Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton joined a gathering of over 100 women in pantsuits on Wednesday evening to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Argent, a women’s workwear brand known for dressing prominent figures such as Clinton herself, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Duchess of Sussex. The event took place at Marcel, a French restaurant on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, drawing a diverse group of professionals and celebrities united by their embrace of the pantsuit as a symbol of women’s empowerment and professionalism.
Clinton, who popularized the pantsuit during her historic 2016 presidential campaign as the first woman nominated by a major political party, appeared in an emerald green Argent pantsuit identical to the one featured on the cover of her most recent book. The fashion statement gained renewed attention after her campaign, inspiring the creation of Pantsuit Nation, a Facebook group encouraging supporters to wear the outfit in solidarity. The pantsuit has since become a bipartisan emblem of political strength, adopted by women across the political spectrum including Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski.
Founded by designer Sali Christeson, Argent seeks to address challenges faced by women in finding work-appropriate yet stylish attire. Christeson highlighted the role clothing can play in overcoming workplace discrimination linked to women’s appearance and cited Clinton’s efforts to transform her own public image through fashion. “We hear from women every single day on how they nailed their presentation, nailed an interview,” Christeson said, attributing some professional successes to the confidence derived from well-chosen attire.
After a cocktail hour marked by lively conversation and a colorful display of suits, the attendees moved to a dinner featuring French-inspired cuisine including roasted beets, Dover sole, steak, and strawberries with cream. The large servings of French fries proved especially popular.
Guests at the event included actress and comedian Chloe Fineman, who described herself as a lifelong pantsuit wearer, and journalist Molly Jong-Fast, who noted the practical benefits of the garment for television appearances. Therapist Esther Perel and actress Retta, known for her role in “Parks and Recreation,” also attended, contributing to the gathering’s blend of cultural figures.
The pantsuit’s rise marks a significant cultural shift from past professional dress codes, particularly in politics. Women were historically expected to wear skirts and dresses; it was only in 1993 that the Senate allowed women to wear pants on the floor. Huma Abedin, a longtime aide to Clinton, recalled the strict dress norms she encountered when starting at the White House in 1996, including the requirement to wear pantyhose and closed-toe shoes. For Abedin, Clinton’s embrace of pantsuits on the campaign trail symbolized a broader expansion of possibilities for women, becoming “an identity” as well as a political statement.
The celebration of Argent’s milestone thus also served as a recognition of the pantsuit's evolving role as both a fashion choice and a marker of women’s professional progress and empowerment over recent decades.