Tonight, former Vice President Kamala Harris—along with husband and former first gentleman Doug Emhoff—were among the guests of honor at the 2025 Phoenix Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. (Maryland governor Wes Moore was also in attendance as a guest speaker.)
Held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the annual event is organized by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), and serves as one of the largest gatherings of leading Black political figures, policy makers, educators, and more. Harris was a special award recipient at the awards ceremony this evening: She was honored with the CBC Body Award, which recognizes an individual for their exceptional work in promoting policies and creating opportunities that support the empowerment of the Black community.
Naturally, Harris’s fashion choice for the night also channeled this very spirit. She chose to spotlight American fashion by wearing a design by Sergio Hudson, one of the country’s post prominent and successful Black designers. “Sergio Hudson’s designs—a reflection of his vision and artistry—embody confidence, dignity, and pride,” Harris tells Vogue. “I am honored to celebrate his talent and the ways he is helping to shape the future of American fashion.” (Her hair, meanwhile, was courtesy of artist Dayna Rose, and makeup by Marquia James.)
Harris’s long-sleeved, off-the shoulder gown—covered in striking oxblood sequins—perfectly embodied what Hudson does best. Known for his modern everyday separates and sleek evening attire, Hudson specializes in tailored suits and gowns that feel timeless yet current, both of which could be said for his latest design for Harris tonight. The former Vice President’s choice to spotlight his work this evening, on a night all about celebrating the accomplishments of successful Black trailblazers in this country, was also clearly intentional—and a fitting touch, no less.
Of course, this isn’t Harris’s first time sporting the Los Angeles-based designer. During her time in office, Harris was a well-noted supporter of the label: She wore Sergio Hudson pieces on the night of her 2021 inauguration as Vice President, opting for his structured black tuxedo coat over a black sequined dress.
Hudson has dressed other leading political figures as well, including Michelle Obama, who wore his oxblood tailoring to the 2021 inauguration day. In May of last year, Dr. Jill Biden—who frequently wore Hudson during her time as first lady—also donned a sapphire blue, hand-embroidered evening gown by the designer, to the Kenya State Dinner at the White House. Tonight, then, served as another winning addition to his growing political roster.
Earlier this month, Harris was a guest on The Run-Through with Vogue to discuss her new memoir, 107 Days. Sitting down with editors Chloe Malle and Taylor Antrim, Harris said of her next chapter, “At this moment, I am really focused on right now . . . I’m a big believer that when you’re focused on that thing that’s out there, you trip over the thing that’s in front of you.”
