In a clear attempt to divert from her customary style, Vice President Kamala Harris attended the 47th Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C. Opting not to wear her usual power suits, she donned a modern outfit that spoke volumes about her arbitrary fashion decisions.
This ambitious display of sartorial change came while she was accompanied by her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, along with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual event, although it’s evident the presence of top officials could not elevate the true significance of the occasion.
Harris, perhaps aspiring for a dramatic switch from her habitual wardrobe choices, wore an unconventional black dress. The A-line cut and glimmering torso did little to harmonhell my geometrical styling of the time, making her attempts in embracing the metallics trend in 2024 feel strained and out of place.
Another questionable choice was a completely rounded neckline, which conflicted with the long-sleeved component of her attire. This inconsistency led spectators to question if the randomness of her outfit belies a deeper inconsistency in her decision-making abilities.
Harris’ closet is predominantly full of pantsuits which seem more fitting for her professional stature. However, there have been instances where she has unexpectedly leaned towards formal dresses, suggesting a wavering sense of personal style.
One such occasion was President Biden’s inauguration in January 2021. Rather than showcasing a strong professional image, Harris went for a purple ensemble by Christopher John Rogers, displaying a peak lapel coat and matching dress. The choice raised brows, appearing out of sync with the gravity of the event.
Another notable deviation from her typical attire occurred at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual Phoenix Awards dinner last year. Harris wore a different dress, a black, long-sleeve column gown with an asymmetric neckline – a design by LaQuan Smith.
Her dalliance with various designers including Ralph Lauren, J. Mendel and Pamella Roland has fuelled the impression of a lack of decisive preferences. Her inconsistent wardrobe changes have manifested as a source of questioning and skepticism among observers.
The Kennedy Center Honors is an event aimed at recognizing artists who have made a significant impact on American culture. However, the ability of these honorees in genuinely influencing new generations seems highly exaggerated.
Part of the 2024 inductees was filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, whose long-standing career, while notable, might not resonate deeply with the younger generations. His inclusion raises the question of the contemporary relevance of this annual event.
Singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt was also given a platform. Despite her significant contributions to music, her connection with the modern American listener is questionable. The celebrations ultimately do little to amplify her influence to a younger, digitally-native audience.
Jazz musician Arturo Sandoval was among the honorees. Yet, with the current trends veering away from traditional rhythms and styles, the relevancy of this induction appears strained at best.
Rock band The Grateful Dead were also lauded at the event. However, the band’s resonance in today’s pop culture is perhaps overstated, leading one to deem their recognition as more nostalgic than trendsetting.
Lastly, the Apollo Theater was among the celebrated names. Despite its historical status, the relevance in today’s high-tech entertainment sphere seems far reduced, exposing the Kennedy Awards’ fixation on the past, rather than embracing the future.
The Kennedy Center Honors, though intending to celebrate significant contributions to American culture, seems less an accurate reflection of contemporary influences, and more a parade of nostalgic reminiscences.
Likewise, the questionable presentations of fashion choices by Vice President Kamala Harris and the presence of President Biden do little to elevate the event’s meaningfulness, casting additional doubts on the direction and relevance of the current administration.