Melania Trump Is Proving That American Designers Are Hot
Impeccably dressed women choosing to fill their wardrobes with stylish pieces crafted by American designers is back, baby.
Nothing proves this point better than First Lady Melania Trump wearing statement pieces by independent, American designers Adam Lippes and Eric Javits this afternoon at the 2025 inauguration where her husband Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.
The silk wool coat by Adam Lippes was an elegant choice and the silhouette was perfectly feminine while remaining professional enough to stand beside the President as they embark on this new chapter. Although the matching navy and white boater-style hat by Eric Javits covered the beautiful First Lady's eyes more than one (a.k.a. me) would've liked, I can't deny that it tied the whole look together and made for an iconic outfit fit for the occasion.
The honor to dress the First Lady didn't go unnoticed, either. Adam Lippes had this to say to Vogue about the coat, "The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy and today we had the honor to dress our first lady, Mrs. Melania Trump. Mrs. Trump’s outfit was created by some of America’s finest craftsmen and I take great pride in showing such work to the world.”
Although many are criticizing the look as dark and somber, we believe that it turned heads in the best way and demonstrated Melania's desire to lift up small American designers over her next 4 years in the spotlight.
Speaking of American designers stepping in to show their support, although certainly not small, Oscar de la Renta has embraced the Trump administration in full by dressing Ivanka Trump and Usha Vance this past weekend ahead of the inauguration as well.
Some may brush that off as an isolated incident in fashion, but it points to a larger shift in the culture that we're seeing have an effect on everything from celebrity appearances to guests on our favorite podcasts. Even some of the most mainstream outlets are ready to give those who have been publicly ostracized a platform to speak and connect with the American public. People are increasingly unafraid to show their support for the Trump administration, despite the small but loud minority that chastises them for it on social media. We can expect to see much more of this (American wardrobe included) as the next 4 years pass.