Stephen Colbert’s – Stephen Colbert wore a lightweight tan suit to the Obama Presidential Center’s grand opening in Chicago on June 18, drawing renewed attention to Barack Obama’s controversial tan look from a 2014 press conference. Organizers, though, said earlier this month the
On June 18 in Chicago. Stephen Colbert stepped into the spotlight at the Obama Presidential Center’s grand opening wearing a lightweight tan suit and a blue-and-grey striped tie. The outfit was striking for more than its style—Colbert’s choice quickly read as a wink to the tan suit Barack Obama infamously wore at a 2014 press conference as he discussed the U.S. military response to the Islamic State in Syria.
Back then, the tan look sparked media uproar, with many describing it as “too casual” or “inappropriate” for presidential affairs. Supporters later pointed to the moment as proof of unfair criticism, while nearly a decade on, the suit has grown into an iconic fashion reference on its own.
But museum visitors hoping to see the famed outfit in person were warned earlier this month: museum organizers said the tan suit is not on display at the museum, because Obama gave it away.
Colbert, whose CBS show was recently canceled, appeared upbeat throughout the ceremony. He greeted celebrity guests including Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, Mark Hamill, L.L. Cool J, and David Letterman. Letterman also appeared to take note of Colbert’s look later during the event. when he was seen sporting a cool tan blazer.
The tan theme didn’t stay limited to guests, either. During the ceremony, Obama Foundation Board chairman Marty Nesbitt addressed the crowd while wearing a tan suit. Nesbitt said: “This was inspired by a very good friend of mine. who made tan suits famous. ” adding. “And I don’t know about the rest of y’all but I thought he look pretty good wearing his. so I decided to wear one myself.”.
As the museum opening rolled forward, the stage filled with political figures as well as entertainment stars. Former President Joe Biden attended with former first lady Jill Biden. Former President George W. Bush was there with former first lady Laura Bush. Hillary Clinton joined the event with former President Bill Clinton.
On stage, Michelle Obama and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, joined the festivities. The celebration also featured performances from Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, U2’s Bono and The Edge, and more.
The evening’s fashion signal carried an unusual contradiction: the tan suit that once drew complaints at the national level has become a cultural shorthand, even as the real garment itself won’t be available for museum visitors—because the original was given away, not conserved in glass.
Obama Presidential Center Stephen Colbert tan suit Chicago June 18 Barack Obama 2014 press conference Marty Nesbitt celebrity guests Joe Biden Jill Biden George W. Bush Laura Bush Hillary Clinton Bill Clinton