FLOTUS FASHION FACE OFF: 2017

First Ladies of the United States Fashion

From the beginning of US history, our FLOTUS (First Ladies of the United States) has often been viewed as a style icon.  In honor of the most recent inauguration of Donald & Melania Trump, we are taking a look back at some First Ladies fashion.

Many First Ladies have left an impact on the United States and the world; including fashion lovers and the industry. There is no shortage of First Lady style stories; we’ll start with the late 19^th and 20^th century.  First lady Dolley Madison was an enthusiast of French fashion; she in turn influenced American women to embrace the French designs she favored, this trend started to appear in fashion magazines like Vogue at the time. Nancy Reagan selected a gown for the 1981 inaugural ball- generating controversy over the cost of the gown. The women also found a way to make statements like Nancy Reagan used her signature ‘Reagan Red’ to show her patriotism, Barbara Bush had her iconic pearls, she also wore a pair of $29 shoes to her husbands' inaugural ball to demonstrate how down to earth she was and Hilary Clinton made the 'pant suit' her own, to show who wore the trousers.

However, in our opinion, the two women who have left a lasting impact on FLOTUS style so far have been Jacqueline Kennedy and Michelle Obama. Most people credit the stylish Jacqueline Kennedy with bringing high fashion to the attention of the American public, as First Lady she began to embrace the American fashion scene. In 1961 Kennedy wore a white silk inaugural ball gown that she sketched herself with her own ideas. 

Michelle Obama took risks and showcased a range of designers; she chose to show off her unique style (and her amazing arms) often wearing unknown fashion designers, which helped put them on the map.

Since the election of Donald Trump is so controversial, it is only natural that the styling of the First Lady is as well.  Melania’s choice for inauguration day channeled her inner Jackie O, wearing a gorgeous powder blue cashmere suit designed by American designer Ralph Lauren. The look was classic and chic but also a nod to a time when “America was Great,” when Jacqueline Kennedy was wearing similar styles.

Melania’s look for the Inaugural Ball was a little less controversial. She wore a white off the shoulder dress with a thin burgundy ribbon as a belt designed by Hervé Pierre, formerly the creative director of Carolina Herrera.  

Although Hervé Pierre was willing to dress Mrs. Trump, a number of top designers are saying that they will not dress Mrs. Trump during the Presidency.  The list includes Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Christian Siriano, Sophie Theallet, Phillip Lim, Derek Lam, Humberto Leon, Timo Weiland and Naeem Khan.  When talking to Women’s Wear Daily, Marc Jacobs said, “I have no interest whatsoever in dressing Melania Trump…Personally, I’d rather put my energy into helping out those who will be hurt by [Donald] Trump and his supporters”.

Even though the list of designers that won’t dress Melania seems long, there were also a good number of designers who said they would be happy to dress the new First Lady. Tommy Hilfiger, Diane Von Furstenberg, Sam and Libby Edelman, Marcus Wainwright and Thom Browne have all spoken out about feeling comfortable dressing Mrs. Trump.  “Donald Trump was elected and he will be our president,” Diane Von Furstenberg said, “Melania deserves the respect of any first lady before her. Our role as part of the fashion industry is to promote beauty, inclusiveness [and] diversity. We should each be the best we can be and influence by our example”.  

Some critics are starting to question if Melania is just a straight up copycat from her plagiarized speech at the national convention (which was revealed to be taken from Mrs. Obama), to her look that blatantly mirrored Jacqueline Kennedy’s. Only time will tell with the ex-model, will Melania’s FLOTUS style be as iconic as Jacqueline Kennedy or Michelle Obama’s throughout the next four years?  To Be Continued...