Following the tradition of First Ladies sending messages through fashion, Jill Biden showed her support for Ukraine with her dress at the State of the Union Address on March 1. Her satin bias style features a sunflower embroidery detail on the right sleeve – directly referencing Ukraine’s national flower and signaling FLOTUS’ support of the country currently fighting a Russian invasion.
The deep purple colour, which Pantone calls Very Peri, also has significance. It’s symbolic of “a sense of calm”, which speaks to a positive way forward through tumultuous times caused by the pandemic and the current Russian invasion.
The First Lady’s dress was plucked from Lapointe’s pre-fall 2022 collection. Founder and designer Sally LaPointe posted a photo of Biden on Instagram, writing: “As an American designer and as an American woman, it was a huge honour to have dressed Dr. Jill Biden for the State of the Union Address tonight.”
Biden’s style appearances always pack meaning. The blue Markarian coat dress she wore on Inauguration Day was chosen to signify “trust, confidence, and stability” at a time of national unrest, and to promote NYC’s garment district during challenging times amidst the pandemic. That same evening, she opted for a Gabriela Hearst flower dress, advocating for sustainably-made designs by wearing an ethical, environmentally-conscious brand. Through fashion, Biden has found an effective tool to communicate her values and beliefs while also championing her favorite designers.
Joining his wife at the address in a black suit and blue tie, President Joe Biden expressed his solidarity during his speech. “Stand and send an unmistakable signal to the world, to Ukraine,” Biden said before a standing ovation. “Bright, strong, resolved. We the United States of America stand with the Ukrainian people.”
Read on for more photos of the First Lady at the State of the Union.
