Who’d have thought Lady Gaga would not only behave but steal the show!
She left the meat dress and the ridiculous platforms at home and gave the world not only a note-perfect rendition of the National Anthem, but a couture outfit that spoke absolute volumes.
Peace! Her dove brooch was so big it could be seen from outer space, never mind China.
Non-isolationism and trade deals! Her show-stopping gown was the creation of a French fashion house, Maison Schiaparelli (even if its designer, Daniel Roseberry, is American).
Her tailored navy bodice meant America is all about business. And as for the voluminous red faille skirt that threatened to transport her, Mary Poppins fashion, into the clouds at any moment? Well, it was just joyous. It spelt hope. Dear Lord, she wasn’t even wearing a mask, so we could appreciate her matching pillar-box mouth.
Who’d have thought Lady Gaga would not only behave but steal the show!
I know she was singing, but if anything yesterday marked the end of a dour, depressing era, it was the red flag of the tiny American pop star.
Other than La Gaga and Jennifer Lopez — who wore flowing white trousers and a bejewelled belt to remind us that America not only gave us McDonald’s but also Elvis — what we saw from the White House women yesterday was a rainbow of warm, cinched princess coats from creamy dreamy American royalty.
On this occasion, there were no hats: with all the masks, we would never have known who was who.
Kamala Harris did not disappoint in a £4,000 purple coat with matching dress by black American designers Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson. I loved its low cut, perfect for an ample bust, and wide shoulders, which narrowed her waist.
She accessorised her look with a stars-and-stripes flag brooch by American jewellery designer David Yurman and signature pearls by Puerto Rican jeweller Wilfredo Rosado.
There was nothing frivolous about her choices: boy, she wasn’t even carrying a handbag, indicating she’s gonna grasp her job with both hands.
Kamala Harris did not disappoint in a £4,000 purple coat with matching dress by black American designers Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson
Jill Biden’s coat-and-dress combo — everyone was channelling Nicole Kidman in The Undoing, even down to the warm gloves — was a standout, shot through with crystals, which made her twinkle warmly at every turn.
Her designer of choice was Alexandra O’Neill of the U.S. luxury label Markarian (no, me neither) and is thought to have cost around the £3,000 mark. What I loved about it was the sheer panel at the throat, terrific for a woman in her 60s.
Both she and Kamala got the lengths just right: no exposed knees while sitting for the speeches.
Jill Biden’s coat-and-dress combo — everyone was channelling Nicole Kidman in The Undoing, even down to the warm gloves — was a standout, shot through with crystals, which made her twinkle warmly at every turn
It was all very respectful and tasteful, not least from Michelle Obama, the former First Lady not just of the U.S. but of fashion, who chose to wear beneath her cashmere coat a sweater and trousers, again by Sergio Hudson
It was all very respectful and tasteful, not least from Michelle Obama, the former First Lady not just of the U.S. but of fashion, who chose to wear beneath her cashmere coat a sweater and trousers, again by Sergio Hudson. The look showed she can relax, now a Democrat is back in the White House.
Last, but never least, came Melania Trump. Her exit from Washington had all the drama of Dynasty. Off she teetered on her £600 Louboutin trotters (and my goodness, that woman wears heels better than anyone on the planet) in head-to-toe black.
She chose Dolce & Gabbana va va voom that shouted: ‘I’m off for La Dolce Vita.’ A £5,000 Chanel jacket with statement asymmetric buttons that yelled, Liberté!
Last, but never least, came Melania Trump. Her exit from Washington had all the drama of Dynasty. Off she teetered on her £600 Louboutin trotters (and my goodness, that woman wears heels better than anyone on the planet) in head-to-toe black
Oh, and here’s the best bit. She carried a £50,000 Hermes Birkin bag made out of crocodile that snapped: it ain’t over till the lady with zero body fat sings!
You gotta admire her balls, inscrutable behind £350 Bottega Veneta sunnies: she alone could reverse global warming with just one icy stare!
Best of all, though, was when she emerged at the other end of America, and what must have been a really boring four years, to set a pointy toe in Florida at long last (I’m surprised she didn’t kiss the Tarmac, but she’s so brittle I doubt she bends), having changed into a £2,400 hexagon riot by Gucci and ‘Audrey Hepburn’ pumps so comfy she was almost skipping.
She even cracked a smile! My goodness, we are going to miss her immaculate outfits, the helmet hair, the inscrutable gaze, the rictus grin, the trolley- dolly demeanour.
Because you know what? Fashion may be frivolous. It will doubtless get on Kamala Harris’s and Jill Biden’s nerves for the next four years, as we all continue to want to know whose shirt they wear.
But Melania’s sartorial swansong was priceless. What a shot in the arm — something we all need now more than ever.