Melania Trump’s inauguration look caused quite the buzz at the beginning of the year. The first lady’s unconventional choice of outfit raised more than a few eyebrows. Some praised the former model for her bold fashion choice, and others harshly criticized her for it.
The 55-year-old chose New York-based designer Adam Lippes to design her clothes for her husband’s big day. Melania wore a dark colored silk wool double-breasted coat. She paired the coat with black leather gloves.
Lippes revealed how the First Lady’s outfit was created by America’s finest craftsmen. Melania decided to pair the coat with a pencil skirt and black stiletto heels.
“The tradition of the presidential inauguration embodies the beauty of American democracy, and today we had the honor to dress our first lady, Mrs. Melania Trump,” Lippes told Vogue in an interview.
The highlight of Melania’s outfit was her boater hat. The hat, which was custom made was estimated to cost $400. A cream ribbon encircled the hat, creating the perfect contrast on the navy blue hat. The dramatic hat obscured the FLOTUS’ eyes from view.
A similar hat is now being sold on eBay. The hat is being marketed as ‘Melania’s Trump Brings Steely Fashion American Design Top Hat.’ The hat notably costs a fraction of what the actual designed piece must have cost.
Why is Melania Trump dressed like Michael Jackson Smooth Criminal #Inauguration2025 pic.twitter.com/hxEauwtJo8
— Sabu (@Sabu56532969) January 20, 2025
The boater hat knock-off is being sold for USD 49.96 per piece. The eBay listing features several pictures of Melania wearing the hat at the inauguration ceremony. Interestingly, the listing also provides an option for personalization.
Though the original hat was navy blue, the knockoff version of it is being sold in two colors, black and navy blue. The seller is also selling the hat in wool and leather.
The one that seems to have gained enough popularity to produce a knock-off was brutally criticised by netizens a few months ago. Following the inauguration, people took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to troll the First Lady for her fashion choices.
Melania lookin like Michael Jackson in Smooth Criminal #Trump #Melania #Inauguration2025 pic.twitter.com/dkbionI3LA
— Sri Raj (@srirajcomedy) January 20, 2025
Several netizens drew parallels between her and pop icon Michael Jackson. Internet users could not help but notice how similar the First Lady’s hat was to the one MJ wore in the Smooth Criminal music video.
Others compared her to the Hamburgler, the antagonist of the McDonald’s franchise. Few others commented on the similarity between Melnia’s outfit and Jim Carrey’s from the film, The Mask. At the same time, many people jumped in to defend her and labelled her outfit as high fashion.
Scroll below to see photos of Melania Trump at the inauguration.
Melania Trump’s face wasn’t full visible due to her hat at the inauguration.
Melania and Donald Trump indulged in PDA during the big event.
