Sophia Michaels
Monica Lewinsky’s fashion sense has been closely scrutinized since her emergence as a public figure in the late 1990s. Her infamous blue dress from her affair with Bill Clinton played a significant role in the impeachment trial against him, making it an iconic piece in American history, despite Lewinsky’s own feelings about it.
During a dalliance with the then-president, Lewinsky wore the dress, which later bore his DNA. However, an interesting twist unfolded when her confidante Linda Tripp dissuaded her from cleaning it as she was secretly working against Clinton. The dress remained unwashed and became key evidence in the scandal, generating numerous articles and even a million-dollar offer for it in 2015.
Monica Lewinsky’s Style Evolution
In efforts to move away from the controversy of the blue dress, Monica Lewinsky made a sartorial statement by donning a striking blue dress at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party in 2018. This fashion choice seemed deliberate, symbolizing a shift in narrative after her involvement in the #MeToo movement and her journey towards personal healing.
Lewinsky’s attire was met with praise for its symbolism and her radiant appearance, affirming her decision to reclaim her personal narrative and redefine her public image through her fashion choices.
A Fashion Misstep at the Tony Awards
Monica Lewinsky faced criticism for her outfit at the 2015 Tony Awards where she wore a red, off-shoulder dress that received mixed reviews. Though deemed “frumpy” by some, the ensemble sparked discussions about her evolving public persona and advocacy work against cyberbullying.
Despite the negative fashion critique, Lewinsky’s presence on the red carpet underscored her commitment to using her platform for positive causes, highlighting her resilience in the face of criticism.
The Intersection of Fashion and Advocacy
Monica Lewinsky’s fashion choices post-impeachment trial have been closely aligned with her advocacy efforts for women’s rights and empowerment. Despite facing criticism for some outfit selections, her commitment to using her platform to champion important causes remains unwavering.
Monica Lewinsky was chosen as the face of Reformation’s “You’ve Got the Power” collection in early 2024. The Chief Creative Officer of Reformation, Lauren Carin Cohan, mentioned that the campaign was tailored with Lewinsky in mind, praising her as a symbol of empowerment. Lewinsky emphasized the importance of female empowerment and the use of one’s voice.
The response to the campaign featuring Lewinsky was positive, with CNN even highlighting her image in a black dress as their “Look of the Week” for the final week of February. This shift from past controversies to present success signifies a redemption arc that many appreciate.
