The Rise of Sparkling Political Fashion
In a striking fusion of politics and personal style, bedazzled bomber jackets emblazoned with Trumpian slogans have become the latest must-have accessory among MAGA faithful across the United States. This eye-catching trend represents a significant evolution in political fashion, transforming traditional campaign merchandise into glittering statements of allegiance.
From Iowa Grandmother to Fashion Pioneer
The movement owes its existence primarily to one determined individual: Deborah Yanna, a grandmother from Des Moines who owns the custom clothing line "Make America Sparkle Again." Yanna's journey began unexpectedly when she attended the Republican National Convention wearing a sequined jacket featuring "IOWA FOR TRUMP" in bold varsity-style lettering across the back. Throughout the event, attendees repeatedly complimented her distinctive accessory and inquired about its origins.
"My governor, Governor Kim Reynolds, she was sitting in front of me throughout every event," Yanna revealed to The Washington Post. "And she would say to me, you need to sell those jackets." Taking this advice to heart, Yanna transformed her passion project into a thriving business that expanded from an online-only operation to establishing a brick-and-mortar shop in Iowa.
High-Profile Adoption and Political Theater
The sparkling jackets have gained remarkable visibility through adoption by numerous prominent female figures within Republican circles. In December, Education Secretary Linda McMahon made headlines sporting a vibrant red sparkly jacket adorned with the phrase "MEGA" — standing for Make Education Great Again — prominently displayed across the front. Earlier, in October 2024, former Trump attorney Alina Habba showcased a black sequined "MAGA" coat during a rally at Madison Square Garden.
Republican Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has been photographed on multiple occasions wearing flashy bomber jackets, while similar items have been worn by or gifted to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, podcaster Riley Gaines, and the wife of Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security advisor. The trend has even extended to conservative activist circles, with references to the slain activist Charlie Kirk appearing on popular jacket designs.
Heather Akou, a respected fashion historian at Indiana University, provided insightful analysis about the symbolic power of sequins in political contexts. "People who typically wear sequins are performers, and there is a very high degree to which this is all a lot of political theater," Akou explained. "So I think that the sequins also make a lot of sense in that context."
Cultural Impact and Business Success
Yanna's influence has proven remarkably far-reaching within conservative circles. When Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, appeared at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in December wearing a sequined suit, multiple attendees immediately questioned whether Yanna had created the garment. This assumption highlights how strongly Yanna's brand has become associated with sparkling political fashion.
Krisdee Clark, who earned the title of Mrs. American in 2022, discovered Yanna's jackets several years ago during the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington D.C. She now proudly owns four custom jackets, including designs featuring the phrases "MAGA great jeans" and "Dark MAGA." Among Yanna's most popular creations are jackets bearing the slogans "Golden Age of America," "You Had Me at MAGA," "Grand Old Party," and "Be Like Charlie."
Despite the overt political messaging embedded in her designs, Yanna maintains an inclusive philosophy about her craft. "If you would like a jacket, I would love to make you one," she declared. "I don't care what side ... you're on." This approach suggests that while the sparkle may have found its initial home within MAGA circles, the appeal of personalized, bedazzled outerwear potentially transcends political boundaries.
The phenomenon represents more than mere fashion; it signifies how political identity increasingly expresses itself through personalized style choices. As sequins continue to shimmer at rallies, conventions, and public appearances, they illuminate the ongoing theatrical nature of contemporary political engagement while providing supporters with a visually striking means of declaring their allegiance.
