The Significance of Fashion in Politics: A Case Study of Melania Trump
Some may argue that clothing is inconsequential, but that perspective is far from the truth—just ask President Zelensky. In fact, it would be wise not to mention it to him, as he is well aware of the profound impact of attire. He famously declared that he would refrain from wearing a suit until the conflict in Ukraine comes to a resolution, stating, “I’ll wear a costume after this war is finished.”
Coincidentally, shortly after Zelensky’s remarks, Melania Trump made a striking appearance in a formal suit of her own. As a former supermodel and two-time First Lady, Melania is acutely aware of the messages conveyed through fashion. Her wardrobe choices have often served as a canvas for subtle and overt expressions. For instance, the notorious “I really don’t care, do u?” jacket she wore during a visit to a child migrant detention center in 2018 was a message as blunt as a sledgehammer. In contrast, the brown Ralph Lauren suit she donned for a meeting on Capitol Hill recently was laden with nuance, yet still unmistakably a costume.
This particular meeting focused on the pressing issues surrounding AI and deep fakes affecting children, arguably necessitating the protective armor that a suit provides. However, the three-piece ensemble, complete with a black tie, elevated the formality to an extraordinary level. The implications were not lost on the media, with headlines celebrating the notion of “Even our First Lady can wear a suit!” Melania’s caramel brown suit, designed by Ralph Lauren—one of her favored American designers—was a strategic choice. She previously sported a pale blue Ralph Lauren suit during her husband’s inauguration in 2017. Since her husband’s first term, Melania has showcased an impressive array of designer suits, spanning labels like Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, and Christian Dior.
During her husband’s previous presidency, many designers distanced themselves from dressing her, some even vocally expressing their discontent, including prominent figures like Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Zac Posen, and Jason Wu. However, whispers of a thaw in fashion’s chilly relationship with her have emerged. Designers now appear eager to dress her once more. How does one explain this shift? The simple answer is that she purchases the items. While that is the official narrative, the truth remains obscured. Donald Trump, known for his shrewd business acumen, is unlikely to allow his wife to be seen accepting a free £5,000 suit. With his billionaire status, he can easily finance Melania’s couture desires. Regardless of individual designers’ sentiments about her wearing their labels, they find themselves in a challenging position: they can refuse to loan pieces, but it’s far more complicated to refuse to sell. So far, Melania has been strategic, favoring labels that have openly welcomed her patronage, while avoiding those that have distanced themselves. Ralph Lauren, in particular, has maintained a non-partisan stance and has reaped the rewards.
While Melania has always had a penchant for European fashion, her frequent choices of Dior are not coincidental. The brand’s tailoring reflects the classic, feminine aesthetic she currently embraces, making it a fitting choice for a modern First Lady. Notably, Dior’s jackets, like the iconic Bar jacket, convey an elegance that channels a soft power reminiscent of Jacqueline Kennedy, often regarded as the most stylish First Lady in history. As time progresses, one can anticipate Melania showcasing more pieces from the LVMH empire—unless, of course, a tariff dispute arises between the Trumps and the Arnault family.
Is dressing Melania a fashion coup? Not in the same vein as adorning a celebrated Hollywood starlet. While she possesses high visibility and global influence that may resonate with affluent Republican women, her husband’s contentious political stance renders her a polarizing figure. Nevertheless, to echo the sentiment emblazoned on the back of her infamous Zara jacket, she truly remains unfazed.
Second-Term Style: A Look at Melania’s Recent Wardrobe Choices
Inauguration Gown
Melania stood alongside her husband, President Donald Trump, at the Commander in Chief Ball in January, showcasing a gown designed by Hervé Pierre. Although Pierre might not be as familiar as Chanel or Valentino, he has been a trusted stylist for Melania, earning his place in history through this significant design. The stark black and white color scheme of the gown projected strength rather than fragility. While the exact cost of the gown remains undisclosed, it’s worth noting that Pierre received over $100,000 (£77,400) from Donald Trump’s Political Action Committee in the last six months of 2023 alone.
Official White House Portrait
In her official First Lady portrait, Melania struck a pose in the Yellow Oval Room of The White House. Although her stance evoked a hint of “Sir Alan will see you now,” that was where the similarities ended. Her ultra-formal black trouser suit, crafted by Dolce & Gabbana, was a conscious nod to brand loyalty. The Italian designers have consistently praised her, calling her “beautiful” and publicizing every item she wears. This support sparked a boycott in 2017; however, Dolce & Gabbana retaliated by releasing their own “Boycott D&G” T-shirts, priced at $245.
New Year’s Eve Party at Mar-a-Lago
At a New Year’s Eve celebration at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, Melania made a bold departure from her typically reserved style. She wore a daring £2,700 dress by Versace, featuring a slinky black design that was cut to the thigh and adorned with Versace’s signature gold buckle strap, aptly named the “Medusa 95.” This look was decidedly more provocative, embodying a date-night vibe, and was a new purchase still available for sale.
Wreath Laying at Arlington National Cemetery
During her visit to Arlington National Cemetery in January, Melania opted for a black cape designed by Valentino—an astute choice for such a somber occasion. The cape managed to strike a balance between formality and elegance while also evoking a slight gothic ambiance, perfectly suited to the cemetery’s solemnity. Bonus points for re-wearing an item from her existing wardrobe, rather than opting for something new.
Visit to Disaster Regions in Northern California
Looking “off-duty” at Asheville Regional Airport, Melania showcased her more casual style. Are skinny jeans making a comeback? It’s a question currently circulating, and Melania seems to think so. Her outfit—a khaki Rag & Bone puffer jacket paired with skinny jeans, lace-up boots, a woolly beanie, and aviators—was a savvy selection aimed at connecting with the female electorate.
President’s First Speech to Congress
During Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, Melania sported a grey scarf jacket that drew comparisons to a similar piece worn by Pamela Anderson at the Christian Dior couture show in January. The question arose: who wore it better? While Anderson paired her jacket with trousers, Melania opted for a matching grey pencil skirt, adding her own twist to the ensemble.
