Top designers ‘refuse’ to dress Melania Trump before inauguration

Donald Trump officially begins his second term as President of the United States today, January 20, alongside First Lady Melania Trump. As the world watches the historic swearing-in ceremony, Melania takes a bold step back into public life with a new memoir, a forthcoming documentary, and renewed attention on her fashion choices.

At the U.S. Capitol today, Donald Trump will take the oath of office to serve as the 47th President of the United States. This marks his return to the White House after a contentious election and his prior presidency, which ended in 2020. The inauguration holds particular significance, as it comes four years after the Capitol riots of January 6, 2021—a day that shook the nation. This time, both leaders and citizens hope for a smooth and peaceful transition of power.

By his side is Melania Trump, who is stepping into the First Lady role for the second time. Unlike her first term, which was marked by a quieter public profile, Melania is now reentering the spotlight with a fresh focus on her personal narrative and public image.

Melania’s memoir and new documentary

In the weeks leading up to the inauguration, Melania released her memoir, Melania, which has been described as a reflection on her journey from Slovenia to the White House. The book’s success has spurred her latest project: a behind-the-scenes documentary about her life.

Filming for the documentary began in December 2024, with Amazon securing an impressive $40 million licensing deal. Set for release later this year, the documentary will explore Melania’s day-to-day responsibilities as First Lady, her transition back to the White House, and her personal life behind closed doors.

Speaking about the project during an interview on Fox & Friends, Melania said, “My life is incredible. It’s incredibly busy, and people don’t really know what it takes to be First Lady. This film will show them—from moving into the White House, to packing, planning, and establishing my team.”

Amazon confirmed the project in a statement, saying, “We are excited to share this truly unique story with our millions of customers around the world.”

Melania’s evolving fashion and style legacy

As a former model with a lifelong passion for fashion, Melania Trump’s style has always been a topic of public interest. Her early years in the spotlight were defined by bold, expensive designer looks. However, her wardrobe shifted when she first became First Lady in 2017, adopting a more understated, conservative approach.

Melania insists her style hasn’t changed much over the years, telling Elle, “I always wear what I like and what is appropriate for the occasion.” But experts argue her fashion choices have matured. Beth Dincuff Charleston, a professor of fashion history at Parsons, noted, “Her style has gotten more in line with what we think of as First Lady fashion. It’s less revealing, more polished.”

Even so, Melania’s clothing choices remain polarizing. Just weeks ago, her outfit at President Jimmy Carter’s funeral sparked debate online, with some praising her for its elegance while others criticized it as overly dramatic or out of place.

Designers decline to dress the First Lady

Despite her reputation for wearing luxury brands with poise, Melania has faced challenges finding designers willing to collaborate with her. As reported by Women’s Wear Daily, several high-profile designers, including Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs, have publicly refused to dress her in the past.

French designer Hervé Pierre, who has worked with Melania before, shared his perspective, saying, “The fashion industry is not very welcoming [of Trump]. Some see dressing Mrs. Trump as a business opportunity, but many are not interested.”

Pierre even recounted a personal experience of being shunned at a New York store after collaborating with Melania. “I understand that you can criticize Mrs. Trump, but to tell someone they’re not welcome—it’s something I never expected,” he said.

Despite the backlash, Melania continues to prioritize her own preferences when it comes to fashion, saying, “I style myself and choose what to wear based on what I feel good in.”

What’s next for Melania Trump?

As Melania steps back into her role as First Lady, she seems determined to define her public image on her own terms. Between her memoir, upcoming documentary, and renewed media attention, she’s carving out a more visible presence than in her first term.

Still, opinions remain divided. Some admire her poise and quiet strength, while others critique her choices and associations.

Melania herself seems unbothered by the criticism, focusing instead on her new responsibilities and her return to the White House. “This time, the transition is different,” she explained. “I already have the plans, the furniture selected. Everything is ready.”

As the world watches Donald Trump’s second inauguration, one question lingers: will Melania Trump embrace her role in the spotlight or retreat once again into a quieter public life? Only time will tell.

What do you think of Melania Trump’s plans as First Lady? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!