Melania Trump, known for her bold and sometimes controversial fashion choices as first lady, returned to Washington, D.C., for her husband Donald Trump‘s second inauguration after a muted role on the campaign trail.
Why It Matters
Melania Trump has consistently used fashion to make a statement. From her choice of European luxury labels like Dolce & Gabbana and Dior to her embrace of classic American designers such as Ralph Lauren, her wardrobe has sparked conversations about the intersection of fashion and politics.
Melania’s fashion became politicized in 2017 when some designers refused to dress her, and her supporters have been critical of Vogue not featuring her on the cover, unlike other first ladies.
What To Know
For the inaugural ceremony in 2017, Melania opted for a custom Ralph Lauren ensemble—a nod to American fashion heritage. The sky-blue cashmere mock turtleneck dress and cropped cutaway jacket were accessorized with matching suede gloves and a clutch.
Fashion editor Joe Zee called it a “coup” to get one of America’s most prominent designers to dress her at a time when not everyone would, and her outfit sparked comparisons to former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
“This is a very interesting inauguration because, for the first time with any first lady, designers are very divided,” Zee told Good Morning America in 2017. “We’re walking into today with a whole list of designers who refuse to dress the first lady and a list of designers who are proud to.”
Melania Trump’s Outfit Last Night
Melania Trump and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., as part of inauguration ceremonies on January 19. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. Melania Trump and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., as part of inauguration ceremonies on January 19. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. Scott Olson/Getty Images
At the candlelight dinner on Sunday, Melania wore a Yves Saint Laurent cape, a Dolce & Gabbana shirt, a Ralph Lauren belt and a Carolina Herrera skirt, according to Vanessa Friedman, a New York Times fashion critic.
Melania Trump’s Hat
On Monday morning, Melania appeared alongside her husband for a church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church, across the street from the White House. She wore an Adam Lippes coat and an Eric Javits hat with a white band, according to Friedman. She paired the outfit with a simple pair of heels.
Newsweek reached out to Melania Trump‘s spokesperson via email for comment.
President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, arrive at St. John’s Episcopal Church on January 20. Melania was wearing an Adam Lippes coat for the occasion. President-elect Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, arrive at St. John’s Episcopal Church on January 20. Melania was wearing an Adam Lippes coat for the occasion. Matt Rourke/AP Photo
President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Melania donned an Eric Javits hat with a white band. President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Melania donned an Eric Javits hat with a white band. Matt Rourke/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
Sophie Theallet, in an open letter to designers in 2017: “Obviously [Melania] looks great, but I can’t divorce it from who she is. I don’t know Melania. We don’t know Melania.”
Diane von Furstenberg told Women’s Wear Daily in 2017: “Donald Trump was elected and he will be our president. Melania deserves the respect of any first lady before her. Our role as part of the fashion industry is to promote beauty, inclusiveness, diversity. We should each be the best we can be and influence by our example.”
Melania Trump and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump leave St. John’s Church on January 20. Donald Trump will be inaugurated later in the day. Melania Trump and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump leave St. John’s Church on January 20. Donald Trump will be inaugurated later in the day. Scott Olson/Getty Images
What Happens Next
As Melania continues to redefine her public persona, her influence on fashion remains undeniable. Analysts predict that her choices will spark trends and inspire designers, cementing her legacy as a first lady who leveraged her style to make an indelible mark.
