Former First Lady Melania Trump has made a significant addition to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History by donating her black-and-white inaugural ball gown. The dress, which she wore to celebrate President Donald Trump's second inauguration, was revealed during a formal ceremony at the museum.
Melania Trump, in her five-minute speech, emphasized the personal significance of the gown, describing it as "a courageous act of self-expression." Designed by Hervé Pierre, her longtime collaborator, the gown features a white silk crepe bodice with striking black silk gazar bands that create a bold shape down its front. A distinctive black "Z" motif, which Melania Trump stated embodies her early memories and life experiences, adds a unique touch to the design, although she did not detail the symbolism.
"This is more than 50 years of education, experience, and wisdom realized with each thread, each stitch, each sharp edge," Melania Trump remarked, suggesting the gown captures the essence of the human condition. The gown will now be displayed in the museum's esteemed First Ladies Collection, which has seen contributions from First Ladies since Helen Herron Taft first donated her gown in 1909.
Melania Trump's first inaugural gown, also designed by Pierre, has been exhibited at the museum since 2017. With the addition of her second gown, both of her inaugural looks are now part of the national archive. The black-and-white gown marked a departure from her swearing-in outfit earlier in the day, which featured a darker palette and a wide-brimmed hat. In contrast, the inaugural ball gown showcased sharp lines and bold contrasts.
In her remarks, Melania Trump lauded the dress as a testament to American creativity and craftsmanship, stating, "This black and white masterpiece showcases America’s pure spirit of originality, superior engineering, and boundless creativity." She also took the opportunity to encourage young women to cultivate confidence and self-expression.
The donation coincides with an uptick in Melania Trump's public engagements, including events at the White House and promotions for her new film, "Melania: Twenty Days to History." The gown, with its personal and stylistic significance, will be available for public viewing at the Smithsonian, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and the storied black "Z" detail.
The exhibit is open to the public for free, in line with the Smithsonian's mission to preserve inaugural fashion as an integral part of America's political and cultural history.
