Melania Trump’ s outfit will be as big a talking point as the actual inauguration
MELANIA Trump’s choice of designer will be as big a talking point as the inauguration of husband Donald Trump.
NO MATTER what Melania Trump wears, there is bound to be as much trumpeting about her frock choice as about her husband’s entire inauguration early on Saturday morning (AEST).
While totally trivial to some people, fashion and in this case the style of the new First Lady, is going to be scrutinised 24/7, for the next four, possibly eight years. You have been warned.
The message Melania Trump chooses to project, via her fashion choice/choices during the round of inauguration balls will go down in American political and sartorial history.
Her style will also be brilliant fodder for fashion commentators, the frock police and every armchair fashion critic around the world.
The Slovenian-born former model will want to make a statement but I’m guessing it will be an understated, block-coloured and subtle one as opposed to anything incredibly loud and raucous.
Previous First Lady’s have been remembered, and in Michelle Obama’s case, will be remembered for supporting certain designers who have supported causes close to their own.
Jackie Kennedy was a huge fan of the late designer Oscar de la Renta with whom she shared the same political views and support for similar charities. Michelle Obama liked to support newer and “more affordable” names.
According to the global fashion bible, WWD, Melania has Ralph Lauren as the front runner in a field of designers who will be dressing her on Friday night.
Much has been said about designers not wanting to come to the design party or to be seen “dressing” the new First Lady. But hey, someone is doing it and will reap an untold amount of publicity out of it.
Knowing the fickle foibles of the fashion world, time will gradually pass and some designers may detach their political views from the possibility and potential of dressing the woman married to the most powerful man in the world.
According to GQ Australia editor in chief, Nick Smith, the FLE (First Lady Elect) will probably stay ‘local’ for inauguration night.
“We can probably guess that the frock would not be created by a designer from China or Mexico, but maybe Russia,’’ Smith cheekily told news.com.au.
“Knowing that Melania will be one of the only fashion highlights at the Inauguration (given the expected absence of celebrities attending) her choice of dress will be squarely in focus.
“I would suggest an ‘all-American’ designer that is aspirational to Trump’s supporters.
“So like most, I’m betting on Ralph Lauren or Calvin Klein. Other choices could be Oscar de la Renta or Carolina Herrera for some refined beauty and glamour and designers loved by the empress of fashion and America Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
“Tom Ford could be an outside bet, but unlikely,” adds Smith.
“Hopefully, Melania’s team has learnt their lesson, and she’ll steer clear of any designers favoured by Michelle Obama, as that will be seen as another knock-off!”
As for Aussie designer Peter Morrissey, he thinks Melania’s choice will be all about showcasing a particular designer.
“I think Melania Trump will be dressing to impress in ‘strong, modern lines’ that look luxurious,” he says.
“The choice will be either ivory, red or black and with gold accessories.”
Morrissey says she will be a complete contrast to outgoing First Lady Michelle Obama.
“Michelle Obama always dressed to express in a more ‘whispered’ way as to me, she always shouted style,” he said.
“Mrs Obama’s personality was her greatest accessory and she has always been all about the woman and not a slave to fashion trends.”
The world now has a number of years to scrutinise the ‘new’ First Lady’s fashion, day after day, so no doubt Melania has her ‘glam squad’ on red alert.
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