President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump – photo Bloomberg for Getty Images
Melania Trump can’t win. Obviously, the First Lady will be criticized regardless of what she does and wears. For the record, Melania looked great throughout the entire weekend of events. Her Inaugural gown, created by Herve Pierre, was my least favorite look.
Any way you look at it, the Inaugural Ball is generally an evening marked by uninspired debutante or mother-of-the-bride type gowns. One woman who did stand out was Ivanka Trump, who turned heads at the Liberty Ball in Washington, D.C.
Jared Kushner with Ivanka Trump wearing custom Givenchy – photo Instagram
The former first daughter wore a custom Givenchy Haute Couture gown, a stunning re-creation of the iconic black-and-white dress Audrey Hepburn wore in the classic film Sabrina.
Photo by Evan Vucci for AP
The severity, formal correctness, and austere glamour of Melania’s Inaugural outfit were right on target. I love that it was rather humble, not ‘fashiony.’ What could be more timeless and classic than a perfectly tailored coat? As a fashion editor, I love to see fashion pared down to its most elemental basic form.
I also love that the outfit, and grooming, was in direct contrast to her pale blue Ralph Lauren outfit 8 years ago, which was relatively soft, feminine, and a bit curvy; her hair in a tousled updo.
The First Lady’s ensemble had military undertones, echoing the uniformed military members in attendance—photo Doug Mills, New York Times.
Melania’s strong silhouette was commanding, powerful, and projected confidence. She looked flawless and impeccable and was dressed more than appropriately for the formality of the occasion, which is more than I can say about others, including the forever clueless Lauren Sanchez in a white Alexander McQueen with a lacy corset peeking through.
The hat, photo by?
Melania’s confidence in her fashion choices is truly inspiring. If I had one criticism, the hat might have been slightly tilted to the side or pushed back a bit more so you could see her eyes better. But I am sure that was not by accident. Melania’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in her fashion choices. She is very aware of how she will look from every angle, a testament to her fashion-savvy nature.
First Lady Melania Trump with former First Lady Jill Biden – photo Getty Images
She knew exactly what she was doing when she chose the outfit and the accompanying chapeau. I love the choice of American designer Adam Lippes (who also dresses Deeda Blair) and that it had a clean, all-American look, not at all European-inspired, which is often the way Melania often projects herself.
This choice of an ‘American look’ could be seen as a deliberate attempt to align herself with American values and traditions, a strategic move in the political fashion arena. Or, it could just be that she liked it, and that is how she wanted to project herself at that moment.
Photo by Tristan Rouse for CNN
In a sea of predominantly nondescript “fashion,” Melania undeniably stood out. It’s worth noting that not too many other women can pull this off. Melania’s height, made about six inches taller with the addition of Manolo Blahnik’s stilettos, doesn’t hurt.
While the First Lady reportedly complained to her husband about the shoes being uncomfortable, they were necessary to complement the outfit and prevent it from looking too “governess”- like.
Ivanka Trump in a chic forest green beret to match her suit- photo Getty Images
Nobody else remotely resembled the First Lady. Ivanka Trump did look chic in a small beret-type hat. But I didn’t see anyone else wearing one. The red MAGA cap-wearing Trump fans filled the line to access the Capital One Arena.
Usha Vance – photo Instagram
Just a note: Second Lady, Usha Vance, has her own unique pared down style. She is naturally beautiful with a gorgeous smile! Smart, savvy, and accomplished in her own right, Usha is one to watch.
I remember seeing a picture of Melania Trump at her son Barron’s high school graduation at Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach last May. She wore a perfectly fitted Dior black jacket, white pencil skirt, white stilettos and Gucci straw boater. I loved the way she looked—so chic and classic, down to the hat.
Melania obviously loves that look and had that in mind when she commissioned Eric Javits to create a boater to match her deep navy and ivory coat ensemble from Adam Lippes. This classic hat style will become very popular.
Latest Comments:
You beautifully, tastefully, and rightfully said it all. I do think Melania’s Adviser Herve Pierre influences her choices.
Fascinating article–fascinating man! Thanks, Marilyn!
Love my portrait Thank you Michel Haddi!!!!
Such a fun and bold take on fashion! Love how this collection brings a fresh, playful energy to the scene.
Beautifully written with fashion, identity, and branding intelligence!
You beautifully, tastefully, and rightfully said it all. I do think Melania’s Adviser Herve Pierre influences her choices.