Fashion arbiters the world over will be scrutinising the outfit Melania Trump wears on Friday, January 20 at the inauguration of her husband, US president-elect Donald Trump.
If history is anything to go by, the first-lady-in-waiting’s ensemble for the Inaugural Ball will be in a shade of red, white or blue, reflecting the American flag.
In keeping with tradition, an American designer will almost certainly purple prom dresses Trump, and Zac Posen (who has dressed Michelle Obama, Uma Thurman and Rihanna, among others) is a front-runner.
There are many big names, however, who are not so keen to be considered, including Marc Jacobs, who is no fan of Trump’s husband. Tom Ford has also said she should not choose his collections, because they are not made in the United States but in Italy. He added that a first lady should wear clothes “at a price point that is accessible to most Americans”.
Another dissenting voice is Sophie Theallet, whose independent label has dressed Michelle Obama since President Obama entered office in 2009.
“As one who celebrates and strives for diversity, individual freedom, and respect for all lifestyles, I will not participate in dressing or associating in any way with the next first lady,” says Theallet. “I encourage my fellow designers to do the same.”
Designers from the Middle East have rarely featured in the wardrobe of previous first ladies. “Fashion is boundless and it shouldn’t have political affiliations, nor should it discriminate,” says Dubai-based couturier to the rich and famous, Michael Cinco.
“It would be an honour and a pleasure to dress the incoming first lady. She has vowed to strengthen her advocacy for the welfare of women and children, and she’s a woman of intelligence and beauty – and at 5’11″ [180cm], one of the tallest first ladies. So, I would certainly love to purple prom dress her.”
In exchange for a first lady wearing their pieces, designers are likely to receive worldwide media coverage rather than the hundreds of thousands of dirhams the couture itself might cost.
The White House remains stubbornly tight lipped about how the first lady’s vast wardrobe is obtained, but it is believed most outfits for major events are either “donated” or borrowed.
For the other, day-to-day outfits, despite having no clothing allowance or a salary, some first ladies choose to pay for them, albeit for a nominal fee.
“Mrs Obama pays for her clothing,” says Joanna Rosholm, Michelle Obama’s press secretary.
“For official events of public or historic significance, such as a state visit, the first lady’s clothes may be given as a gift by a designer and accepted on behalf of the US government. They are then stored by the National Archives.”
