At the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, Vice President Kamala Harris garnered both praise and criticism for her outfit. The occasion was significant, as Harris was awarded the prestigious Chairman’s Award for her dedication to public service and social justice. To mark the event, she wore a custom creation by the renowned designer LaQuan Smith, known for his bold and contemporary designs.
Harris’s ensemble featured a black silk pussybow blouse, paired with pinstripe trousers that had a cummerbund waist. Over this, she wore a satin evening blazer that added a sleek, sophisticated flair to her look. The outfit was a strong choice, especially given its symbolic ties to empowerment and the support of Black designers, which aligns with Harris’s advocacy for social justice and representation.
However, despite the boldness of her fashion statement, some viewers were quick to critique the fit of the outfit. The primary concern was the tailoring, or lack thereof. While Harris’s choice was undoubtedly stylish, several individuals on social media and in the fashion community pointed out that the outfit appeared ill-fitted in certain areas, particularly around the waist. One viewer remarked that the waistline seemed too loose and suggested that it should have been tailored more precisely to better define her shape. Others felt the trousers didn’t quite strike the right balance between being too boxy or too fitted. The overall consensus was that the outfit fell into an awkward middle ground, which detracted from the polished look one might expect at such a high-profile event.
Despite these critiques, the Vice President’s appearance was still a moment to celebrate in terms of fashion representation. LaQuan Smith, who has worked with Harris on multiple occasions, expressed his honor in designing her outfit for such a significant event. Smith’s designs are known for being empowering, making Harris’s choice of wearing a Black designer even more notable. Many applauded her continued support of underrepresented designers, as well as her use of fashion as a form of self-expression. Fashion, after all, is a powerful tool, and Harris’s choice was a clear statement of her values and commitment to lifting others up.
Moreover, Harris’s speech at the awards ceremony, which included comments on the state of American democracy and the fight for justice, added weight to her appearance. She was able to marry her commitment to social justice with her support of Black talent, making her presence at the event about more than just a fashion choice.
In conclusion, Kamala Harris’s outfit at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards sparked significant attention, particularly regarding its fit and tailoring. While the ensemble may not have been universally praised for its craftsmanship, the Vice President’s decision to support a Black designer and her unwavering commitment to public service remained the central focus of the evening. This instance is a testament to how fashion can serve as both a personal statement and a platform for advocacy, even when faced with criticism.
