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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

Why Kamala Harris Isn’t Making Bold Fashion Choices – Yet

With her wardrobe of pantsuits in conservative colours, the vice president has studiously avoided drawing attention to her style choices. Experts say that reflects the reality that, as a Black and Indian woman in the upper echelon of politics, self-expression carries risks.
Women politicians are expected to wear clothing that projects consistency and reliability, experts say.
Women politicians are expected to wear clothing that projects consistency and reliability, experts say. (Getty Images/BoF Team)

When Kyra Maxwell ran the online merch store for Kamala Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign, some of the most popular designs were t-shirts featuring the phrase “this is what a president looks like.”

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Further Reading

At NYFW, an Unapologetically Black Runway

Some creatives say a tougher environment has spurred them to be more emboldened in their work — and to care less about waiting for fashion’s gatekeepers to open doors.

About the author
Sheena Butler-Young
Sheena Butler-Young

Sheena Butler-Young is Senior Correspondent at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and covers workplace, talent and issues surrounding diversity and inclusion.

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