Title: Melania Trump's Notable Inauguration Fashion Choices
In the heart of New York City, milliner extraordinaire Eric Javits crafted a subtle yet striking accessory for then-First Lady Melania Trump. Her inaugural ensemble, featuring a neat, military-style coat in navy silk wool, boasted a double breasted design that cinched at the waist. Pairing this with bare legs and stiletto heels, she added an undeniable allure to her predominantly somber attire.
The mastermind behind Biden's inaugural outfit was Adam Lippes, a renowned New York designer who had also previously dressed both Biden and Michelle Obama. Melania Trump herself had worn Lippes on several occasions, such as during a summer outing in New York, where she opted for a shirtdress by the designer, and had previously made use of his label multiple times during her husband's first term. Beneath her stylish coat, Melania wore a silk wool pencil skirt and an ivory silk crepe blouse with a sharp neckline, both meticulously hand-sewn by Lippes' New York team.
"The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy," Lippes shared in a statement, commenting on the honor of dressing the first lady, "Mrs. Trump’s outfit was created by some of America's finest craftsmen and I take great pride in showcasing such work to the world."
The sole indication that the coldest inauguration ceremony in forty years took place, was the presence of her black leather gloves.
With her face partially obscured by her hat, Melania Trump appeared enigmatic, as observed by professor Nichola Gutgold, an author on the subject of women in politics. "Melania remains aloof," Gutgold commented to CNN, "her outfit this time around suggesting a more combative edge — something that is not unfamiliar to her."
Melania's precise and structured ensemble truly stood out when she stood beside Jill Biden, who had opted for a softer silhouette in a tie-waist overcoat and blouse, both in the bipartisan color, purple, designed by Ralph Lauren. The well-known US label had also been responsible for creating Trump's 2017 powder blue inauguration look, which bore striking resemblance to Jackie Kennedy's style.
If eight years prior, Melania had hoped to emulate Kennedy's timeless elegance, then her new choice of style represented a departure from that aim. Instead, historian Kathleen Kenyon compared the look to the “Queenly aura” of a British monarch, while chief fashion critic for the New York Times, Vanessa Friedman, dubbed Melania Trump's fashion statement as more suitable for a “royal family governess than an American first lady.”
In contrast, Usha Vance, wife of new Vice President JD Vance, appeared to draw inspiration from the same well as Jackie Kennedy. Vance's pastel pink coat dress, belted at the waist, evoked the iconic style of the late first lady. Similarly, Priscilla Chan, attending the ceremony with her husband Mark Zuckerberg, opted for a 60s-inspired baby blue twin-set and three strands of pearls.
The day's fashion scene, however, was not devoid of the unexpected. Journalist and wife of Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez, added an unexpected twist to the proceedings, wearing a white suit with matching lingerie top. Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump opted for a continental slant in her inaugural attire, choosing a forest green beret-style hat and a Christian Dior bag.
First ladies, through their fashion choices, have long made poignant statements on inauguration day, reflecting their personal styles and historical contexts. In Melania Trump's case, it seemed as though she was aiming to signify a physical shield between herself and the outside world — a strategic choice that proved to be as captivating as it was enigmatic.
In the world of fashion, Eric Javits and Adam Lippes are both renowned New York designers who have crafted stylish ensembles for First Ladies. Melania Trump's inaugural outfit by Lippes, featuring a military-style coat, also showcased a chic pencil skirt and silk blouse, highlighting her fashion sense.
