IEyeNews

iLocal News Archives

Melania Trump’s Ralph Lauren inaugural suit both powerful and feminine; many others donned white

By Elizabeth Wellington, FASHION WRITER @ewellingtonphl

So far, first lady Melania Trump’s inaugural weekend wardrobe has been the epitome of powerfully feminine.

Trump arrived at St. John’s Church on Friday morning in a baby blue Ralph Lauren cashmere bolero jacket with a high cowl neck, and matching sheath and gloves. (So Jackie O. In fact, Jacqueline Kennedy wore a sky-blue suit to her husband’s inauguration.) Trump’s shoulder-length tresses were pulled into a soft bun. Her cheeks were rosy. But her countenance was stoic, as if to say, “This is real and I’m ready for it.” On her feet, Manolo Blahnik stilettos, of course.

Lauren is among the most popular home-grown designers here. The 77-year-old king of American heritage has built his fashion empire by defining quintessential American style in department stores and on the red carpet (although the bulk of his clothing is made outisde of the United States). His preppy, classic collections have clean lines and beautifully tailored details that create grounded auras, whether for people on the main stage or in supporting roles.

Trump’s choice to outfit herself in this sumptuous suit on the occasion of her husband’s inauguration as the 45th president of the United States was no doubt deliberate. She will be its first lady on her own terms. She’s feminine, yes. And strong.

Trump’s wardrobe so far this festive weekend has been quite stellar.

She arrived in Washington Thursday wearing a double-breasted, black military coat by independent Manhattan-based designer Norisol Ferrari.

And Thursday night, Trump chose a body-skimming gold metallic gown by American designer Reem Acra. Acra is known for her beautiful bridal wear.

Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrive for a VIP reception and dinner with donors Thursday in Washington.

President Trump’s righthand woman Kellyanne Conway’s message was clear when she donned a military-inspired, colorblocked red, white and blue ensemble at the inauguration Friday morning.

Although the fashion world did not approve of the way Conway executed her patriotism. The double-breasted colorblocked coat gone awry is courtesy of the House of Gucci. It costs $3,600. And Conway refered to it as Trump revolutionary wear.

But we ask, when was Nutcracker fashion ever in style? Like, ever?

Can we say ick?

This inaugural look was clearly a fashion faux pas.

Half-sisters Ivanka and Tiffany Trump and Hillary Clinton all took a pro-womanhood stance in white ensembles.

Women in politics have taken to wearing white lately as a nod to women who fought for the right to vote. But in addition to being the shade of suffragettes, white can, for some, convey purity, righteousness, kindness, a new beginning, a clean slate. With the Women’s March in Washington on Saturday, women’s rights are definitely front and center.

Ivanka Trump, 35, who by many accounts will be the acting first lady while the president’s wife stays in New York, wore an interesting suit by Oscar de la Renta. At first glance, the pantsuit, with its asymmetrical blazer, appeared quite sharp. But on closer look, it seemed the suit just didn’t fit as it was pulling in places. That was disappointing. I’m sure she has some pieces from her Ivanka Trump collection that would have fit her better.

Tiffany Trump’s double-breasted white coat by New York-based designer Taoray Wang, on the other hand, was a much smoother fit (although more boring). Her pearls and gloves, however, were a very nice touch.

Clinton’s clothing choices during her campaign had been not-subtle nods to the women’s movement. So it’s no surprise that she, too, went with an all-white suit courtesy of Lauren, as well. Is it me, or has Lauren perfected the art of bipartisan fashion?

Even on her last day as first lady, Michelle Obama didn’t disappoint. The Obama wore a capped-sleeved burgandy print dress by Jason Wu paired with a coat fashioned by the same print. The former FLOTUS’ hair, usually some version of a bouncing bob, was pulled back tightly into a severe bun.

IMAGES:
EVAN VUCCI President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greets President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump at the White House in Washington, Friday, Jan. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Hillary Clinton and former president Bill Clinton at the 58th Presidential Inauguration in Washington. Camera icon OLIVIER DOULIERY / Abaca Press / TNS
Camera icon Olivier Douliery / Abaca Press/TNS First Lady Michelle Obama arrives at the 58th Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20, 2017 in Washington, D.C.
Camera icon Olivier Douliery / Abaca / TNS Tiffany Trump and Ivanka Trump at their father’s inauguration.
The coat Kellyanne Conway is wearing at Trump’s #Inauguration is from Gucci — and costs $3,600 http://cnn.it/2iSTvg3
Camera icon EVAN VUCCI / AP Vice President-elect Mike Pence, left, and his wife Karen, second from left, applaud as President-elect
Camera icon EVAN VUCCI / AP
President-elect Donald Trump salutes as he arrives at Andrews Air Force Base with his wife, Melania, on Thursday.

For more on this story go to: http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/elizabeth_wellington/Melania-Trumps-Ralph-Lauren-Inaugural-suit-is-both-powerful-and-feminine-.html

LEAVE A RESPONSE

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *