie Biden (top left) in a bubble gum pink coat with boots, and Ella Emhoff, 21, (Kamala Harris' step-daughter) in an embellished coat (top right) reminiscent of the '90's runway fashion.

Images credits: Getty Images and AP.