Barack Obama celebrates 10th anniversary of tan suit controversy with Kamala Harris fashion shoutout
Former President Barack Obama hugs Vice President Kamala Harris during an event to mark the 2010 passage of the Affordable Care Act in the East Room of the White House on April 5, 2022 in Washington, DC. PHOTO: AFP
On August 28, 2024, Barack Obama commemorated the 10-year anniversary of his widely discussed tan suit controversy in a unique fashion. To mark the occasion, Obama took to Instagram to highlight Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent sartorial choice.
He posted a side-by-side comparison of his own 2014 tan suit—infamously criticized at the time for its perceived casualness—alongside Harris’ 2024 Chloé suit, which she wore during the Democratic National Convention.
In his Instagram caption, Obama noted the enduring appeal of both outfits with the playful remark, “How it started. How it’s going.” This gesture was not only a nod to the fashion debate that once surrounded his own suit but also a celebration of how Harris’ choice continued the conversation in a similar vein, blending political and style commentary.
The juxtaposition of the two suits underscored how fashion can intersect with political discourse, illustrating both the evolution of public perceptions and the role of personal style in shaping political narratives. By drawing attention to Harris’ chic ensemble, Obama highlighted the ongoing relevance of his own sartorial choice and its impact on contemporary political fashion discussions.