Jill Biden’s inauguration concert outfit came with a hidden message
For Wednesday night’s virtual inaugural concert, first lady Dr. Jill Biden wore a custom ivory coat and matching embroidered dress by Uruguayan American designer Gabriela Hearst.
This was the second outfit Biden debuted during the day. The first was a turquoise coat, dress and mask combo by Alexandra O’Neill of New York-based label Markarian.
In a press release, Gabriela Hearst’s PR team said the gown’s floral embellishments reflected “the federal flowers from every state and territory of the United States of America.”
Biden accessorized the simple but stunning ensemble with a chic pair of ivory leather gloves.
In an Instagram post this morning, Gabriela Hearst shared additional details about the ensemble, which was crafted with personal details in mind.
“The Delaware flower is positioned at the heart level of The First Lady,” to honor the Bidens’ home state. “From there, all the other flowers branch out … each flower took approximately two-four hours to embroider,” the caption revealed, adding that the outfit was made entirely in New York City.
The post ended by sharing that the coat had an inspirational message hand-embroidered on the lining.
“Representing the lifelong calling and service of Dr. Biden as an educator is a … quote from Founding Father Benjamin Franklin: ‘Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.’ ”
Biden has worn Hearst before, most notably a green silk, fringe-trimmed dress on three separate occasions, including a 2020 presidential debate.
The New York-based label’s ready-to-wear and accessories have been coveted by both fashion industry insiders and boldface names, including Oprah, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. Since the brand launched in 2015, its classic, minimal aesthetic has been compared to a more well-known label representing the ultimate in luxury, Hermes.
Hearst’s sustainably minded designs — she uses wool from her family’s sheep farm in Uruguay — reflect the brand’s consistent mission of quality over quantity, and align naturally with Biden’s sustainability-oriented sartorial messaging.
In December 2020, it was announced that Hearst will be taking over as the new artistic director of the storied French house Chloe. Her predecessors include Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo and most recently Clare Waight Keller.