Melania Trump marked the donation of her second inaugural gown to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History on Friday, appearing in an all-black outfit that complemented the historic dress.
The former First Lady wore a double-breasted Bottega Veneta coat, a knit turtleneck, leather leggings and knee-high snakeskin-embossed boots by Christian Louboutin as she addressed guests during the unveiling ceremony.
Speaking about the Hervé Pierre design, Trump described the gown as more than just a garment.
“This is not a dress. This is more than 50 years of education, experience and wisdom realized with each thread, each stitch, each sharp edge,” she said of the strapless off-white silk crepe column dress accented with two bands of black silk gazar.
“This dress speaks with a distinct point of view, a modern silhouette. Bold and dignified and ruthlessly chic.”
Trump thanked the pattern makers, seamstresses and artisans who helped create what she called a “technical marvel,” adding that the black-and-white design reflects American creativity and craftsmanship.
“This black and white masterpiece showcases America’s pure spirit of originality, superior engineering and boundless creativity. It’s a statement as to why America’s fashion industry can lead the rest of the world,” she said.
Alongside the gown, the museum will also display a replica of the 1955 Harry Winston brooch that Trump wore as a choker during the inaugural ball.
“The minimal black neckpiece framed the radiant floral diamond cluster, creating harmony with my overall look,” she noted.
Trump previously donated her 2017 inaugural ball gown — an off-the-shoulder vanilla silk crepe dress also designed by Hervé Pierre — to the Smithsonian, adding to the institution’s collection of historic first-lady attire.
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