Nobody could fault Melania Trump for her inauguration outfit – except, perhaps, her husband. When the president-elect leant in to kiss his wife before taking the Oath of Office, the wide brim of her Eric Javits boater hat meant that he couldn’t quite make it to her cheek.
Perhaps that’s the way she wanted it: fashion that enforces a little social distancing. It would fit with her frosty image.
The US first lady wore a custom 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 Manolo Blahnik heels and a pair of black leather gloves.
Lippes is a label she has worn before, in 2020, for an engagement in Palm Beach, Florida, her first outing after porn star Stormy Daniels’ interview on 60 Minutes about an affair with Donald Trump. It is a solid choice – appropriately patriotic, given that Lippes 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 has enjoyed a following for his timeless, luxury pieces ever since.
“The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy and today we had the honour to dress our first lady, Melania Trump,” Lippes said in a statement.
“Mrs Trump’s outfit was created by some of America’s finest craftsmen, and I take great pride in showing such work to the world.”
First lady Melania Trump bows her head during the inauguration ceremony.Credit: AP
Melania’s outfit reflected the weather in Washington, a chilly -6C, which forced officials to stage the inauguration indoors for the first time since 1985.
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.
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