Melania Trump, during her husband's first inaugural ceremony, donned a powder-blue suit dress by Ralph Lauren, drawing immediate parallels to the iconic Jackie Kennedy.
Her hairstyle, reminiscent of the 1960s, framed her face with a smile, evoking a bygone era of political optimism through her fashion choices.
This time around, however, Melania opted for a more subdued approach. According to the Daily Mail, she wore a custom navy silk wool coat dress, paired with a coordinating pencil skirt and an ivory silk crepe blouse, all meticulously crafted in New York City by the American designer Adam Lippes. Her ensemble was completed with a boater hat by Eric Javits, marking a rare choice for a First Lady since Hillary Clinton's inauguration in 1993. Javits proudly noted, "No other hands touched it prior to Herve [Pierre, Melania's personal stylist] and the First Lady receiving it."
Melania, at 54, appeared to honor the traditions expected of First Ladies, choosing American designers over her usual European favorites. Adam Lippes expressed his gratitude, stating it was an "honor" for his atelier to dress Melania for an event that "embodies the beauty of American democracy." The ensemble, praised for its "Made in America" ethos, surprised many fashion commentators, given the reluctance of some liberal brands to associate with the Trump administration.
Herve Pierre, Melania's stylist, ventured beyond the typical fashion circles to find designers willing to collaborate. Adam Lippes, with a modest presence in the New York fashion scene, and Eric Javits, based in Miami, were chosen for their unique offerings. This choice underscores Melania's penchant for standing apart from her predecessors, as she did during her early morning service at St. John's Episcopal Church in Washington.
Melania's attire, characterized by monochrome simplicity and European haute-couture influences, set her apart from other Trump women. The silk wool coat, reminiscent of Dior and Dolce & Gabbana, featured European tailoring elements that have become her signature. Her choice of a hat echoed her 2019 meeting with Queen Elizabeth II and the ceremonial style of British royal women.
While Melania's ensemble may polarize opinions, it reflects her independence and historical awareness, akin to Jackie Kennedy's adaptation of American designers to emulate French fashion. Whether Adam Lippes will become her 'Secretary of Style' remains uncertain, but her fashion choices suggest a distinct vision for the coming years.
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