Despite their political differences, Jill Biden, Melania Trump, and Michelle Obama have all recently donned animal-inspired attire, perhaps as a way to attract attention during the charged atmosphere of the presidential election season.
With early voting in full swing, these three prominent women have taken to showcasing their styles in unconventional ways. Biden celebrated Halloween by wearing a panda costume at the White House’s annual trick-or-treat event. Meanwhile, Trump arrived at a rally for her husband, Donald Trump, in a zebra-printed Michael Kors coat. Obama, in support of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, wore a custom Theory pantsuit featuring a leopard-inspired print.
Leslie Irvine, director of the Animals and Society Certificate Program at the University of Colorado, Boulder, noted that while we no longer believe wearing animal prints grants us the power of that animal, these choices still convey strong cultural messages. “The wearer cannot be ignored,” she explained, as animal prints blur the lines between human and animal in either a rebellious or playful manner.
Historically, animal motifs have held significance in human adornment, especially in Indigenous cultures where wearing animal skins often had spiritual meaning. Matthew Yokobosky, senior curator of fashion and material culture at the Brooklyn Museum, explained that animal prints are now considered neutrals in fashion but were once symbols of royalty and elite status due to their rarity. “Melania and Michelle may be evoking elitism while also drawing from more accessible brands,” he suggested.
Yokobosky observed that Trump’s and Obama’s choices appear designed to be eye-catching and fashionable at rallies, aiming to inspire voters, while Biden’s panda costume felt more light-hearted. Trump, a former model, understands the impact of clothing, with her stylist stating that the graphic black-and-white pattern would stand out amid the rally’s blue, white, and red backdrop.
John Swaddle, director of the Institute for Integrative Conservation at William & Mary, highlighted the recognizable nature of their outfits, particularly noting that the panda serves as a global symbol for conservation, reflected in the World Wildlife Fund’s logo. Biden’s involvement in bringing giant pandas to the Smithsonian National Zoo underscores this connection.
Ultimately, Swaddle sees their animal-inspired looks as a reminder of our bond with nature, a connection that transcends political divides. “Nature provides us with essential services for our society,” he said, expressing hope that these choices symbolize a collective appreciation for the environment. “We must work together to address the current extinction crisis so that everyone can thrive.”