Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez may have been the headline acts of President Joe Biden's inauguration, but it was 22-year-old Amanda Gorman, the first national youth poet laureate, who delivered the event's true standout performance.
Gorman, who became the youngest poet to read at an inauguration ceremony, moved dignitaries in attendance and viewers at home with her reading "The Hill We Climb," her powerful poem calling for togetherness as America enters a new chapter.
But she also caused a buzz with her vibrant outfit, which channeled the optimism of the occasion, and the jewellery she wore, though small on television screens, carried touching personal sentiment.
In a yellow double-breasted coat from the Italian designer Miuccia Prada, complemented by a red satin Prada headband perched on top of her twisted hair style, the Los Angeles native stood out against the more muted crowd behind her. Speaking to Vogue, Gorman revealed that her choice of coat was a nod to First Lady Jill Biden, who asked her to speak at the inauguration, and praised Gorman's decision to wear yellow on another occasion.
Her jewelry, notably, was not Prada, but rather gifts from independent designers, courtesy of Oprah Winfrey herself. Professing to be a fan of Gorman's work, Winfrey gifted Gorman a ring in the shape of a caged bird from New York-based brand Of Rare Origin (a tribute to African American poet Maya Angelou) and a pair of gold hoop earrings from Greek designer Nikos Koulis.
Winfrey was carrying on her own tradition with these gifts: In 1993, the talk show host and producer sent Angelou a Chanel coat and gloves ahead of her own reading at President Bill Clinton's inauguration.
While this is Gorman's most high-profile fashion moment to date, she likely has many more in her future, as her star continues to rise. "(Fashion) has so much meaning to me, and it's my way to lean into the history that came before me and all the people supporting me," she told Vogue.
Latest Stories
-
Meet 2 Ghanaian entrepreneurs on a mission to connect 1m African professionals to global companies by 2034
7 mins -
NCA approves Starlink’s satellite broadband application
7 mins -
Government orders FGR to revamp mining operations; assures workers of commitment to their welfare
13 mins -
Arne Slot philosophy could suit Liverpool – Van Dijk
23 mins -
EC replies Mahama: You also appointed someone who was tagged NDC
31 mins -
See colourful outdoor of Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as NDC’s running mate
59 mins -
Akufo-Addo commissions 15MWP Kaleo Solar Power Plant
1 hour -
GCB Bank PLC leads African financial integration, hosts ZICB delegation
1 hour -
Empowering Girls in ICT: FAWE Ghana advocates for gender equality in the Tech sector
3 hours -
Rangnick ‘contacted by Bayern Munich’ about manager job
3 hours -
Winneba Youth Choir celebrates 35th Anniversary with Aseda Concert sponsored by Fidelity Bank
3 hours -
Bonwire residents reject Agya Koo’s endorsement of Ejisu NPP MP aspirant
3 hours -
SSNIT to run out of reserves due to deficits – ILO
3 hours -
Lagos officials eye Jospong Group’s eco-friendly waste management module
3 hours -
Photos: NDC outdoors Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate
3 hours