Rama Krishna Sangem
Usha Vance, Second Lady of the US, is the big draw of the elite gathering at the inauguration of President Donald Trump at Capitol Rotund, Washington DC, on January 20. In her dull pink dress, she is the clear winner as the fashion icon at the event, as First Lady Melania Trump chose to wear a dark ensemble and a hat, half covering her face, deliberately projecting a mysterious aura. There were may other women, of course, at the Presidential inauguration, but the fashionistas focused their attention mainly on these two women.
Usha Chilukuri Vance, 39 year old (born January 6, 1986) is the first practicing Hindu American Second Lady in White House – Vice-President of the US has an office in the White House. But, the official residence of Veep is No 1, Observatory Circle, Washington DC, not far from the White House – just 4 km. Mother of three children, Usha is a lawyer by profession. Her parents Krish and Lakshmi Chilukri and grandparents – Sundari and Rama Sastri Chilukuri, are of Telugu origins from Andhra Pradesh.
She was born in San Diego, California and graduated from Yale University. At her marriage with JD Vance in 2014, the couple followed both Hindu and Christian traditions. After marrying Usha, Vance too converted to vegetarianism. Not just that, JD Vance cooks vegetarian food for his mother -in- law, Usha’s mother. All these factors matter in her everyday lifestyle. She is assertive, soft spoken and a woman of substance. This is revealed by JD Vance himself on a number of times.
Fashion & Pomp
Inauguration Day is all about pomp, pageantry – and pictures. The clothes worn on this world stage – the colour, cut and details – take the spotlight. From Melania’s striking hat to Usha’s fashion forward overcoat, here’s a roundup of some of the day’s most memorable looks,” commented BBC News on the Presidential inauguration day.
Melania Trump kicked off Inauguration Day with an outfit that has all the hallmarks of her favoured first lady style: sharply cut, with spiked heels and a dramatic flourish via the headgear. It is simultaneously serious and chic.
The designer chosen by the 54-year-old first lady for the inauguration is the subject of fascination – and, again, an opportunity to transmit a message. That the former model chose New York designer Adam Lippes and a coordinating hat by Eric Javits, was a marked shift of gear.
She may have worn the American fashion designer Ralph Lauren to her husband’s last inauguration, but much more frequently turns to the big European houses. Plus, unlike Lauren, neither Lippes nor Javits are such household, starry names.
Usha Vance, Newest member in the spotlight
Usha Vance’s most high profile appearance to date was speaking the 2024 Republican National Convention. For the occasion, the 39-year-old chose a cobalt blue off-the-shoulder Badgley Mischka dress, which retails for $495 (£400). According to a spokesperson speaking to industry website WWD, Vance must have bought the garment herself as the brand wasn’t consulted.
But, there were clear signs of a pivot to more high-fashion choices. She chose an Oscar de la Renta overcoat with a strikingly fashion-forward detail: a scarf intentionally tucked into her waist-height belt. Is it a sign of a more stylised image to come as Vance takes her place as the second lady?
I would absolutely label her as one to watch,” said Lauren Rothman, “because she is the newest member into the spotlight, she is receiving help – and it’s working.” Plus: “her energy indicates a comfort in it. Like, I was ready for this.”
She sees an authenticity too: “It doesn’t look like a costume. It looks like she’s having fun.” She cited an optimism in the choice of pink, where many of the other figures in Trump’s universe went for more sombre colours.