The 2021 Presidential Inauguration of Joe Biden highlighted some of what we can expect to see from a new administration. 2021 is opening its doors to an explosion of impeccable fashion taste from an insurgence of talented rising black fashion designers. Sergio Hudson, designer of luxury womenswear; Kerby Jean- Raymond owner of Pyer Moss; and Christopher John Rogers, owner of his eponymous brand, broke the internet with some of their most notable designs worn by former First Lady, Michelle Obama, and Madam Vice President, Kamala Harris.
Michelle Obama’s all burgundy ensemble received an overwhelming amount of buzz on social media, causing a chain reaction of comments and posts on Instagram from people all around the world, dying to know ‘who’ she was wearing.
Although Sergio Hudson received a staggering amount of spotlight for his Inauguration Day designs, this is not his first go-around styling the former first lady.
Back in 2019, Hudson designed Michelle’s navy blue jumpsuit for the 2019 Essence Festival. Hudson has also designed the beautifully constructed violet silk belted jacket with matching pants that she wore during her book tour featuring her bestselling autobiography, ‘Becoming.’
Who exactly is the rising designer Sergio Hudson? And how did he become one of today’s most sought after Black fashion designers?
The South Carolina native launched his brand back in 2014, where he was first introduced to the world in Bravo’s “Style to Rock,” a fashion design competition executively produced by Rhianna. After winning the competition, Hudson received a $100,000 cash prize along with a news spread in Glamour magazine. Since the airing of the “Style to Rock” competition, Hudson has dressed many artists and celebrities, such as Beyonce, Pharrell Williams, Jenifer Lopez, and Janelle Monae to name a few. He is a member of the new Black Designers Collective.
Hudson made his debut at New York Fashion Week in February 2020 to industry acclaim.
Vice President Kamala Harris Graces the World with Pyer Moss Tailored Camel Coat
Luxury streetwear is undoubtedly on the rise within contemporary fashion. Kerby Jean- Raymond, the owner of Pyer Moss, shows the world another glimpse of his activist brand through quiet neutral tones and structured styles. Just hours before the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden, Harris’s sleek light brown coat caught the eyes of many around the world. Excitement via social media grew stronger as the camel coat was one of Raymond’s first designs to be worn by Harris, the first Black, South Asian woman vice-president in U.S. history.
Unity in Purple- Madam Vice President Wears Christopher John Rogers
Brooklyn- based designer, Christopher John Rogers, made waves on the internet alongside Sergio and Kerby on Inauguration day. The 27-year-old designer showcased a glimpse of his brand’s overall aesthetic, highlighting the use of monochromatic color schemes and bright hues.
Rogers’ brand has been an all-inclusive outlet for representing self-expression, individuality, and self-confidence for all. Rogers is a recipient of the 2019 CFDA/ Vogue fashion fund. Rogers, who opened his company in 2016, has dressed many celebrities throughout his short career such as Michelle Obama, Lizzo, Rhianna, and Cardi B.
The 2021 presidential inauguration seemed to effortlessly exude a modest yet powerful message. Anything is possible, and the recognition of black fashion designers is a critical component for creating more diversity and unity within America. The explosion of rising, talented fashion designers is shaping a “new look” for a hopefully, new and improved America.
