What kind of first lady would Jill Biden be? Last night at the Democratic National Convention she gave us a glimpse. At ease in a classroom at Brandywine High School in Wilmington, Delaware, where she taught English, Dr. Biden addressed the crisis around schools reopening even as coronavirus cases increase in many parts of the US.
The issue is a personal one for Dr. Biden; she’s said that she’ll continue to teach if her husband Joe Biden wins the presidency. But it was also smart politics. Parents of school-age children are panicked about the safety risks of returning to school and worried sick about what the absence of in-person-learning is doing to children’s development—academic, social, and psychological.
Dr. Biden’s dress was designed by Brandon Maxwell. This morning he told Vogue, “We were thrilled to see Dr. Biden wearing a piece from our collection on such an important day. Teachers have been so formative in my life and throughout my career I’ve been vocal about the importance of education. The fact that she did it in her former classroom was especially heartwarming.” He backed up those sentiments on Instagram, posting a message of support to teachers, his little sister included, who are returning to schools today.
Maxwell is more famous for outfitting celebrities than politicians. He dressed Lady Gaga in no fewer than five different looks at last year’s Met Gala. But high stakes glamour was not the vibe Dr. Biden was going for last night. Symbolically, the choice aligns her with a designer (Texan, no less) who is outspoken about politics, the power of community, and the importance of supporting other people. For those who read into it—and no it’s not sexist to do so—her wardrobe sends signals about who she is and the type of people she aligns with.
Visually, the dress (which is from Maxwell’s spring 2020 collection and sold-out everywhere except Moda Operandi) conveyed poise, capability, and a can-do spirit, one that was echoed in her speech: “Leadership to reimagine what our nation will be. That’s Joe. He and Kamala will work as hard as you do everyday to make this nation better. And if I have the honor of serving as your first lady, I will too. And with Joe as president these classrooms will ring out with laughter and possibility once again.”
She has this parent’s vote.
August 20, 2020 at 03:38AM
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In a Brandon Maxwell Dress, Jill Biden Brings a Can-do Spirit to the DNC - Vogue
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