Melania Trump, the former First Lady of the United States, has been a consistent headline-maker for her fashion choices throughout her time in the White House and beyond. Known for her luxurious and often extraordinarily expensive taste, Melania’s wardrobe features pieces from some of the world’s most prestigious designers. Here, we explore some of her most notably expensive outfits and the occasions on which she wore them.
The Inauguration Day Outfit
On Inauguration Day in January 2017, Melania Trump made a striking impression with her choice of a pale blue Ralph Lauren cashmere ensemble. The outfit, which reportedly took the designer’s team several months to create, featured a mock turtleneck dress, a cropped wrap jacket, and matching gloves. This elegant, custom-made piece echoed the style of Jackie Kennedy, one of America’s most fashion-conscious First Ladies. Although the exact cost wasn’t disclosed, custom pieces from such a renowned label as Ralph Lauren can range significantly into high price tags, likely costing tens of thousands of dollars.
The Dolce & Gabbana Jacket In Sicily
During the G7 summit in Sicily in May 2017, Melania Trump wore a floral jacket by Dolce & Gabbana that quickly went viral. The jacket was priced at $51,500 and was part of a limited-edition collection. The silk jacket featured a vibrant 3D floral print and was paired with a matching clutch by Dolce & Gabbana. This outfit sparked a considerable amount of discussion regarding the appropriateness of such an extravagant garment during a political event where economic topics, including poverty and inequality, were on the agenda.
The Silver Chanel Haute Couture
At her first state dinner as First Lady, Melania opted for a show-stopping, custom-made Chanel Haute Couture gown. The chainmail dress, known for its intricate craftsmanship and shimmering metallic fabric, is a typical example of luxury fashion. Chanel Haute Couture gowns like this one are known to cost upwards of $100,000 due to their detailed and labor-intensive production processes. The gown was widely praised for its elegance and fitting context at a state event, reflecting the grandeur expected at such high-profile occasions.
The Hervé Pierre Inaugural Ball Gown
For the inaugural ball, Melania Trump chose to co-design her gown with Hervé Pierre, a designer who has worked with previous first ladies. The gown was a sleek, off-shoulder piece with a high slit and a red silk ribbon cinching the waist. This one-of-a-kind piece exemplifies the exclusivity and custom tailoring often associated with inaugural gowns, with estimated costs running into tens of thousands of dollars. This gown was not only a fashion statement but also a piece of political history, later being donated to the Smithsonian Institution.