Washington’s Smithsonian National Museum of American History has acquired a glittering addition to its treasures: Melania Trump’s 2025 inauguration gown. The elegant off-white strapless design by Harvey Pierre, embellished with black silk gazar and a diamond brooch replica, was personally donated by the former First Lady, continuing a legacy that began in 1912.
Speaking at the handover, Melania reflected on the human touch in fashion. ‘Every stitch holds human emotion,’ she said, positioning the piece as a testament to American ingenuity. With over five decades of expertise infused into its fabric, the gown celebrates the unseen labor of skilled craftspeople who elevate U.S. fashion to global prominence.
This isn’t Melania’s first contribution; she’s now the second First Lady ever to donate inaugural attire from two terms, echoing Ida McKinley’s precedent from the early 1900s. The collection, a cultural touchstone for over 100 years, features around 1,000 items tracing the personal and public lives of First Ladies through their attire and artifacts.
Melania detailed the gown’s creation as a ‘slow, deliberate process’ that yields extraordinary outcomes. She advocated for cherishing both cherished customs and daring personal statements that define America’s image abroad. ‘We must take pride in these traditions and our courageous self-expression,’ she noted.
Fashion enthusiasts and history buffs can now view the gown firsthand. The museum welcomes the public daily without charge, ensuring this symbol of presidential pomp remains accessible. As one of the institution’s top draws, the exhibit continues to illuminate how First Ladies have shaped national narratives through style and substance.