The Flowers on Jill Biden's White Dress Are Much More Than Pretty Embroidery

The flowers on Dr. Jill Biden's custom Gabriela Hearst look should be recognized as much more than just a pretty detail. When our first lady attended the evening inauguration celebration at the White House, Celebrating America, she tapped a designer she's worn (and recycled!) before. Gabriela Hearst created the fringe dress she wore to Joe's first presidential debate in 2020. But the specially made ivory cashmere coat, silk wool dress, leather gloves, and matching face mask she selected to ring in such a historic day are perhaps even more notable.

You see, Hearst did not just embroider bouquets across all these separates because they're beautiful, but to represent the federal flowers from every state in the US, with Delaware's positioned right at heart level. Hearst confirmed that each flower took two to four hours to stitch. On the lining of the coat, there is a quote from Benjamin Franklin that honors Jill's lifelong career as an educator: "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

The materials used were pre-existing in an effort to minimize the impact on the environment, which should come as no surprised since Hearst runs a sustainable company, committed to design processes that protect our earth. So, the blooms are also a salute to nature, which the new administration is dedicated to preserving. (Biden has already rejoined the Paris Agreement and ordered for a monitoring of the social cost of carbon.)

The color white is also connected to the women's suffragist movement, just like purple, so Dr. Biden's co-ords were also a proud reminder that Jan. 20 marked a day of progress for women everywhere. Biden completed her look with pointed two-toned pumps, meant to accent the sheen of the flowers on her outfit. With both of her ensembles yesterday — including the Swarovski-encrusted set by emerging designer Markarian she chose for the swearing-in ceremony — Jill has reminded us just how much fashion can say about a person's values. Her style memos have been duly noted.