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The Parties: What They're Wearing
With Robin Givhan
Washington Post Fasion Editor
Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001; 10:45 p.m. EST
Starting with Thursday's opening ceremonies and through Inauguration Day, Robin Givhan is taking notes on Washington fashion. She's following the new first lady, but she's also paying attention to everybody else. What are all those guests at the receptions and balls wearing? What fashion sense does Washington have? How about George W.'s tuxedo?
Givhan was online Saturday, Jan. 20, at 10:45 p.m. EST to talk about the look of it all.
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Robin Givhan: Right now I'm at the Florida Ball at the National Building Museum and the President and first lady have just left.
NW D.C.:
Why couldn't Barbara Bush, the president's mother, wear a decent raincoat today?
Robin Givhan: The clear pancho was something she had been given -- not something she chose. I think she wasn't that concerned about it because this wasn't her day in the spotlight. I think she was really being more practical than fashionable, which is what she's always been.
Takoma Park, Md.:
Why do you think more people involved in today's event did not wear hats? W.'s daughters' hair was soaked by the end of it all.
Robin Givhan: I have absolutely no idea. I frankly was stunned that so many people walked out on that stage with no hat on. Especially Laura who'd had a hat made for the occasion. I was also amazed that their hair held up as well as it did. I think most of it was vanity -- no one wanted to put on a rain hat.
Bethesda, Md.:
Laura Bush is wearing red, Nancy Reagan wore red. Is that a trend among Republican women -- despite Barbara Bush and her trademark blue?
Robin Givhan: Actually Nancy Reagan was known for her red suits but she's never worn red for an inaugural. In fact, Laura Bush is the first to have worn a red inaugural gown.
Arlington, Va.:
Why does GWB continually drag Laura along by the hand like a reluctant child, two steps behind? It looks ridiculous.
And, although the color of the dress (red) is actually quite nice, don't you think the neckline's tacky? And it was too tight! You can see her fanny. Doesn't she have any jewelry to wear that's appropriate?
Robin Givhan: My oh my, aren't you critical. I didn't think the neckline was tacky -- a little cautious maybe. And I was glad to see her wear something that had a shape to it instead of something so loose-fitting it looks like a caftan. And look, I mean, her fanny ... she's got an okay fanny. It's not exactly a wide load.
Hartford:
What kind of tie did George W. Bush wear when he was sworn in today?
Robin Givhan: I don't know specifically about the tie that he wore today but I do know he likes Ferragamo ties.
Washington, D.C.:
What did you think of the girls' outfits? And why is the new president not wearing his cowboy boots?
Robin Givhan: I've been making it a point not to comment on the girls' outfits, because they didn't have any choice about putting themselves in the public eye.
I think on an occasion like this, he wanted to respect tradition as much as possible and didn't want to put too many personal flourishes on the occasion. I also think that he wanted to be an American on the stage and not a Texan.
Washington, D.C.:
What's the best looking outfit you've seen today -- evening wear or earlier in the day?
Robin Givhan: I can't say that I've seen one ensemble that's been incredible, but I have found it interesting that women in particular have been willing to be so ostentatious and so elaborate in their evening wear. I often get feedback from people about runway fashion, saying that it's too over-the-top and the reality is there are people who wear that sort of thing and I've seen it tonight. I just saw a fuchsia full-length maribou feather coat. That's pretty over-the-top.
Washington, D.C.:
Robin, I hate to criticize a U.S. senator, because even if I don't agree with her views I admire her public service. But oh my goodness, did you get a load of that awful dress that Kay Bailey Hutchison had on last night? Tell me there are better dresses out there at the balls tonight.
Robin Givhan: That dress last night looked utterly hideous. It was unfortunate because we both know that Kay Bailey can do better. Yes, there are a lot better gowns out tonight and they're not being worn with cowboy boots.
Silver Spring, Md.:
Do you know if Laura colored her hair a different shade of auburn for the occasion?
Robin Givhan: Only her hairdresser would know that and if he's any good, he would never dye and then talk about it.
Washington, D.C.:
You've been with Mrs. Bush all day today. How's she been holding up?
Robin Givhan: I think she's been holding up exceptionally well. She hasn't managed to glaze over yet. She still looks like she's enjoying herself. And I think that this weekend she's looked very nice. I don't think she's worn anything particularly memorable, but I also don't think she's worn anything that she is going to regret a month from now.
Robin Givhan: I'm amazed at how well-groomed everyone looks considering the rain, the sleet and now the snow. That's pretty impressive.
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