Apparently White House security measures have intensified after weeks of scandal. The Secret Service has been accused of dropping the ball repeatedly and security issues came to a head last week with the resignation of Julia Pierson, who had served as director of the organization. The Secret Service vowed to beef up its security measures and apparently fashion mavens Vera Wang and Jenna Lyons learned firsthand that the service wasn't kidding as both were blocked from entering the White House.
According to sources attending the reception that directly followed Michelle Obama's Fashion Education Workshop, the Secret Service "pulled Vera and Jenna aside and out of the line because of an issue with the guest list. After being held 20 minutes off to the side, they were both finally allowed in, but it was embarrassing. A knife-wielding intruder can make it into the White House, but they stop Vera Wang?"
The snafu began because attendees were supposed to submit their Social Security and then either a passport or drivers license number. Wang's information was incorrect and when the mistake was caught she was immediately pulled aside until her identity could be verified. While it was an embarrassment for the designer it actually shows a good precedent for the Secret Service's new rules—they apply to everyone no matter what level of notoriety you may have in various circles.
Wang and J Crew's Lyons have yet to comment on the ordeal but what are your initial thoughts? The public was mortified that one lone, armed man could make it so deep inside the White House a few weeks ago so in order to really double check everything situations like this one are inevitable, right? Would you rather the hassle that Wang experienced as proof that the Secret Service are now really doing their jobs over repeated instances where they drop the ball?
