[T]here are certain moments in your life when you know you will never forget what you are witnessing. To attend a Presidential Inauguration, for me, was just one of those unforgettable moments. As cliché as it sounds, I felt proud to be an American, inspired by our political process and the hope that we can do or be anything we dream. Standing on ground that has been marched on by servicemen, camped on by protestors, a stage for messages to be heard not only on our soil but around the world to change our lives, all of our lives, for the better was an important reminder to be thankful for our freedoms and not take for granted the right we have to the American Dream….
Congratulations Mr. President
“Today we continue a never-ending journey, to bridge the meaning of those words with the realities of our time. For history tells us that while these truths may be self-evident, they have never been self-executing; that while freedom is a gift from God, it must be secured by His people here on Earth.”
“…our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on Earth.”
“We, the people, still believe that our obligations as Americans are not just to ourselves, but to all posterity.”
“We, the people, declare today that the most evident of truths – that all of us are created equal – is the star that guides us still”
“My fellow Americans, we are made for this moment, and we will seize it – so long as we seize it together.”
From the Poem by Richard Blanco
We head home: through the gloss of rain or weight
of snow, or the plum blush of dusk, but always—home,
always under one sky, our sky. And always one moon
like a silent drum tapping on every rooftop
and every window, of one country—all of us—
facing the stars
hope—a new constellation
waiting for us to map it,
waiting for us to name it—together.
What does one wear to the Inaugural Ball?… Oscar de la Renta was the first thing that came to mind! With an unparalleled history of dressing our leader’s First Ladies for decades, they also called my dress “White House Embroidery” and that was that.
Of course, if you’re wearing Oscar, you should be wearing diamonds! Chopard accessorized me in earrings set in platinum with pear shaped, marquise cut, and round diamonds. On my wrist a bracelet set in platinum with 78 pear shaped diamonds… amazing, no!?
Many, many thanks to my darling friend Max for taking me as his date, carrying my lipstick, and keeping my champagne filled. I’ll never forget this day together, friend.
