Fashion returns to Washington. Four years after leaving the White House at the end of one of the U.S.'s most turbulent terms, the Trumps have returned. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, arrived at the White House in Washington ahead of the inauguration ceremony set to take place on Monday.
All eyes were on Melania Trump, whose previous term in the White House was marked by an impeccable wardrobe and unforgettable appearances. With a stoic expression and piercing gaze, she chose an elegant and dramatic ensemble for the big day: a navy blue long coat, leather gloves and a wide-brimmed hat with a white ribbon that created a sense of detachment.
Her inauguration outfit was personally designed by American designer Adam Lippes, while the hat was created by Eric Javits — both relatively lesser-known American designers based in New York.
The choice to support American talent follows her selection of Ralph Lauren for her inaugural outfit eight years ago. The ensemble, including a wool-and-silk coat, pencil skirt and ivory crepe blouse, was coordinated by stylist Herve Pierre.
Lippes, who initially studied psychology, honed his professional skills under American fashion icons, working for Ralph Lauren and later spending eight years with Oscar de la Renta. In a grand statement, Lippes said, "The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy.
“Today, we had the honor of dressing the First Lady, Mrs. Melania Trump. Her outfit was crafted by some of the finest American artisans and I’m incredibly proud to present such work to the world. Thank you, Mrs. Trump, for your trust and collaboration."
Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter, wore a forest-green skirt suit accented with a slim leather belt at the waist and a matching hat. The jacket featured a scarf-style lapel, creating a wrap effect. She completed the look with black leather gloves and a Lady Dior bag priced at €4,900 ($5,095).
During her husband’s first term, Melania Trump faced a chilly reception from American designers who refused to dress her. Now, according to the British Daily Mail, she’s inundated with offers from both American and European fashion houses, including her regular choices like Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Christian Dior, which she’s worn multiple times this week.
For the previous inauguration in 2017, Melania opted for a sky-blue cashmere dress with a short bolero jacket designed by Ralph Lauren, a politically accepted figure in U.S. fashion. Outgoing First Lady Jill Biden also wore Lauren's designs throughout the last term, including her appearance on the cover of Vogue and at Trump’s inauguration today.
That evening, however, Melania’s patriotic fashion took a turn when she wore a gown by French designer Herve Pierre to the inaugural ball, while Ivanka continued waving the American flag in a princess-like sequin gown by Carolina Herrera, which she wore during a close dance with her husband, Jared Kushner.
Melania Trump’s renewed fashion race began over the weekend. As part of the inauguration preparations, she and her husband attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Melania appeared in a dramatic black cape-style coat with double buttons by Dior, paired with knee-high boots by Christian Louboutin.
The choice of Dior began the evening before at a ball held at Washington’s National Building Museum, where Trump wore a long wool coat by the French fashion house over a white jacquard pantsuit by Dolce & Gabbana. This continues her reliance on European fashion houses from her first term, due to the boycott from many American designers.
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In contrast, Ivanka Trump fully embraced American fashion over the weekend, wearing a striking brown coat designed by Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia for Oscar de la Renta. For the formal dinner last night, she continued with the same house, donning an elegant, bejeweled evening gown paired with earrings by Laviev, owned by Greg Sofiev and his wife, Hagit Leviev, daughter of Jewish diamond tycoon Lev Leviev.
However, this look did not sit well with many Americans. The Oscar de la Renta Instagram account was flooded with calls for a boycott. Conversely, others praised the 43-year-old Trump’s appearance, including Jeff Bezos’ fiancé Lauren Sanchez.