TA-DA!

Dr Jill Biden in Markarian and President Joe Biden

You can't really tell from this photo, but Jill's coat is subtly sparkly. It's lovely. (Honestly, everyone looked great.) The brand released a statement that said, "The color blue was chosen for the pieces to signify trust, confidence, and stability...The look was carefully crafted by a small team in the heart of New York City's Garment Center and hand finished by [designer Alexandra] O'Neill in her West Village studio.” Turning to an American woman, working out of her shop in New York, for this big moment, is absolutely intentional and I love it. Both Biden and the Second Gentleman are wearing Ralph Lauren.

The folks at Markarian sent over this sketch of Dr Jill's look, which I always find really interesting.

Assorted Bidens

This was the best shot I got of the Assorted Bidens as of press time, but let me say: I enjoyed all their many many coats. Especially the pink one on Natalie there.

Vice President Harris in Christopher John Rogers and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff

This is ALSO elegant as can be -- and accessorized, of course, with her pearls. The coat here is Christopher John Rogers, a young, up-and-coming Black American designer -- honestly he may just simply have ARRIVED by now; he's had a great year or two -- and this is such a big moment for him and his label. It's so very exciting to be returning to a time when folks in the White House will be -- apparently -- making such thoughtful choices in what they wear, and giving a boost to American designers. Doug's trousers might be a leeetle long? We'll get there, Doug!

Interestingly, Kamala's dress and coat looked like a vaguely different (but complimentary) color on TV, but they look the same in snaps; I wonder if that had to do with the different fabrics and the sun?

Don't worry, we will also get to Michelle soon! I just wanted you to see this photo.

All these beautiful coats are so soothing! (Both the President and the Second Gentleman's overcoats are also nice.)

Doug and Kamala (in Pyer Moss) and Jill (in Jonathan Cohen) and Joe

This was at the COVID memorial event at the Lincoln Memorial on Monday night; both of THESE coats are ALSO fantastic, and both, again, from younger American designers. Pyer Moss is fronted by American-Haitian Kerby Jean-Raymond, and Jonathan Cohen's parents immigrated here from Mexico and he's very committed to sustainability; again, these choices to highlight designers of color were not made in a vacuum, and they're wonderful ones. (I found this article on People magazine to be really illuminating about all these details, in case you want to read more.)

This is very moving and a much-needed moment of reflection and condolence for folks who've lost loved ones in this pandemic. (And, honestly, for us all.) In an additional fashion note, Pyer Moss's Kerby Jean-Raymond posted on Instagram that the pleated detailing on the back of the Vice-President's coat was meant to echo the blue wave that propelled the Biden/Harris administration into office. And on my end, I want to note that I love the Vice President's boots here.

Barack and Michelle Obama (in Sergio Hudson)

OKAY!! I'm sure President Obama looks very nice but I SHRIEKED when I saw Michelle Obama appear -- in a good way. In the BEST way. This monochromatic Sergio Hudson number is GLAM.

I MEAN HONESTLY! This is spectacular. I think literally everyone I know texted me when this happened, and all their texts were some form of !!!!!!!

President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (in Ralph Lauren)

Additionally: While I have to think that all of these purple looks were in part to represent blue and purple together, AKA everyone coming together today, purple is also a color representing women's suffrage. (HRC, in fact, wore purple when she conceded in 2016.) I must note that I, at first glance, thought Hillary's scarf was a very ruffly shirt and it felt like a lot happening up there? However, I think it's just a scarf and not a Fashion Turtleneck.

President George W Bush and Laura Bush

Laura Bush, as ever, also looks super reasonable and totally nice. (Laura Bush was never going to show up wearing, like, a massive fur coat or something other than super appropriate.) This coat is lovely -- we saw a lot of complimentary colored collars on folks today and they're all visually pleasant. I do wonder is Laura is wearing her pearls as a subtle nod to Kamala, who always wears pearls, or if she's...you know, just wearing pearls. (I suspect the former, to be honest. This stuff rarely happens on total accident at an event of this magnitude.)

Cole and Ella Emhoff

Cole and Ella here are Doug Emhoff's children, and Kamala's stepchildren, and Ella's sparkly-shouldered Miu Miu coat is SO GOOD. (There's allegedly a Batsheva dress under there, but the collar is part of the coat, so who knows.) She's a knitwear designer, so it makes sense she would bring it to this event.

Speaking of family members who have brought it: Kamala's little great-nieces are SO cute. Their mom, Meena Harris, posted that these coats are referencing one Kamala had when she was a little girl.

Hunter Biden, Melissa Cohen, Baby Biden

Just need to note that I love this baby's lil' plaid coat and navy hat. This is a cute teeny baby outfit. (I don't have a picture where said baby is looking at the camera yet, but trust me: cute.)

Amy Klobuchar

This photo was just funny to me. It's also sort of amusing to me that Amy just wore her, like, everyday J.Crew lady day coat (not an actual credit, just my instinct) to this thing. I also thought Amy made a surprisingly good host for this event. Who knew!

Nancy and Paul Pelosi

This color is also great. And bless Nancy for basically covering up her ENTIRE face with accessories here. (Speaking of accessories, I don't yet have intel on her pin, but I'll keep everyone aprised.)

Bernie Sanders

God bless Bernie. This man will never change. He's grouchy! He's practical! He's ready to get this show on the road! (Fun fact: Per Ruby Cramer, his mittens are via "Jen Ellis, a teacher from Essex Junction, Vt. She gave them to him 2+ years ago and was surprised when he began wearing them on the campaign trail. They are made from repurposed wool sweaters and lined with fleece made from recycled plastic bottles." We also got a press release from Burton, the ski gear line, that this coat is by them. I never thought I'd get a press release about Bernie Sanders's fashion. It IS a new day!)

Dr Jill Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris Brought Us Glorious Coats Today

As did Michelle Obama and a whole lot of other people. COATS!