Incoming First Lady Melania Trump might wear a Ralph Lauren–Karl Lagerfeld combo at Donald Trump's Inauguration day
This Friday when President-elect Donald Trump finally takes the oath for being the 45th head of state, his family will also step into the spotlight with him during the event. Much like the attention that the list of performers has gathered leading up to the event, talks about the future First Lady Melania Trump's sartorial choices are also being eagerly watched.
By no means, the Slovene-American will not be difficult to dress up. Coming from a modeling background, she exudes the normal tall, petite physique that models often sport and designers usually look for. But since his husband won the national elections, the fashion industry is divided as to whether or not to dress her up, partially because of Donald's choices of words and actions that have either delighted or upset many.
Dolce & Gabbana, which Melania wore during their New Year's eve party, Diane Von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera, Rag & Bone, Thom Browne and Tommy Hilfiger have expressed their willingness to clothe the 46-year-old to wear. Derek Lam, Phillip Lim, Sophie Theallet, Marc Jacobs and Tom Ford meanwhile have declined the gig. Naeem Khan, Tanya Taylor, Cynthia Rowley, Vera Wang and Joseph Altuzarra, on the other hand, are on the fence regarding the matter. It is, however, important to note that most, if not all, of these brands are based in the United States. That leaves other fashion hubs based in London, Paris, and Milan available to bring clothing choices to the new First Lady. For example, during the campaign period, she wore British designer Roksanda, French Roland Mouret as well as Italian Gucci in some of her public appearances.
A report from WWD tips that American brand Ralph Lauren may actually be the brand that Melania will be strutting in her husband's big day. Ironically, the fashion house was also the maker of some of Trump's Presidential rival Hillary Clinton's iconic pantsuit during the campaign period. But it seems like the corporation is continuing to promote bipartisanship setting aside politics for its decision should this eventually come to fruition. The clothing line was also where Melania pulled the white jumpsuit she wore during Trump's acceptance speech at the Hilton Hotel back in November. Before that, Melania also sported a look from the brand during the last Presidential debate in which she chose a jumpsuit, this time black, that is a pussy bow. A separate report, meanwhile, from the same media outlet shares that the woman in the spotlight is also said to be partnering up with Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld for one of her ensembles come Jan. 20.
In retrospect, Melania has big shoes to fill not just in terms of her social responsibilities as the incoming First Lady of the United States. Her predecessor, Michelle Obama, has set the bar quite high regarding her fashion choices mixing high-end and high-street pieces from J.Crew to Versace. She also used clothes as a tool to communicate and relate to the people. The Harvard-law alum made a striking statement the moment she assumed position by wearing a lime yellow ensemble from Cuban-born designer Isabel Toledo during President Barack Obama's Inauguration in 2009. She then changed to a white one-shoulder Jason Wu applique dress during their first dance as the country's first couple. Both dressmakers at that time were relatively unknown, but have burst into the industry thereafter.
President-elect Donald Trump's Inauguration will be held on Friday, Jan. 20, on the West Front of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.