MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Will Kamala Harris wear a sari to her vice-president inauguration? Internet feels she will 'look stunning in it'

Becoming the first woman of color and first woman of Asian descent to assume the VP's chair, it would not be surprising for Harris to show up in a sari or at at least a sari-inspired look

Although Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is almost always seen in a pantsuit or a blazer, which is her go-to look, people on social media are excited to find out if she will let her Asian heritage shine during her inauguration on January 20, by ditching her comfort-zone for a sari, which is a traditional Indian outfit for women. 

As she is breaking multiple glass ceilings by not only becoming the first woman to ever assume the second-highest office in the country but also becoming the first woman of color as well as the first woman of Asian descent to do so, it would not be surprising for Harris to stun her fanbase by showing up in a sari or at at least a sari-inspired look.

For those who are unaware, a sari is a "garment consisting of a length of cotton or silk elaborately draped around the body, traditionally worn by women from South Asia."

What Harris chooses to wear on her inauguration day might not be the top concern on most people's minds — given the Capitol riots and the raging pandemic — but it is of significance as far as emotions go at least to Indian-Americans and South Asians across the globe. And the VP-elect is already aware of the popular demand. 

During her presidential campaign in 2019, in an event hosted by an Asian American group, One APIA Nevada, an audience member was heard asking Harris if she would commit to wearing the traditional Indian garment to her inauguration if she were elected president. "Let's first win," Harris said at the time.

"My mother raised us with a very strong appreciation for our cultural background and pride. Celebrations that we all participate in regardless of how our last name is spelled. It's the beauty of who we are as a nation," she had said.

Fashion designer Bibhu Mohapatra is already hopeful that Harris would choose to embrace her Indian roots to set an example for future vice presidents. "I wouldn't be surprised if we see her show up to the inauguration ball in a beautifully woven Banarsi sari," he told CNN. "I think she understands the power of that image."

The garment could also become a healing message for the people. "A lack of knowledge and fear is the key to distrust. If one never sees anyone who looks different than them, it's basic human nature to feel threatened by what is alien. It's more crucial now than ever that she makes (her heritage) familiar and uses it as a tool to bring people together," the designer said.

A photograph of a young Harris sitting on a couch wearing a sari with her grandparents has already gone viral on social media. For Mohapatra, who was born and raised in Odisha, India, seeing the picture had a profound impact. Another designer, Prabal Gurung, from Nepal, whose clothing has been worn by Harris before, said that the former California senator's historic win resonated deeply with him.

"As a minority, you grow up and don't see many people in the media, entertainment, or positions of power that look like you," he said told the outlet. "(Her win) means that women and marginalized people can now look to the highest office in the country, and see someone that looks like them. It opens up the door for so many to dream the biggest they can and know that it is possible to attain it."

People on Twitter are really excited to find out if Harris will opt for a sari. "I’m not holding my breath, but this would be AMAZING. Fingers crossed for a sari-inspired gown at the inaugural ball (or whatever chill Covid-proof after-party they’re planning this year)," one of them said, while another wrote, "My mom might lose her mind if VP @SenKamalaHarris wears a sari to the inauguration."

A user remarked, "As per Pierre Alexandre M'Pelé, 'Kamala Harris in custom Prabal Gurung look at the inauguration would be great. There are key similarities between their personal stories, & she loves his clothes already. We couldn't agree more. Both share South Asian descent. It might even be a SARI."

One more added, "I wonder if our future VP Kamala Harris might wear an Indian sari for the inauguration. Would be really cool if she did, but I can think of several reasons she’d choose not to." Another mentioned, "@KamalaHarris wear a sari and above all BE SAFE! We are so proud of you and so happy that our two young girls can see you in action."

The next commented, "Interesting. I for one think Kamala Harris would looking stunning in a saree but we have never seen her in anything other than a Power Blaser and a pant suit, so we have to see."