How Bernie’s mittens (NOT GLOVES) stole the show at Biden’s inauguration (sorry, Lady Gaga).
By Julia Guerrein, Editor-in-Chief
Last week’s inauguration was filled with the historic firsts, superstar musical performances, moving poems and speeches, and meaningful clothing choices.
Vice President Kamala Harris wore her famous pearls along with a monochrome purple dress and coat designed and created by two Black American designers. Other women, including First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Inaugural Poet Amanda Gorman, and former First Lady Michelle Obama, also wore monochrome. Lady Gaga sported a gold dove holding an olive branch over her Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown, and J Lo wore all white, which is a reference to the women’s suffrage movement. More commentary here.
And Bernie Sanders, in true Vermont style, wore mittens made for him by Vermont second grade teacher Jen Ellis.
This photo captured by Brendan Smialiowski, a staff photographer for Agence France-Presse, quickly became a meme.
Ellis and a partner made the mittens by cutting up second-hand wool sweaters, sewing them together, and lining them with fleece made from recycled plastic.
Since then, Ellis has received inquiries to make more mittens. In response, she decided to make a few more pairs and auction them off for charity.
Sanders is also capitalizing on his latest meme hit by producing merchandise. All proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels Vermont. Additionally, a “Bernie Mittens” crochet doll sold for more than $20,000 on eBay, and the sale will also benefit Meals on Wheels Vermont.
Enamored with Bernie’s mittens and want to make your own? Here‘s how!
And, finally, some Bernie meme favorites:
The Forum 