US First Lady Melania Trump set tongues wagging on Monday as she wore a long navy coat and matching hat for the inauguration ceremony. The wide-brimmed creation shielded her eyes in most photos — prompting snide comparisons to 1980s video game character Carmen Sandiego. Eagle-eyed spectators also noticed the hat warding off her husband Donald Trump's attempts to land a kiss before the swearing-in ceremony.
What was Melania Trump wearing?
Her long navy coat and skirt were silk wool Adam Lippes — an independent American designer based in New York. The ensemble was paired with an ivory blouse tightly wrapped at the neck before being topped off by the now infamous hat. The elaborate headgear was by New York milliner Eric Javits.
What did the US First Lady wear during her previous term?
The outfit on Monday was a stark departure from the sky blue cashmere dress and gloves by Ralph Lauren that graced the 2017 inauguration. Her first inauguration ensemble drew comparisons to Jacqueline Kennedy's style. One may recall that Kennedy also famously wore a pillbox hat for her husband's inauguration in 1961.
But dressing the first lady became a point of political contention in 2017 — with some designers saying they would not dress Melania Trump — from being a coveted opportunity. Some social media users had also pushed for a Ralph Lauren boycott at the time.
Interestingly enough, Ralph Lauren was the designer of choice for departing first lady Jill Biden on Monday. She opted for a monochromatic purple — from her coat to her shoes and gloves — to mark the transition of power.
What have the First Ladies worn for inauguration over the years?
American first ladies don't get much of a voice — but their sartorial choices are broadcast to the world and scrutinised for subtext and statements. Rosalynn Carter drew strong reactions by repeating an existing outfit for the inauguration of Jimmy Carter in 1977. The point was to show empathy for the economic struggles of Americans — but that appeared to go unnoticed at the time.
First ladies have routinely turned to independent designers for inaugural events in recent years. Jill Biden wore a sparkling blue coat-and-dress combo by Markarian — a small brand in New York — for her own ceremony in 2021.
Meanwhile Michelle Obama made waves in 2009 after sporting a lemon-colored outfit by Isabel Toledo. She wore Thom Browne during the second inauguration ceremony for Barack Obama and gowns by Jason Wu to both series of inaugural balls.
(With inputs from agencies)
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