Will The Real Kamala Harris Please Stand Up

With the election inching closer, the possibility of having our first woman president of both East Indian and African American descent could soon become a reality. Seeing the Vice President reach unimaginable heights and achieve the dreams of our ancestors is witnessing history unfold. However, the woman we see portrayed in the media is just the tip of the iceberg. We may never know the secrets Kamala Harris keeps close to her heart, nor should we. But before her presidential campaign, before her time as Vice President, and before she became widely known for her legal career, we saw a more adventurous Kamala.

There’s an infamous image of her from 2001, attending a red carpet event with former talk show host Montel Williams, dressed in a slinky, plunging satin cream number. Harris, single and mingling. Or take one of my favorite photos of her from the 1980s: young, stylish Kamala, clad in a black high-collared coat with a short curly hairstyle, looking model-esque. Time has passed since those pictures were taken, and I don’t want to overshadow her sophisticated evolution, a journey of self-discovery intertwined with navigating the complexities that have led her to where she is today. Yet, the Kamala we see now appears tightly buttoned-up in slightly baggy suits, rarely venturing outside the fashion shadow of Hillary Clinton, who was herself criticized for her wardrobe choices. So, I ask: Who is the real Kamala Harris?

Vice President Kamala Harris stands on the precipice of breaking countless social norms. As the daughter of immigrants, her father from Jamaica and her mother from India. Harris is no stranger to the stereotypes and disadvantages faced by women, especially women of color. During her speech at the Democratic National Convention, Harris honored her multicultural lineage, paying tribute to her roots as the daughter of “a brown woman and a Caribbean man.” She spoke of her mother as “a brilliant, five-foot-tall brown woman with an accent,” and shared the challenges they both faced, including the lessons of resilience and activism that shaped her.

Harris’ upbringing in a multicultural household steeped in both South Indian and African American traditions deeply influenced her. On Instagram, she shared a picture of herself, her sister Maya, and their mother, Gopalan. In the caption, she reflects on being raised as a strong Black woman and how visits to places like the Rainbow Sign, a Black cultural center, exposed her to extraordinary figures like Shirley Chisholm, Nina Simone, and Maya Angelou. Harris’ connection to her Black culture is also evident in her time at Howard University, a historically Black institution, where she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

However, the challenges of being a woman of color in America persist. Systemic inequalities in the judicial system, education, employment, and healthcare disproportionately affect Black and brown communities. From gerrymandering, voter suppression, wealth gaps and redlining. African Americans have long faced barriers. Schools in predominantly black neighborhoods receive less funding and resources. Negative stereotypes affect social mobility and treatment in society. Kamala Harris carries the weight of this history as she navigates her role, constantly judged and scrutinized, yet still pushing forward.

Harris’ connection to her Indian heritage is equally strong. Her mother, who was a biomedical scientist and activist, instilled in her a deep respect for their South Indian roots, telling stories of Tamil Nadu and blending traditional values with the American experience. Growing up in this dual world, one grounded in social justice, independence, and education. Harris has been shaped by both cultures.

South Indian Beauty Standards

South Indian beauty and fashion reflect centuries of tradition, regional influences, and evolving trends. These standards often emphasize modesty, elegance, and natural beauty. Saris are the quintessential garment for South Indian women, especially during special occasions and festivals. Typically draped in the Nivi style, where the fabric is wrapped around the waist, pleated in the front, and the pallu (end of the sari) is draped over the shoulder. These saris are often brightly colored and adorned with intricate gold borders and designs. For young girls and unmarried women, the pavadai is common, consisting of a long flowing skirt and a fitted blouse, often paired with a dupatta (scarf). The half-sari or Langa Voni, worn by young women transitioning to full saris after marriage, resembles the sari but with less fabric.

Gold jewelry is an integral part of South Indian attire, especially for weddings and festivals. Women frequently wear gold necklaces, bangles, earrings, and anklets. Temple jewelry, intricately designed to resemble ornaments worn by deities, is particularly popular in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Additional adornments include nose rings, toe rings worn by married women, and waistbands (vaddanam).

Hair is traditionally worn long and braided, treated with coconut or sesame oil for shine, and adorned with garlands of jasmine flowers (known as gajra) and gold accessories, especially during celebrations. Eyes are often enhanced with kajal (kohl) or eyeliner, a hallmark of South Indian beauty that emphasizes the natural allure of the eyes.

African American Beauty Standards

African American style has significantly influenced global beauty standards, celebrating individuality while honoring cultural norms. The embodiment of this culture is seen in head wraps, bold jewelry, braided and natural hairstyles, and well-nourished and moisturized skin constantly challenging Eurocentric ideals of beauty.

Several distinct beauty types emerge within African American culture. Afrocentric beauty blends traditional African textiles and prints with modern fashion, celebrating heritage through vibrant patterns. The Minimalist Contemporary Woman embraces a polished aesthetic, defined by neutral colors, tailored pieces, and a focus on quality. The Glamazon exudes luxury, draped in high-end designer brands, while Vintage/Retro beauty mixes glamor with styles from different eras. Then there’s the Casual Street Style beauty, who pairs jeans, sweatpants, or jerseys with the latest sneakers. Preppy beauty favors clean, polished looks like button-downs, cardigans, blazers, pleated skirts, and loafers. Finally, the Edgy/Punk style leans into rebellious fashion with ripped jeans, chunky boots, dark makeup, and studded accessories.

African American beauty standards are deeply rooted in the history of migration, cultural exchange, and the ongoing pursuit of personal and communal liberation. This diverse heritage, combined with a resilient sense of self-expression, continues to shape and redefine beauty on a global scale.

Reimagining Kamala’s Style Through Her Multicultural Roots

In reimagining Kamala Harris’ leadership style, I can’t help but think that her current style is predictable and almost uniform-like. Feels like a mere shadow of her true self. Despite her strong ties to both Black and Indian cultures, Kamala’s leadership style and public image can feel almost too polished, too safe. Her wardrobe, though professional, often lacks the vibrancy that could reflect the richness of her background. It seems as though she’s playing it safe, possibly as a response to the heavy criticism often lobbed at women in power. However, as the first woman of color in her position, wouldn’t it be more powerful to embrace her individuality? In a society where you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Why not choose to express yourself more boldly, with an authenticity that reflects your heritage and your mother’s resilience?

So, what if Kamala Harris’ wardrobe paid homage to her heritage while still maintaining the polished professionalism required for her role? From my perspective, it would be a fusion of cultural traditions and modernity. Brands like Ralph Lauren, Loewe, and LaQuan Smith would bring her a chic, contemporary edge, while accessible labels like Zara, Steve Madden, and Gap keep her grounded in practicality. However, there’s room for more cultural infusion. Brands like House of Aama, Tolu Coker, and Anamika Khanna. Rooted in African and South Asian aesthetics could add a richness and depth to her wardrobe, showcasing the vibrancy of her background.

Imagine Kamala stepping onto a stage in a tailored sari-inspired silhouette, with gold accents reminiscent of South Indian temple jewelry, or wearing an ensemble with modern African prints, blending Afrocentric fashion with political poise. Her hair could be styled in voluminous curls or intricately braided, each look thoughtfully selected to honor her African and Indian heritage. A cascade of curls could reflect the natural beauty and power of Black hair, while a braided style might draw from the rich traditions of both cultures, symbolizing unity and strength. These hairstyles wouldn’t just be an aesthetic choice—they would speak to the broader narrative of embracing her multicultural roots and shattering conventional expectations. These small touches could speak volumes, not only about her connection to her heritage but also about her boldness in breaking out of the mold.

Kamala Harris represents more than just a figure of political power. She is a bridge between cultures, histories, and futures. In embracing her multicultural background, both in leadership and style, she could redefine what it means to be a woman of color in power, signaling a new era where individuality and heritage are celebrated rather than concealed. By stepping into this reimagined style, Kamala could not only inspire women worldwide but also bring forward a vision of bold leadership that is as multifaceted and rich as the cultures she represents.