Melania Trump’s Second Inaugural Gown Donated to Smithsonian
First Lady Melania Trump showcased her second inaugural dress, a creation by Hervé Pierre described as “ruthlessly chic,” at the First Ladies Gallery in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History on Friday. This marks a significant moment as she becomes the first first lady to donate an inaugural gown for a second time, joining the ranks of only one other first lady, Ida McKinley, whose 1897 and 1901 gowns are also featured at the museum.
The striking gown, designed through collaboration between Mrs. Trump and Pierre, is made from silk crepe, beautifully accented by a black silk gazar ribbon.
On the night of the inauguration, the strapless design was complemented with a matching choker crafted from the same black silk, adorned with a diamond brooch from 1955 by Harry Winston. The overall aesthetic was inspired by floral motifs intertwined with ribbons.
In her remarks at the inauguration, Mrs. Trump expressed that the gown transcends mere fabric, embodying “more than 50 years of tradition, experience, and wisdom realized in every thread, every stitch, every sharp edge.”
She also mentioned how the gown’s meticulously formed black Z shape symbolizes her past experiences and memories, integrating stories deeply woven within its seams. “It’s all part of my journey,” she reflected.
Mrs. Trump highlighted the expertise of her team behind the gown, emphasizing their relentless dedication to transforming creative visions into reality. “This isn’t just fashion; it’s art that captures the essence of persevering and aiming for greatness,” she noted.
She described the gown’s modern silhouette as “bold and regal,” perhaps encapsulating her approach to fashion. “This piece illustrates America’s spirit of innovation and creativity, affirming our fashion industry’s ability to lead globally,” she added.
For this event, she wore a Bottega Veneta wool double-breasted shawl coat priced at $4,300, along with a black cashmere turtleneck and Balmain lambskin leggings that were originally priced at $3,250 but are no longer available.
