Melania Trump rocked Donald Trump’s second inauguration in her stunning navy silk wool coat by Adam Lepps and a bold brimmed hat designed by American milliner Eric Javits. However, the statement hat almost didn’t make its debut due to a last-minute fashion mishap.
Eric Javits revealed that the hat that arrived in New York from his Miami office was completely crushed. “It looked like it had been sitting in a snowdrift for about a week,” he said WWD. With the damage beyond repair, Javits described the situation as “a bit of a cliffhanger” as he scrambled to rebuild the hat just in time for the ceremony.
Melania’s trusted stylist, Hero Pierre, was instrumental in making sure the replacement hat was delivered to her safely. The final look was a triumph, with the wide-brimmed chapeau becoming the centerpiece of her ensemble and sparking widespread commentary on social media.
Comparisons range from pop culture icons to hilarious jokes. Some compared Melania’s outfit to Michael Jackson’s. Smooth criminal See, while others joked that she resembled Carmen Sandiego, the legendary Globetrotter best known for her signature hat and coat. A viral video also captured the moment when the wide brim of the hat thwarted Donald Trump’s attempt to kiss Melania on the cheek, sending the internet into a frenzy.
Despite the lukewarm response, Melania’s choice marked another chapter in her bold and elegant fashion history. Adam Lipps, the designer behind her coat, was proud of the collaboration, saying, “Mrs. Trump’s dress was created by some of America’s finest artisans, and I am so proud to show the world such work.
Adding to the occasion, the couple’s 18-year-old son, now a freshman at New York University, attended the event, making his parents proud. He was only 10 years old when Trump took his first oath of office in 2017.
The drama surrounding Melania’s hat highlights the lengths to which her team goes to uphold her reputation for style and sophistication. The ensemble, which turned heads and spawned memes, cemented her status as a fashion icon, proving once again that her choices are as daring as they are unforgettable.
