Ivanka Trump faces backlash for Audrey Hepburn-inspired ball gown
Ivanka Trump faced criticism from some individuals regarding her choice of attire at the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., on Monday evening.
If you’ve been keeping up with recent events, you’ll know that her father, the always polarizing and headline-generating Donald Trump, was inaugurated earlier this week for his second term as President of the United States. This marks his return to the White House after previously serving from 2017 to 2021.
As expected, nearly every aspect of Trump’s inauguration day was placed under a microscope by internet users worldwide. From Elon Musk’s rumored “Nazi salute” to debates over Melania Trump’s hat choice, to amateur lip-readers attempting to decipher a possible exchange between Barron Trump and Joe Biden, the day offered plenty of fodder for online discussions.
In short, almost nothing escaped scrutiny on this highly publicized day, and even something as seemingly innocuous as a dress became a topic of heated debate online.
The dress in question was worn by Ivanka Trump, Donald’s daughter and a former advisor during his first presidency. She attended the Liberty Ball wearing an outfit that paid homage to one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, Audrey Hepburn.
Before diving into the controversy, let’s state for the record: criticizing someone’s personal clothing choices is rarely justified (within reasonable limits, of course). However, the internet is a space where opinions often flow freely, and sometimes recklessly. Celebrities are perpetually under the spotlight, with their fashion choices, hairstyles, mannerisms, and even speech patterns subjected to endless commentary.
Ivanka became the focus of online backlash due to her decision to wear a modern reinterpretation of the dress Audrey Hepburn famously wore in the 1954 film Sabrina. The original gown, designed by the legendary Hubert de Givenchy, is instantly recognizable and admired for its timeless elegance. Ivanka’s updated version, reportedly crafted by the French fashion house Givenchy, featured a white fabric adorned with black floral embroidery and a subtle train. Her ensemble was completed with black opera gloves, stiletto heels, a diamond choker, and a chignon hairstyle—all elements reminiscent of Hepburn’s iconic look.
Despite Ivanka’s striking appearance at the event, her choice of outfit sparked divided opinions online. While many admired her elegance, others were less than kind in their assessments.
One particularly critical commenter wrote, “The more I examine the details, the more ridiculous this dress looks.” Another said, “The texture and embroidery on Ivanka’s version appear cartoonish and lack the sophistication of the original. Audrey Hepburn is in a league of her own.”
Some critiques were even more pointed, questioning the association between Hepburn and the Trump family. “Audrey Hepburn would have despised everything the Trump family stands for. She survived World War II and fought against everything they represent. It’s disgraceful that her iconic dress was used like this,” one commenter claimed. Another added, “Audrey would never have approved of Ivanka or her family.”
It appears that Ivanka Trump is wearing Givenchy tonight. This is a recreation of the iconic 1954 Haute Couture black and white gown that was originally designed for Audrey Hepburn, for the movie Sabrina pic.twitter.com/lUPONCkKCk
— Remoulade Sauce (@Remisagoodboy) January 21, 2025
On the other hand, there were plenty of individuals who praised Ivanka’s appearance and applauded her tribute to Hepburn. Supporters noted that her gown was a beautiful nod to classic Hollywood elegance and saw no reason for the backlash.
Interestingly, Audrey Hepburn’s son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, weighed in on the matter. He acknowledged Ivanka’s homage to his mother and suggested that her choice was unsurprising given his mother’s influence and enduring legacy. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ferrer said, “It’s no wonder that Ivanka, coming from a family that undoubtedly knew my mother as a household name, sought inspiration from her. Audrey was the epitome of elegance and class, and this occasion—the inauguration, the 32nd anniversary of my mother’s passing, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day—was a perfect moment to honor that.”
Meanwhile, Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, have made it clear that they do not intend to return to roles within the White House during Donald Trump’s second term.
What are your thoughts on Ivanka Trump’s dress and the controversy surrounding it? Let us know in the comments.
