On Tuesday, October 29, Kamala Harris delivered one of her most important speeches. Billed as the “closing argument” of her presidential campaign, the Democratic candidate stood before tens of thousands of supporters in Washington, D.C., and urged them to vote in the November 5 election. Dressed in a meticulously tailored black suit consisting of a stiff-shouldered single-breasted jacket and flared pants, she certainly looked the part of a future commander in chief.

Nevertheless, femininity was always deliberately woven into her campaign attire. One only has to look at the pointy black pumps, bubble bath nails, and suffragette-style white cowl-neck blouse she wears beneath her impeccable tailoring to see that. The draped long sleeves are a departure from the pussy-bow tops Harris has worn in the past. Considered a softer, lighter version of the turtleneck, the cowl neckline may not carry the weight of Pussybow's long political history as a symbol of feminist solidarity. However, its color and design choices felt appropriate for the occasion, which took place in the very same oval park where Trump instigated his deadly attack on Capitol Hill in January 2021.

Most of the former prosecutor's custom-made suits, including the “coconut brown” and navy blue she wore to the Democratic National Convention, are from the female-led French label Chloe, now headed by creative director Chemena Kamali. It is unclear whether the brand's work for Harris includes her latest black ensemble, but no other collaborator could be more fitting for her historic run. Both Kamali and Harris rarely leave home without wearing at least one piece from her beloved jewelry collection, and they value above all the personal touch that women bring to their clothing. [For me,] a woman who wears Chloé embodies powerful femininity and confidence,” Kamali told Vogue magazine shortly after the convention. Chloé is not about transformation. Wearing Chloé is about feeling like yourself.

If she wins next week's election, it will be interesting to see how Harris and her rumored stylist, Leslie Flemer, adapt her campaign wardrobe to the demands of her new role. Whatever she wears, it will set a precedent. That is the beauty and burden of being the first.