Irish designer “mindblown” as Dr Jill Biden wears dress she embroidered

Niamh Maher

The piece was inspired by the new administration’s message of unity.

The entire world watched last week as Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as the 46th President of the United States and the first ever female Vice President. One Irish fashion designer in particular was floored by what she saw during the evening celebrations.

Dubliner Laura Weber was the woman behind the embroidered detail on Jill Biden’s formal dress, coat and face covering for the latter part of the inauguration.

Speaking to RTÉ, Laura said the outfit was a “labour of love” that took, “hours, days and weeks of work.”

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Dr. Biden’s cashmere coat featured embroidered flowers representing every state and territory, each flower taking approximately two hours to apply. The coat also has an embroidered quote from Benjamin Franklin on the lining, an homage to Biden’s career as a teacher: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

The designer of the dress, Gabriela Hearst, said the piece was inspired by the new administration’s message of unity, “Unity makes strength, and it is needed for the road ahead.”

Revealing the collaborative spirit and hard work that went in to creating the stunning piece, Hearst thanked Laura on Instagram for her “magic hands”. Laura set up her New York based embroidery and embellishment atelier, LW Pearl, in late 2019 and it’s safe to say that business is booming.

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The Rathfarnham native boasts an impressive client list that includes world-renowned designers such as Dolce & Gabbana and Thom Brown. Away from embroidery and alongside her designer husband Joseph Rein, Laura has also been busy pouring her heart and soul into an athleisure wear brand that’s been years in the making. The brand is filled with luxury fabrics such as stretch jersey, leather, chiffon, silk and double face satin and Laura says it’s the perfect in between for people who adore the comfort of Lululemon but are drawn to the craftsmanship of Louis Vuitton.
We’re sold anyway.

You can check out more of Laura’s work here.