Melania Trump is once more the official First Lady of the United States. Donald Trump’s wife was present for the full day of the ceremonies and festivities on Monday, January 20, the day he was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
Melania Trump was described as “unhappy” by one body language specialist on election night, but the inauguration seemed to be different. Melania’s attire, on the other hand, was the focus of intense scrutiny and attention, with one item of apparel in particular catching the eye.
The First Lady was wearing a really distinctive hat that seemed to convey a strong statement. Melania Trump was ridiculed for that, at least on social media.
For months, Donald and Melania have been getting ready to move into the White House. The former real estate tycoon was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, January 20, marking the start of his second term in office. He spent the entire day with his wife and the rest of his family, including Barron, his son with Melania. Trump took the oath of office inside the Capitol Rotunda due to the exceptionally chilly weather.
Body language specialist Judi James told the Mirror that Donald held his wife’s hand for a large portion of the inauguration, or as she put it, “taking it like some Regency gentleman, kissing her proffered cheek or even gazing at her as they danced together like a man in the throes of some romantic thrall.”
It’s likely that the First Lady’s attire will be a major topic of conversation. They were, of course, closely watched for the inauguration. Judi James claims that Melania’s attire was a major factor in indicating the type of First Lady she will be.
This time, she looked like a serious woman who is on par with Trump thanks to her fiercely fitted coat and saucer-shaped hat. James remarked, “Her eyes were kept hidden, but beneath the brim her smile was regal and confident.”
Melania appeared to express her own feelings clearly during awkward social situations, such as when they were bidding the Bidens farewell following Trump’s fiery speech. Biden put an arm around her waist for ten seconds, and she turned away from her husband, holding onto the brim of her hat with one elbow outstretched. She put her own arm around Trump’s waist for a few seconds and gave him a pat as a sign of appreciation and assurance as he leaned in to shake hands with Biden.
Even though Melania looked amazing, it seems like it was difficult to find the exact outfit she would have desired. 16 designers were contacted by Women’s Wear Daily to inquire about dressing Melania. But it seems that designers don’t really like Mrs. Trump.
Designers Michael Kors, Rachel Scott of Diotima, Sergio Hudson of Zankov, and House of Gilles did not respond when asked whether they would like to collaborate with Melania for the inauguration. In the past, designers like Jason Wu, Marc Jacobs, and Tom Ford openly refused to wear Melania during Donald Trump’s first administration.
French designer Hervé Pierre is among several who have collaborated extensively with Melania throughout the years. He clarified in an interview with Women’s Wear Daily that he hasn’t received a satisfactory response to the reasons why certain individuals refuse to collaborate with the First Lady.
“For the good reason that the fashion industry is not very welcoming [of Trump], I don’t really do that.” There’s no secret about that,” he clarified. Some people have a lot of flexibility and could accomplish something unique. However, many people aren’t.
The French designer remembered a time when his life was adversely affected by his work with the Trumps. One guy told him he “was not welcome here” when he was shopping in a New York City designer store.
“I know you can be critical of Mrs. Trump, but telling someone who is coming to shop at full price, ‘You are not welcome here,’ is unacceptable.” I would never have anticipated that,” Pierre remarked.
Here in New York, there are some very beautiful designers. Europeans are more accepting. Because of the media attention she is receiving, they view dressing Mrs. Trump as a business opportunity to increase sales and earn free publicity.
According to body language specialist Judi James, Melania Trump has been sending more “power signals.” The First Lady’s kind grin conveyed “an air of relaxed confidence,” she continued.
As they exit the service, Donald and Melania intensify their hand clasps into a more noticeable show of solidarity. James told the Mirror, “As they approach their car, Trump raises the clasp higher a few times, almost waving it, as though expressing both pride in his wife and a gentlemanly concern for her as they step off the curb.”
Trump’s expression is recognizable; it reflects his official portrait and is quite harsh, bordering on malevolent. Melania, on the other hand, is intent on adding a little celebration to the event. The brim of her hat protects her eyes, but her broad, toothy smile exudes confidence and ease.
Melania has declared that this time, she is much more ready to step into the White House. She will thus probably take a different approach. In fact, another body language expert, Inbaal Honigman, claims that she behaved differently during this inauguration than she did at the one in 2017.
“During the 2025 inauguration, Melania’s body language is neutral and still,” Inbaal told the Express. She maintains her model position while sitting motionless and maintaining a neutral expression on her face, allowing her spouse to be the center of attention.
Then he added that she seemed more “friendly”.
He clarified, “In contrast, Melania of 2017 waved and grinned, presenting a friendlier image to the masses.” Melania has a neutral face by nature. She generally lacks expressiveness and has faced criticism for her fleeting smiles, which she must have been aware of.
“This inauguration’s Melania was shielded from criticism by concealing her expression behind a wide-brimmed hat so that she could maintain her neutral expression without any issues,” Inbaal Honigman concluded.
The headgear, indeed. Melania’s hat became the buzz of the town as she wore it both indoors and outside throughout the day. Eric Javits, who designed the hat, claimed in a statement that one of the greatest privileges of his career was getting to outfit Melania.
In a statement, Javits said, “My experience in art gave me an advantage in creating hat shapes that would flatter and enhance every kind of face, bringing harmony and balance to the face.” “That was easy to do in this particular instance because Mrs. Trump is endowed with excellent bone structure, beauty, and a fantastic sense of style.”
Although it was difficult to view Melania’s eyes through the hat, her husband had noticed something strange despite the fact that it seemed to be sitting steadily. Donald joked that she was standing next to a military helicopter in Emancipation Hall when her hat almost flew away.
“She nearly blew away,” Trump chuckled. “They were lifting her off the ground.”
Melania paired the headgear with an ivory silk crepe shirt, a navy skirt, and a navy silk wool coat designed by American designer Adam Lippes.
“We had the honor of dressing our first lady, Mrs. Melania Trump, today, and the presidential inauguration tradition embodies the beauty of American democracy,” Lippes said in a statement. “Some of America’s best artisans made Mrs. Trump’s outfit, and I’m very proud to display their work to the world.”
Social media users had a lot to say about Melania’s hat, despite the fact that the Trumps’ festivities went well throughout the day. On X, formerly known as Twitter, one user said that she “looks like she’s going to a funeral.”
Someone else said, “She’s mourning America.”
During their second term at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Donald and Melania will experience several changes. The fact that Barron Trump, their kid, will not be residing there is one significant distinction. Last year, he started attending New York University. Barron is always welcome, his mother told Fox, even though he might not come every week.
He will undoubtedly have a bedroom there, but he is now an adult and enrolled in college. Melania stated, “I think he will come and visit, yes,” and she would be thrilled if he brought pals. Yes, he is free to do everything he wants. We have them until they are 18 or 19 years old, in my opinion. After educating and guiding them, we grant them the ability to fly. Additionally, I always respect Barron’s yes/no responses, as well as his interests and desired location.
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