As Donald Trump celebrated his return to the presidency as the 47th President of the United States, Melania Trump made headlines at the Commander-in-Chief Inaugural Ball with her impeccable fashion and a much-discussed first dance with her husband. Dressed in a custom Hervé Pierre gown, the First Lady's appearance at the event captivated onlookers, though some on social media focused on what they described as an "awkward" moment during the dance.
The off-white silk crepe gown, accented with an asymmetrical black silk gazar overlay, was complemented by a silver floral diamond brooch from Harry Winston, dating back to 1955. Hervé Pierre, who also designed Melania's inaugural gown in 2017, expressed his pride in collaborating with the First Lady. "It is a big honor to have collaborated with the First Lady on the design for her inaugural dress," he told WWD. "It was clear that Mrs. Trump was gravitating towards a combination of black and white - true to her own style and vision."
The evening's highlight was the couple's first dance to Elvis Presley's An American Trilogy, a symbolic nod to American pride. Joining them on stage were Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, who wore a sequined navy gown, while JD opted for a classic tuxedo. President Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump also drew attention in a Givenchy Haute Couture gown, channeling old Hollywood glamour with a design reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn's iconic looks.
What a beautiful President and First Lady dance! Melania looks absolutely stunning! pic.twitter.com/sCYcqBz5Nf — Margaret (@MargaretLa91636) January 21, 2025
Melania's choice to spotlight American designers extended beyond the ball. Earlier that day, she wore a navy silk wool coat and matching pencil skirt by Adam Lippes to the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. The ensemble was paired with an ivory silk crepe blouse and a statement hat by Eric Javits, showcasing a refined and sophisticated style.
Despite the glamour, the internet had its own interpretation of the First Couple's dance. Social media platforms lit up with comments about Melania's demeanor, with some users suggesting she appeared "miserable." One commenter on X joked, "She always looks miserable. They deserve each other." Another noted, "She's leaning back as far as possible." The online discourse contrasted sharply with the cheers from the audience at the event, who applauded as Trump praised his wife in a brief speech following the dance.
The Trumps' relationship has long been a topic of fascination. In her memoir, Melania recounted meeting Trump in 1998 at a party hosted by Paolo Zampolli during New York Fashion Week. The then-model described being captivated by Trump's charm and easygoing nature, a memory that stands in stark contrast to the speculation about their interactions during public events.
