Vice President Kamala Harris’s winning campaign fashion continues. Last night, the 2024 Democratic nominee for president made an appearance at the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Foundation’s 2024 Phoenix Awards dinner in Washington, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American society. There, both Harris and President Joe Biden addressed the crowd, highlighting their ongoing relationship with the CBC. “The Congressional Black Caucus has served as the conscience of the Congress and of our nation, and as a proud former CBC member, I know first-hand America relies on the leaders in this room, not only for a conscience, but for a vision,” Harris said. “Now the baton is in our hands. I truly believe that America is ready to turn the page on the politics of division and hate, and to do it, our nation is counting on the leadership in this room.”
For her remarks on the main stage, Harris wore a modern design that proved to be one of her most intentional campaign looks yet: a custom black sequin gown by LaQuan Smith, a budding Black American designer. (See his spring 2025 collection during New York Fashion Week here.) The choice was a fitting one, given the evening aimed to spotlight Black excellence in all forms, and the shimmering silhouette felt both formal and celebratory. It’s not the first time Harris has worn Smith’s dazzling work, either: Last year, she sported his gold sequin button-down top while attending Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour in Maryland.
This latest fashion sighting from Harris also marked a departure from her signature neutral suiting. Throughout the campaign trail, she has oped for refined suits by European labels such as Chloé, largely in shades of navy, black, or gray. Picking out a statement frock from Smith for Saturday’s event served as a salute to home-grown talent. Patriotic style, after all, is something politicians have embraced for years—just take the first lady, Dr. Jill Biden, who often wears American labels such as Ralph Lauren, Christian Siriano, and Markarian. As Harris’s presidential campaign progresses, it will be interesting to see if she continues using fashion in such intentional ways. When she wears a designer’s creation, it’s not just an aesthetic choice—it stands for something.
