Melania Trump returned to the White House as First Lady for a second term after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States. The day was filled with celebrations and widespread media coverage, with Melania’s fashion choices taking center stage. Her Inauguration Day outfits generated significant attention, particularly her striking hat, which sparked widespread discussion. Leading up to the event, reports surfaced that some designers had declined to dress her, though she has a long history of working with notable designers.

One of her most consistent collaborators has been Hervé Pierre Braillard, a New York-based designer and former creative director of Carolina Herrera. Pierre admitted that working with Melania sometimes led to backlash, with some stores even refusing him service because of his connection to the First Lady. However, he noted that European designers tend to be more open-minded, viewing the opportunity to dress Melania as beneficial for business due to the media exposure she generates.

Melania is known for opting for off-the-rack pieces from high-end brands such as Dior and Michael Kors, rather than custom-made designs. This practicality poses challenges for Pierre, who must ensure that her chosen pieces have not been worn to major public events, avoiding potential media comparisons. Despite these hurdles, Pierre continues to create iconic looks for Melania, including her Inaugural Ball gown.

For the inauguration, Melania wore a navy silk wool coat, an ivory silk crepe blouse, and a skirt by American designer Adam Lippes. Her hat, created by designer Eric Javits, garnered significant attention. Javits praised Melania’s natural elegance and beauty, and Donald Trump humorously remarked during a speech that the hat almost blew away during a helicopter photo op.