‘Best Dressed First Lady’: Melania Trump Stuns in a ‘Gorgeous’ Dress at the Inaugural Ball – Photos
First Lady Melania Trump Stuns at Inaugural Ball with a Custom-Designed Dress, Garnering Widespread Praise
On January 20, 2025, First Lady Melania Trump made a dazzling appearance at the Liberty Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., accompanying her husband, U.S. President Donald Trump, as he marked the start of his second term in office. The First Lady’s choice of attire for the prestigious event became a major highlight of the evening, capturing the attention of attendees and netizens alike.
Melania wore a striking black-and-white gown that exuded sophistication and elegance. The dress, designed by her long-time stylist Hervé Pierre, featured a unique and artistic black design that gracefully flowed from the hem to the bodice, creating a visually stunning effect. The gown not only emphasized her statuesque frame but also reaffirmed her reputation as one of the most fashionable First Ladies in U.S. history.
As images from the ball circulated online, social media platforms were flooded with admiration for Melania's look. Many users expressed their awe and delight, with one exclaiming, “Breathtaking!! 👏👏,” while another called her, “Beautiful and elegant, classic First Lady! Power couple 🇺🇸 🙌.” A particularly enthusiastic fan declared, “Stunning! Class & Elegance are back in the White House 🥳🙏🏻🇺🇸🙏🏻,” while others echoed similar sentiments, praising her impeccable style and regal presence.
Hervé Pierre shared a signed sketch of the gown on his social media accounts, accompanied by a heartfelt caption. “It was such an honor to create the dress for First Lady Melania Trump tonight,” he wrote. “I can’t thank her enough… it was a wonderful project, a great collaboration… as always!!!!” In a later statement, the French-born designer elaborated on the creative process, explaining, “Mrs. Trump had a clear vision for what she wanted—something classic yet modern, with a bold combination of black and white. It was a privilege to bring her ideas to life.”
The inaugural ball also featured a memorable moment as Melania and Donald Trump shared their first dance as the President and First Lady of the United States, captivating the audience with their grace and chemistry on the dance floor.
Melania’s Inauguration Day Look Sparks Mixed Reactions
Earlier that day, Melania turned heads once again with her outfit for her husband’s swearing-in ceremony. She opted for a tailored ensemble designed by Adam Lippes, consisting of a dark navy double-breasted coat paired with black gloves, heels, and a wide-brimmed, double-faced wool boater hat adorned with an ivory ribbon. The look was undeniably dramatic and evoked mixed reactions from the public.
Some praised her for her bold fashion choices, with one admirer commenting, “Melania looks incredible!!” Another fan wrote, “Fabulous 🔥 that hat is everything [sic],” emphasizing how the accessory elevated the entire outfit. However, the ensemble also drew criticism, particularly for its somber tone, which many found reminiscent of funeral attire. One user quipped, “Dressed for a funeral? Well played!” Another remarked, “Guess Melania doesn’t want anyone to see her face today – isn’t it impolite to wear a hat indoors?”
The most polarizing aspect of the outfit was undoubtedly the hat, which became the subject of widespread speculation and debate. Reports later revealed that the hat, custom-designed by Eric Javits based on one of his summer boater styles, nearly didn’t make it to the event. The original piece was damaged during shipping, arriving wet and crushed. In a race against time, Javits recreated the hat in just four days, with Hervé Pierre personally transporting the replacement from Miami to Mar-a-Lago ahead of the inauguration.
Despite the challenges, Melania’s stylist expressed his satisfaction with the final look. “The hat was an essential element—it added a touch of drama and sophistication that perfectly complemented Mrs. Trump’s overall vision,” Pierre explained.
A History of Bold Fashion Choices
This isn’t the first time Melania Trump’s fashion sense has sparked conversation. Throughout her tenure as First Lady, she has consistently pushed boundaries with her bold and sometimes unconventional style choices. From elegant evening gowns to structured daywear, her wardrobe reflects a deep understanding of fashion as a form of personal expression and diplomacy.
While opinions about her latest looks remain divided, there’s no denying Melania Trump’s ability to captivate audiences and command attention wherever she goes. Whether it’s at a high-profile event like the inaugural ball or on the world stage, her sartorial decisions continue to be a focal point of discussion and admiration.
As the new chapter of her husband’s presidency begins, Melania’s fashion journey promises to remain as compelling as ever, further solidifying her legacy as a First Lady who is both unapologetically glamorous and unapologetically herself.
