Putting aside any takes on the startling MAGA comeback across the pond, there can be no denying that the returning FLOTUS, Melania Trump, was ripe for fashion analysis — be it for better or worse.
No one knows what the thinking was behind her whacking-great shades and drawn on, icy smile, but we all bore witness to a woman who knows how to get dressed. This is a former model and high society darling who was once the toast of the Met Gala and New York Fashion Week’s front row, after all.
Today, as her husband Donald Trump beat Kamala Harris and was elected president, she opted for a double-breasted grey, wool skirt suit which extended just over the knee. What was she trying to say? Unlike some of the highlighter hues she has become known for, this time a touch of sophistication (and a willingness to slip, presentably, into the background) was preferred. And just like the polka dot dress she wore to vote earlier that day, the outfit is said to be from Dior — though it has not been confirmed by the Parisian house.
Hervé Pierre is the man behind ther look. The former creative director at Carolina Herrera began working with her upon her entry to the White House, after designing her inauguration gown and later helping her with her dressing, in what became his first styling job.
Many top luxury houses refuse to dress her, which means a great deal of what she wears is purchased — unlike many of the global leaders and their partners. Pierre’s services do not come cheap, either. Having continued to help Melania Trump after leaving the White House, it was revealed he was paid over $100,000 from Donald Trump's Political action committee in the last six months of 2023 alone.
In an interview at the end of the former FLOTUS’s first four year stint in the White House, Pierre explained “it has been an honour to dress the First Lady. [The role] was totally unexpected. I met her for the first time on Jan 3 and on Jan 7, she asked me to design the gown 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 so much information so I was swimming in fog.”
It would go on to become a happy collaboration, which has created some standout looks — and some shockers. Pierre claims not to have had anything to do with the “I really don’t care, do u?” gaffe, though.
Below, see our retrospective of Melania Trump’s most impactful outfits.
Highlighter hues
Much like the late Queen Elizabeth II Trump well understands the impact one bold, bright colour can achieve — certainly when sartorially speaking to thousands. A standout was a pre-Brat, Brat green pleated dress she wore for her husband’s Republican Party nomination acceptance speech in August 2020. The Valentino spring 2020 pleated-crepe dress did get her in a pickle online: it was the same colour as a green-screen, which made her an easy target for a meme onslaught. It followed a host of other retina-damagingly bright looks.
The biggest gaffes
There are two memorable terrors: a Zara coat which read “I really don’t care, do u?” shocked the world as FLOTUS made her way to visit facilities that house and care for children taken from their parents at the US-Mexico border. Another bad, though slightly less alarming, moment came with an unfortunate flesh shade pair of leather trousers.
Military Melania
All salute. Trump leans into army-style khaki two-pieces; famously for her 2020 speech, where she wore full look Alexander McQueen.
The old razzle dazzle
Never one to shy from a little sparkle, Trump is known to go-full-glitz when the dress code is black tie. Capes and all.
Stuck in the mud
Louboutins in the White House gardens? A little dirt has never been a concern of Melania’s.
