Did You Notice Fashion’s Political and Symbolic Statements During the Inauguration?
In this tumultuous political climate it seems that there is at least one thing, however seemingly trivial to some, in which we can all agree. And it relates to fashion.
Today’s inauguration left me feeling more hopeful than I had expected. I find it quite remarkable that we had a peaceful transition of power despite a rather divisive campaign season. As I turned on my laptop, to my surprise, trending on all social media platforms was a dress. Not negativity about riots. Not memes of Trump’s hair. Not even the inauguration itself, but a dress.

melania-trump-inauguration
And not just any dress. A sky blue elegantly designed and perfectly executed dress created by an American designer with an iconic, all-American image, to be exact. Trending higher than the smashed windows in Downtown DC, higher than all the political noise and chatter, there it was: the dress. The dress that, for a few brief seconds in time, had us – perhaps unknowingly – reaching across political lines in agreement.
To me, this simple symbol of unity is a promise of hope of an eventual better tomorrow. As a country we have to heal somehow – and we have to start somewhere. Our thoughts on policy may be vastly different but today, in a small yet meaningful way, we agreed on something.
Vogue summed it up best: “Today is a historic moment in American history and one major player in marking the occasion is First Lady Melania Trump. The first immigrant to serve as First Lady since Louisa Adams (wife of John Quincy Adams), Trump showed her American pride at the inauguration ceremony in a custom ensemble from Ralph Lauren Collection.” (vogue.com)
According to Vogue, Hillary Clinton was supposedly wearing the designer as well – a “message of unity and togetherness” was symbolically sent by Melania to Hillary. Melania used fashion to make a political statement; to extend an olive branch of sorts. And seemingly, Clinton embraced the symbolism in her Ralph Lauren ensemble.
Perhaps we aren’t so different, after all.
Vogue continues and describes Melania’s dress as being powder blue, with matching gloves and stiletto shoes; recalling “the elegance of Jacqueline Kennedy at the innaguration of John F Kennedy in 1961.” Additionally, according to the magazine, the shape of the suit was “certainly a nod to 60’s sophistication: The cocoon-like jacket with 3/4 sleeves and the to-the-knee hemline, paid tribute to Oleg Cassini, a Kennedy favorite.”
I think starting today, we works towards moving forward together as one great nation instead of two divided parties. It may take time to heal, but our country has come back from worse, like a phoenix rising from ashes.
Today I feel hopeful for a better tomorrow. For all of us. May God bless this country in which we live.
UPDATE: Ralph Lauren’s stock has soared since January 20th (the date of the inauguration)
On a complete side note: Do you think Tom Ford has foot-in-mouth disease? Let me know in the blog comment section below (scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page).
Images: AP Images, Getty Images, Reuters
Referene:
Vogue.com : Melania Trump Wears Ralph Lauren for Inauguration Day
41 comments
Wonderful article!!!
Thank you so much!
Great article. Her dress was beautiful. I love that it was designed by an American success story, Ralph Lauren.
I thought Hillary Clinton looked elegant in her winter white Ralph Lauren ensemble as well. I hope we can learn from today that we can respect the differences in political opinions and respect each other as well
I couldn’t have said it better myself! Thanks for your commentary – I may add it into the article if you don’t mind! I’ll attribute the comments to you. Very insightful.
The new First Lady brings beauty and elegance back to the WH . Reminds me of Mrs Kennedy. Your article is very on point and beautifully written. And, yes, kudos to Mrs. Clinton also. Ralph Lauren (even though I could never afford him) has always been one of my favorite designers !
I agree – Ralph Lauren is an amazing designer. Such an American icon! I was pretty impressed that, although subtle, Melania and Hillary sent out a message of unity. And right now, our country needs to be united. Classy move by both women!
Love this article. She definitely looked amazing. Classic, elegant…loved it.
I agree! Outfit Goals for sure!
Great article! I did love the dress!
The dress was pretty fabulous, I will say that!
Well Said! I hope we can come together and settle into being a nation with one goal! BRAVO!
I pray that we once again become one nation and that we heal.
She definitely looked classic!
Yes, loved that outfit!
So well written! And as women we must reach across party lines to lift one another up!
Yes! Go high! Now more than ever women need to stick together.
I don’t know, I feel like Melania’s stylists were definitely trying far too hard to be reminiscent of Jackie O with this dress. If you look back at her other recent public appearances its not her style and they were tying to make too much of a statement with it. But thank you for sharing!!
I agree that it doesn’t look like her usual style…but she is known to wear Ralph Lauren; he is one of her favorite designers. I think this was a PR move more than anything. The dress/coat was definitely a VERY literal nod to Jackie O…but it worked. After mostly negative press in general and negative press about her fashion she is getting a ton of coverage and accolades on this outfit. She was looking for a reaction and she got one for sure!
Great article!
Thank you, Katie! I am glad you liked the blog post. I love all things fashion!
Yes, I was SO in love with her gown. She was so lovely and classy!
Oh…that gown. LOVE.
I feel like she was trying to embody what so many Americans see as a great time period in our history. Which is admirable. I think she’s a stunning woman and I’m excited to see what she influences.
I am very excited to see what she has in store for us!
I love her dress, so classy.
I thought it was absolute perfection. Loved the modern spin on a classic look.
I originally saw your post on RTS and so loved your post!! Incredibly classy!
Thank you – I am glad you saw it and liked it!! I took it down when things turned in a direction I was not looking to go in…. It means a lot to me that you saw it there and enjoyed it.
Loved reading this! Thank you for being so positive, we need more of that right now…every news article is no negative. This was refreshing!
\Thank you!! I’ve been a bit disheartened by the negativity in general lately. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the article!
Great article! I love powdered blue!
I do too! Such a pretty shade of blue.
Once I seen what she was wearing I immediately thought it was reminscent on Jackie. She rocked it beautifully and elegantly! I love it!
Yes! I loved the modern spin on a historical classic.
This is a very interesting topic! I agree that Melania’s outfit was very Jackie.
I’m now wondering what would happen next to Ralph Lauren after dressing the first lady – there are too much drama in this! lol
His stock has soared since Friday…this ended up paying off for him!
Lovely read! Thanks for sharing some positivity <3 Love your writing and love her dress!
Positive vibes are needed these days!
Melania’s dress was absolutely stunning. It was obvious that you worked very hard to complete this blog and put a lot of thought into it. Great job!
That means so much to me – thank you for your kind words!
I love this post! Melania is a stunning first lady and I hope fashion can be one of many things to bring us together over the years!
Lisa
http://www.prettylittleshoppers.com