by MAGA’s shocking comeback across the pond aside, there’s no denying that returning FLOTUS Melania Trump was ripe for fashion analysis — for better or worse.
No one knows what was the idea behind her amazing whacking colors and her drawn, icy smile, but we all witnessed a woman who knows how to dress. This is a former model and high-society darling who was once the toast of the Met Gala and New York Fashion Week front row, after all.
Today, when her husband Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris and was elected president, she chose a gray double-breasted wool skirt suit that extended just above the knee. What was she trying to say? Unlike some of the more prominent colors she’s known for, this time around a touch of sophistication (and a willingness to slip into the background for now) was preferred. And just like the polka dot dress she wore to the polls earlier that day, the dress is said to be from Dior — although the Parisian house has not confirmed.
Hervé Pierre is the man behind her look. The former creative director at Carolina Herrera began working with her when she entered the White House, after designing her inauguration gown and later helping her with her outfits, in his first styling job.
Many luxury houses refuse to dress her, which means that much of what she wears is bought — unlike many of the world leaders and their partners. Pierre’s services don’t come cheap, either. After continuing to help Melania Trump after she left the White House, it was revealed that he was paid over $100,000 by Donald Trump’s political action committee in the last six months of 2023 alone.
In an interview at the end of the former FLOTUS’ first four-year stint in the White House, Pierre explained that “it was an honor to dress the First Lady. [The role] completely unexpected. I met her for the first time on January 3rd and on January 7th, she asked me to design the dress for the inauguration four years ago. I had 11 or 12 days, because we had to do the fitting and deliver it. She didn’t give me that much information so I was swimming in a fog.”
It would be a happy collaboration, which produced some standout looks – and some shockers. Pierre claims he had nothing to do with the “I don’t care, do I?” gaffe, though.
Below, check out our recap of Melania Trump’s most influential outfits.
More prominent colors
Like the late Queen Elizabeth II, Trump is well aware of the impact that a bright, bold color can have—certainly speaking sartorially to thousands. It was a pre-Brat green pleated dress, a green Brat she wore for her husband’s Republican Party nomination acceptance speech in August 2020. -screen, which made her an easy target for a meme attack. It followed many other bright looks that were harmful to the retina.
The biggest gaffes
Two horrors come to mind: a Zara coat reading “I don’t care, do you?” shocked the world as FLOTUS made her way to visit facilities that care for children taken from their parents at the US-Mexico border. Another bad habit, albeit a slightly less scary one, came with an unfortunate pair of leather trousers of a flesh shade.
Military Melania
Greetings all. Trump leans into the military-style khaki two-piece; famous for her 2020 speech, where she wore a full Alexander McQueen look.
Tsix old razzle dazzle
Don’t shy away from a little flash, Trump has been known to go all out when the dress code is black tie. Capes and all.
stuck in the mud
Louboutins in the White House gardens? A little dirt was never a concern for Melania.
