Last Friday, President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden attended a campaign event in Raleigh, North Carolina—just a day after the presidential debate between presumed candidates Biden and Donald J. Trump. As both embark on the campaign trail ahead of the upcoming election, Dr. Biden used her choice of fashion on Friday to deliver a clear message to viewers: She wore a custom dress by the American designer Christian Siriano, covered in the word “Vote.” The garment spoke for itself.
During her time as First Lady, Dr. Biden has consistently worn pieces by American designers—Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, and Markarian’s Alexandra O’Neill among them. Whether hosting foreign dignitaries or taking the stage for a speaking engagement, her wardrobe choices for public appearances are often a form of patriotism. Notably, Dr. Biden chose a cerulean dress and sparkly tweed coat by Markarian for Inauguration Day back in 2021, instantly raising the profile of one of fashion’s most promising up-and-coming talents.
Over the past three years, Dr. Biden’s style signatures—tailored skirt suits, printed dress, and structured blazers—have largely stemmed from American labels. In May, at the Kenya State Dinner at the White House, she chose a sapphire blue, hand-embroidered evening gown by Sergio Hudson; In March, she wore the designer’s sparkly top and trousers to a Human Rights Campaign dinner in Los Angeles.
Last year, at a White House State Dinner with the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Biden wore an off-the-shoulder sequined gown by Ralph Lauren—one of the most enduring American fashion labels in history. She also wore the designer’s sleek blue skirt suit to the coronation of King Charles III back in May.
Of course, it’s nothing new for the First Lady to champion American designers. Former First Ladies such as Michelle Obama have also done so, with Obama favoring labels such as Jonathan Simkhai, Thakoon, and Brandon Maxwell. Dr. Biden’s intentional wardrobe, then, is the continuation of a tradition—and a stylish display of American pride.
Below, more more of Dr. Biden's looks made by American designers.
