At the Congressional Black Caucus’s Phoenix Awards dinner last night, Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprising and fashionable statement.
Known for her signature style of sharp pant suits in neutral or jewel tones, often paired with her trademark pointed-toe pumps, Kamala stepped out in something more daring: a custom sequin dress by American designer LaQuan Smith.
For anyone who follows Kamala’s style evolution, this was a notable departure. Designer Sergio Hudson has previously spoken about her consistent look, calling it “crisp, professional, and comfortable.” He even emphasized, “She never wants to be perceived as a fashion plate.” This comment has often been interpreted as Kamala being someone who prioritises practicality over trendiness—a woman who values function as much as form in her political wardrobe.
But last night’s LaQuan Smith gown had many doing a double take. Known for creating bold and daring pieces, LaQuan crafted a look for the vice president that balanced glamour with professionalism. The sequins gave it a sense of occasion, but the cut and silhouette were contemporary without pushing boundaries. The dress stood out not because it was flashy, but because it remained true to the vice president’s persona: elegant, powerful, and subtly experimental.
There has been some critique in the fashion world that Kamala doesn’t wear enough American designers, with her wardrobe often featuring suits from brands like Chloé. But isn’t this the dilemma that every modern woman faces? When you find a brand that flatters your body, fits your lifestyle, and makes you feel comfortable, you stick with it. The vice president has mastered a sense of consistency and power in her clothing choices, and if Chloé works for her, why shouldn’t she embrace it?
Still, seeing her in LaQuan Smith feels like a nod to those who’s wanted more from her sartorial choices. This isn’t her first foray into LaQuan’s designs, either. She wore another look by him while attending Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour, a moment that similarly felt like a fresh, exciting departure from her everyday uniform.
So, was this Kamala’s most fashionable moment yet? It very well might be. LaQuan Smith deserves credit for creating a dress that blended glamour and professionalism so seamlessly. And for Kamala, who is often more concerned with making headlines for her work than her wardrobe, this could be the perfect fashion moment: a bold step, but not a leap.
It will be interesting to see if she continues to embrace more American designers in the future, but one thing is certain—when Kamala Harris does make a sartorial statement, it’s subtle, strategic, and always true to herself.
Credit: White House Photo Office // Polly N. Irungu
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