January 20th, 2025, marked MLK Day and the second inauguration of Donald J. Trump, the 47th President. As many of you know, I live in Washington, DC- DC proper, not Maryland or Virginia. I've called this concrete jungle, or "Chocolate City" as some used to say, home for 11 years. Known as the Nation’s Capital, DC is a place where politics and fashion are inescapable. This city, with its historical monuments and architecture, is always busy with tourists, protests, presidential motorcades, rallies, and, of course, the most popular and widely broadcasted events: inaugurations.
Which brings me to my point, let’s talk about inauguration fashion! Remember the show Fashion Police on E! Entertainment, hosted by Joan Rivers, George Kotsiopoulos, Kelly Osbourne and Giuliana Rancic? It was one of my favorites. After major red carpet events like music award shows or the SAG Awards, Tony’s, and the Oscars, they would hilariously critique celebrity outfits. Joan Rivers, with her spicy commentary, would say what everyone was thinking, sometimes even to the celebrities faces! The show eventually moved to a studio with a live audience, running fun segments like “B**** Stole My Look,” where they compared two celebrities wearing the same outfit. Occasionally, they covered fashion at non-typical events like the Royal Wedding in the United Kingdom. So, in the spirit of the late great Joan Rivers and inspired by Fashion Police, let's warm up with this: Melania Trump looked like a bat straight out of hell. She looked just as stale as the last end piece of bread you never eat. She looked like she was forbidden to touch, she looked like she sleeps in a straightjacket. She looked like the scary crow that sits on the crooked branch at the top of the tree. Shall I go on? Joan Rivers would, but I'll stop. It feels really good to get that off my chest, Fashion Police style but I also want to share insight on the designers and stylist who made this look happen. Let's dig into Melania Trump’s inaugural look as she was the political "IT" girl of the day.
Melania Trump in Adam Lippes
Melania Trump, former super model and now America’s First Lady, is usually seen in European luxury designers. However, for the inauguration, her stylist Herve Pierre, a French-American designer, connected her with American designer Adam Lippes. Herve Pierre, known for designing looks for Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama, has become a household name for White House First Ladies. Adam Lippes is most popular for his excellent tailoring and craftsmanship.
Melania’s all-American look certainly made a statement. In a sea of people, she was the first person I noticed. I stared at her from my couch in silence, absorbing her style without making a quick judgment. That’s styling 101, look yourself up and down in the mirror before you walk out the door, don’t speak, just absorb. Add or remove pieces as needed. After a few minutes, I started to pick up what she was putting down. Melania meant business, she did not come to play, she came to slay.
Adam Lippes designed a custom-tailored navy silk wool coat and a high-neck ivory silk crepe blouse, all hand-sewn by the designer. I heard it was paired with a navy silk pencil skirt. She accessorized the look with black leather gloves and the widest-brimmed navy hat with white trim by American designer Eric Javits.
Her look embodies the style, architecture, and character of the city I live in. Depending on the neighborhood, DC can be a little somber. And in some ways, her outfit was just that. She wore dangerously skinny and tall heels, with her hat sitting just above her eyes, her hair perfectly tucked away. She was giving off mysterious vibes, mysterious millionaire vibes, mysterious millionaire model vibes, mysterious Melania. What was she thinking under that hat? She paired it with the ultimate poker face, and her coat was exquisitely tailored to perfection. This was a new look for us, we’ve seen Melania give sophisticated before, but this was classic American style, inspired by 1950's high-end couture. Modern-day glamour thoughtfully kissed by strategic artistic direction and skill. Bravo, designers!
While you're here, Ivanka and Tiffany Trump were next up on my fashion radar. Tiffany with the deep navy floor length velvet jacket and Christian Louboutin boots was just...chef's kiss. Let's get one thing straight, everything that First Lady Melania Trump's look lacked in style Ivanka's look made up for it times 10. Ivanka's look was stylish and chic. There was levels of flavor infused into her look. She had a perfectly sculpted hunter green beret with a perfectly wrapped peplum, belted AND draped coat, paired with a long pencil skirt. For what it's worth, they both looked chic and if I can get the full outfit deets on each look I'll blog about it and share it with you.
Lastly, I'd like to share a hilarious clip from E! Entertainment's "Fashion Police" for your viewing pleasure!
XOXO
Ashley
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