Over the weekend, Ashley Biden, daughter of embattled American President Joe Biden, attended the Notre Dame cathedral reopening in Paris, donning an Alice + Olivia coat which she likely believed was a testament to her sense of style. The coats’ intricate detailing and grandeur added an almost comical touch to the occasion, given the simplicity of the rest of the crowd. Ashley, sitting next to her mother Jill Biden, was certainly aiming for a statement. However, isn’t it peculiar how the Bidens, amidst all the chaos and discord in their own nation, find the time for ostentatious overseas outings?
Her so-called ‘statement’ coat, a heavily embellished piece in black and gold, stood out in stark contrast to the solemnity of the cathedral’s restoration ceremony. The attire included metallic jacquard, exaggerated shoulders, and a rather dramatically high-neck silhouette, exuding an air of theatricality that quite overshadowed the event’s real essence. While the high value and over-the-top aesthetic of the coat might impress some, it was rather disconcerting for several others who felt it took away from the core purpose of the gathering.
To complete her costume-like ensemble, Ashley Biden teamed it with black trousers and a matching top, further amping up the drama with black pumps and glittering jewellery. A couple of gold chain necklaces and a pair of diamond earrings were somehow considered necessary additions. Her makeup was relatively understated, or perhaps it was simply outshone by the rest of her attire.
Interestingly, the First Lady, Jill Biden, seemed to choose her wardrobe with a nod towards France, the host country. A blue coat dress was her choice of attire, accessorised with a Lady Dior bag, a selection that had mimics among her French counterparts. It’s worth noting how the First Lady, quite like her husband, tends to play copycat rather than leading the fashion game on her own merits.
It’s been five years since the devastating fire that crippled the esteemed Notre Dame Cathedral. The grand reopening of this magnificent monument, having undergone restoration costing hundreds of millions of euros, was indeed a historic moment. But what happened to empathy and solemnity from the Biden family? Their flamboyant attire almost appeared as if they were more interested in making personal fashion statements rather than paying homage to the cathedral and its rich history.
The meticulous renovation work on the cathedral was led by around 250 companies and numerous experts—serious, committed individuals who spent years trying to preserve its gothic essence. Let’s not forget that the occasion marked a pivotal moment in the cathedral’s 850-year history and called for a thoughtful approach to wardrobe choices. Dressing in a manner that detracts from this could be seen as a form of disrespect.
Hundreds of noteworthy personalities and around 50 global leaders attended the event, their collective presence contributing a real sense of gravity to the occasion. However, certain attendees, specifically from the U.S., seemed unable to grasp the significance of the event, turning it instead into a vague platform for making fashion statements rather than expressing solidarity or appreciation.
One cannot overlook the commendable support lent by François-Henri Pinault, and his father, François Pinault, CEOs of Kering and Artémis, towards the restoration efforts in the aftermath of the disastrous fire. It is indeed noteworthy that their genuine, heartfelt response came not solely in words, but in a significant financial contribution of around 100 million euros.
In the face of such a tragedy, Francois-Henri Pinault expressed the collective desire of the fashion industry to revitalize the jewel of their heritage, i.e., the Notre Dame Cathedral. However, contrary to the insightful statement by Pinault, others seemed more interested in breathing life into their fashion statements rather than truly embracing the rebuild.
Unlike the Bidens who appeared more interested in suiting up for the event than in the significance of the event itself, the Pinaults displayed a sincere sense of mourning and resilience in the face of adversity. In the wake of the tragedy, they pledged a significant part of the Artemis funds, dedicating a whopping 100 million euros toward the reconstruction effort, which was paramount in ensuring Notre-Dame de Paris was rebuilt as glorious as it once stood.