President-elect Joe Biden and Jill Biden started off their inauguration day festivities with a visit to the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle for Mass service this morning in Washington D.C.
The future first couple, who are practicing Catholics, sat in the front pew during today’s service, prepping for a busy and monumental day ahead with the inauguration ceremony taking place at 12 p.m. ET. For the occasion, Jill opted for an all-blue ensemble; her outfit layered a coordinating shimmering tweed coat over a matching dress.
The Swarovski crystal-coated pieces come from designer Alexandra O’Neill of New York-based label Markarian; in addition to Jill’s look yesterday from Jonathan Cohen, the first-lady-to-be is starting a streak of supporting independent, smaller brands — today’s look was even hand-finished by O’Neill in her West Village studio.
Joe’s look, a navy suit with a light blue tie that matched his wife’s outfit, tapped a familiar and iconic American designer: Ralph Lauren. The choice pays homage to classic American fashion and alludes to more to come from the label during today’s events.
At the evening’s inauguration concert, Biden opted for an all-white look, courtesy of Chloé. Created by Gabriela Hearst — another New York-based designer — the first lady’s ensemble featured a white collared coat with delicate multicolored floral embroidery across its hem and lower half. Similar embroidery was echoed across her matching dress, which included a sheer-paneled neckline. A matching face mask and gloves fully finished Biden’s attire for the formal occasion.
While her shoes couldn’t be seen in images from the concert, the former educator opted for two pairs of Jimmy Choo pumps during the inauguration itself. While at the church service, Biden slipped on a pair of the brand’s nude Love pumps — a pointed-toe style with thin stiletto heels. A similar shape was seen in her Romy pumps — crafted from light-catching teal satin that perfectly matched her Markarian outfit — as she walked hand-in-hand with Biden down the U.S. Capitol building’s steps.
Vice President-elect Kamla Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff also were in attendance during the service. Kamala opted for a blue look as well courtesy of Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson, both Black-owned fashion brands. Also wearing a Pyer Moss custom coat during events last night, Kamala is starting her own style streak by tapping Black designers and independent brands for her collection of official attire.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ inauguration will make history today for a myriad of reasons. Biden will be the oldest person ever sworn in as president while Harris will become the first-ever female vice president of the United States. The daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, she will also be the first Black person and first person of South Asian descent to serve in the second-highest office. She joins President Joe Biden in leading a country left on the edge of its seat following the second impeachment of current President Donald Trump by the House of Representatives last week.
Last week, President Trump also announced that he and Melania will not be in attendance at today’s inauguration ceremony of Joe Biden, making him the first president in modern times to skip his successor’s swearing-in.
