"Trump's Inauguration: A Nod to Timeless Fashion"

 Designers embrace a shift to the right as Usha Vance, Ivanka Trump, and others redefine the image of American conservatism.

The Bidens welcomed Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House ahead of Monday's inaugural ceremonies

On the steps of the White House Monday morning, as she welcomed President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania for their second term, Jill Biden wore a purple Ralph Lauren wrap coat and dress. Her husband, outgoing President Joe Biden, matched in a suit from the same brand. This ensemble reflected Biden's style over the past four years: elegant but not ostentatious, American-made, and a subtle nod to bipartisanship. In contrast, Melania Trump’s look delivered a much more striking sartorial message. She wore a dark navy wool silk coat, skirt, and blouse by Adam Lippes, a New York designer, paired with a wide-brimmed matching hat by Miami-based Eric Javits. Her appearance was severe, poised, and commanding—almost regal.

Anticipating potential backlash from fashion fans who’ve seen American designers decline to dress Melania Trump, Lippes emphasized that the pieces were hand-sewn in New York. "Mrs. Trump’s outfit was created by some of America’s finest craftsmen, and I take great pride in showing such work to the world," he said. He wasn’t the only designer crafting custom looks for Republican women during the inauguration. Oscar de la Renta created outfits for Ivanka Trump and Usha Vance, including a peach 1960s-inspired coat Ivanka wore. Ivanka paired a hunter green skirt suit by Dior with a fascinator, a potential nod to attendees like Delphine Arnault, CEO of Dior.

Fashion expert Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global editorial director, emphasized that for designers, dressing public figures is largely a business decision, especially on such high-profile days as an inauguration. "When a fashion house dresses a public figure, it’s usually a business decision, and a day like the inauguration brings immense attention to a designer’s creative work," she noted.

Later in the evening, Melania Trump switched into a white column dress with a bold black ribbon down the front, created by her stylist Hervé Pierre. Usha Vance wore a dazzling blue sequined dress by Reem Acra, and Ivanka Trump chose a white column dress with a dramatic train, reminiscent of 1950s couture. These looks, while striking, hinted at a theme of nostalgic regality, reminiscent of both past first ladies and European royalty.

Throughout the inauguration, the overall sartorial tone was marked by a sense of tradition and classicism, yet with an undertone of sternness. Unlike Nancy Reagan’s embrace of glamour and whimsy, the Trump women’s choices conveyed an air of conservative strength—perhaps a bit distant and formal. Melania Trump, in particular, showed a preference for hats, a rarity in modern fashion.

The men in Trump's circle wore tight suits, often looking strained in their attire, which contrasted with the more classic, well-fitted look of figures like JD Vance, who stood out in his suit. Despite the sharpness of their outfits, the event felt like a return to an earlier era—one that many saw as more nostalgic than forward-thinking. The luxury items on display, from fur coats to Chanel bags, reminded onlookers of the opulence associated with previous administrations, notably the 1980s, evoking memories of figures like Nancy Reagan.

Although the inauguration marked a significant moment for fashion, many felt that the opportunity for unifying through clothing was missed. Instead, it reinforced the divide between past and present. The event underscored the broader trend in the fashion industry, where designers like Lippes and Oscar de la Renta, while not mainstream, have increasingly aligned themselves with high-profile Republican figures—a dramatic shift from the previous Democratic leanings seen in the fashion world.

The shift was echoed in the reactions across social media, with brands celebrating their partnerships with Republican women. However, designers like Lippes and Oscar de la Renta are more closely tied to the high-end, bespoke world of fashion, where their clientele can afford such custom creations. This pivot toward supporting Trump’s administration marks a distinct change in the fashion industry, which has often aligned with political movements but is now navigating the complexities of brand and politics.

In an era of shifting allegiances, the fashion world is increasingly open about its business decisions, and it remains to be seen how American audiences will respond to this new political fashion landscape.