We had our first glimpse of Melania Trump’s Inauguration look as she arrived for an early morning church service at St John’s Episcopal Church, across from the White House, on Monday.
The incoming US First Lady wore a navy tailored coat by US designer Adam Lippes under which a crisp white shawl collar could be glimpsed at the neckline. Her navy boater-style hat by Eric Javits – another American label – featured a white band, and the look was completed by ultra-high navy suede court shoes and a pair of black leather gloves.
Melania styles the look with a navy tailored coat by US designer Adam Lippes paired with a crisp white shirt – Jeenah Moon
Lippes is Ta label she has worn before, in 2020, for an engagement in Palm Beach – her first outing since Stormy Daniels’ interview on 60 Minutes. It is a solid choice – appropriately patriotic, given that he is American, and a specialist in the kind of elegance required for this kind of occasion. He cut his teeth at Ralph Lauren and Oscar de la Renta before founding his first label, Adam, in 2004. He renamed it Adam Lippes in 2014, and he has enjoyed a following for his timeless, luxury pieces ever since.
No wonder, then, that Jill Biden has also worn Lippes – a textured navy dress and matching blazer to meet the Pope in 2021. The designer said at the time, “I’m not an emotional guy, and I was really emotional this morning,” he told Bazaar in a phone call. “In fashion we put so much love into what we do, and to have the first lady wear us when she could wear any great designer — there’s so much great stuff out there — it’s really moving.”
Bare legs aside, Melania’s outfit reflected the weather in Washington DC – a chilly -6 degrees centigrade, which has forced officials to stage the inauguration indoors for the first time since 1985.
Melania and Donald Trump arrive for an early morning church service at St John’s Episcopal Church on Monday – Jeenah Moon
It’s not unlike a look from 2019 during a state visit to the UK. For a visit to Buckingham Palace to meet the late Queen, she wore a white Dolce & Gabbana dress with a white boater-style hat, designed by her stylist Hervé Pierre, trimmed with a black ribbon. Her hair was styled in a low bun, creating a striking silhouette.
In fact, it’s a look which bears similarities with the British royal style playbook. A tailored coat, elegant millinery and sky-high courts are a failsafe fashion formula for the Princess of Wales, Duchess of Edinburgh et al. For a ceremonial occasion such as this, it’s a reliable one from which to borrow.
Melania appears to be particularly fond of monochrome looks at the moment. For a dinner on Sunday evening at the National Building Museum in Washington, she wore a Saint Laurent cape, Dolce & Gabbana blouse and a black sequin Carolina Herrera skirt. For Jimmy Carter’s funeral earlier this month, she wore a Valentino coat with a pilgrim collar.
