Jaana Ratas, the artisanal dressmaker who created the ceremonial gown for Estonia's First Lady Sirje Karise, discussed in a recent interview the significance of clothing in conveying interpersonal relationships and representing national identity. Using traditional Estonian techniques, she dedicated 200 hours to craft a collar ornament based on ancient Estonian patterns, illustrating a meticulous approach to the design process. Ratas highlighted how each garment can articulate aspects of a person's character and their diplomatic affiliations.

Additionally, fashion designer Anu Lensment, the creator of the First Lady's dress, echoed Ratas's sentiments by framing the presidential reception's handshake event as an exhibition of Estonian design and cultural evolution. Lensment believes that the ceremony showcases how clothing and style reflect societal values over time, asserting the event's importance as a design showing. It emphasizes the evolving relationship between tradition and modernity in Estonian fashion, making it a significant contemporary milestone.

Ratas also addressed the common misconception that clothing is unimportant by stressing that attire plays a crucial role in visual identity and cultural expression. She noted that despite a societal inclination to downplay their significance, clothes tell a story about the individual wearing them, their heritage, and their place within the diplomatic context. This perspective is essential for understanding the broader implications of fashion in society, asserting that clothing matters profoundly in how we perceive and connect with each other.