Melania Trump: First Lady shines at State Dinner
SHE’S has had a relatively quiet introduction to her role as First Lady, but Melania Trump stole the show at the White House State Dinner for the French President and his wife.
FIRST Lady Melania Trump has ditched the trademark dark sunglasses for a glittering gown and nabbed the limelight at her first state dinner.
The event held to honour French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Bridget was seen as a mark of respect between the two leader’s countries.
And while the glittering event certainly grabbed a lot of attention, all eyes were on Mrs Trump, who stepped out in a glamorous gown from French designer Chanel.
It was a big moment in fashion — and public life — for the former model, who has kept a relatively low profile since Mr Trump took office 15 months ago.
Mrs Trump also seemed to be make a statement by stressing her personal involvement in picking the menu and gold-trimmed table settings for the event.
CNN reported the dinner was an excuse for Mrs Trump to show that it was “her house, her dinner and her terms.”
The event also showed a contrast between her and her husband.
He “is impulsive she is meticulous; where he is combative, she is compassionate” the broadcaster noted.
FLAWLESS PLANNING
According to CNN, Mrs Trump spent weeks learning about the history and protocol behind the prestigious dinners.
The tradition dates back to 1874 and this is the 14th time the US has hosted France for a state dinner.
With 123 attendees, the event was smaller and more intimate than President Barack Obama’s dinners with guests including Vice President Mike Pence, Chief Justice John Roberts, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and two Winter Olympians.
In a nod to France, Mrs Trump wore a black Chantilly lace Chanel haute couture gown, handpainted with silver and embroidered with crystal and sequins.
The President also appeared to be in awe of his wife whose meticulous planning helped make the night a success.
“To America’s absolutely incredible First Lady, thank you for making this an evening we will always cherish and remember. Thank you, Melania,” he told the dinner.
He also praised her over Twitter, saying everything was completed to perfection.
.@FLOTUS did a spectacular job hosting the President of France @EmmanuelMacron and his wife Brigitte. Every detail was done to perfection. The State Dining Room never looked more beautiful, and Washington is abuzz over what an incredible job Melania did.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 25, 2018
The White House stressed that Mrs Trump, who planned her 2005 wedding, had a hand in every aspect of the social denouement of Mr Macron’s visit.
She released a brief video showing her working on the details with her staff, including the menu and the table settings.
After months of preparations, @POTUS and I are looking forward to hosting our first State Dinner with France! Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to make this visit a success. 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/j7fKmUhISJ
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) April 23, 2018
The guests, seated at round candlelit tables decorated with bouquets of white flowers, dined on rack of lamb and nectarine tart served on a mix of china settings from the presidencies of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.
Just hours earlier, Mrs Trump was making her mark with another public appearance with her French counterpart.
The two women conducted a brief tour of the National Gallery of Art and viewed an exhibit of works by French painter Paul Cezanne.
Thank you @NGADC for the beautiful tour among your many galleries. The paintings are a testament to the influence art has among all cultures. I was glad to be able to view the exquisite works with Mrs. Macron. pic.twitter.com/4bpw7BBhPL
— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) April 24, 2018
STEPPING OUT
Mrs Trump stepping out during the state visit is something she’s comfortable with according to Katty Kay, anchor for BBC World News America.
Kay said First Ladies have always had to tread a fairly cautious line between the ceremonious and the diplomatic.
Mrs Trump has been on hand for ceremonial duties and has played a key supporting role for her husband.
However her design background and sense of style helped the naturally shy Mrs Trump step out with confidence in this three-day event.
Kay notes the former model has an excellent design sense and always appears flawless and has used this to her advantage.
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