Dressing a politician carries significant meaning and President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has continuously done an exemplary job executing this precisely. On the late evening of Mexico’s Independence Day, Sheinbaum addressed the crowd of 280,000 people in Mexico City’s main square known as the Zocalo, according to the Mexican government. Sheinbaum is the first elected and serving female resident of Mexico. Sheinbaum’s leadership of the traditional national cry of independence, known as the El Grito de Independencia or El Grito de Dolores, was nothing short of monumental.
The representation of women, and specially of the indigenous women of Mexico, led Sheinbaum to declare 2025 as the Year of Indigenous Women earlier in February. Her continued efforts did not go unseen on the night f Mexico’s Independence Day as she began the national cry of independence. Contrary to past years, Sheinbaum notably gave precedence to four historic women who contributed to Mexico’s independence. She shouted, “Long live indigenous women, long live our migrant sisters and brothers, and long live the heroines and heroes who gave us our homeland.” Though these are only a few of the many things Sheinbaum’s cry of independence included her precedence in representing women did not only apply within her national address but additionally in the clothing she wore.
From Sheinbaum’s inauguration to her Independence Day speech, Sheinbaum has continuously supported and highlighted women, and specifically Mexican indigenous women designers and artisans. Sheinbaum shared on her social media platforms a video showcasing the intricate process of creating the traditional presidential sash. The custom sash was handmade by a team of female military officers for Sheinbaum.
Designed by two indigenous Nahua women from Tlaxcala, Mexico, Thelma Islas Lagunas and Crystel Martinez Torres designed Sheinbaum’s floor-length purple gown adorned with intricate embroidery covering the bodice, while the making of the dress was overseen by Rocio Castro Cruz. I found President Sheinbaum’s selection to be both incredibly beautiful and most importantly very meaningful. Being able to see her beliefs represented in the clothing she wears has further shown me the importance of how politicians dress. Harper Kuhner, Senator of the Richland Fashion Club, said, “Clothing is a big representation of us.”
“What she’s wearing can signify what she stands for,” said Kuhner.
Fashion can carry a significant message whether it is planned or not, not only for politicians but also for everyone. As President Sheinbaum’s presidency continues, I am eager to continue witnessing this incredibly monumental time in history.
