Ivanka Trump’s Audrey Hepburn-inspired gown sparks online backlash

Ivanka Trump sparks debate over Audrey Hepburn-inspired dress at Liberty Inaugural Ball

Ivanka Trump’s choice of dress for the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball drew mixed reactions online, with critics and admirers alike weighing in on her tribute to Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style.

Ivanka Trump, daughter of President Donald Trump, found herself at the center of social media discussions following her appearance at the Liberty Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., on Monday. The ball was part of the celebrations for her father’s second inauguration as the 47th President of the United States. While the evening was intended to highlight the Trump family’s return to the White House, Ivanka’s outfit sparked a different kind of conversation.

For the event, Ivanka opted to wear a modern recreation of Audrey Hepburn’s gown from the 1954 film Sabrina. The original dress, designed by Hubert de Givenchy, has long been considered a symbol of timeless elegance. Ivanka’s version, crafted by Givenchy, featured white fabric with black floral embroidery and a brief train. She completed the look with elbow-length black opera gloves, stiletto heels, a diamond choker, and a classic chignon hairstyle—closely mirroring Hepburn’s famous ensemble.

The homage came with a personal connection, as Hepburn’s son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, later expressed his support. He told the Daily Mail, “It is no wonder that growing up in a family which knew our mother as a household name she chose to draw inspiration from her, to seek the ultimate elegance and class reference, for an occasion such as this one – the inauguration and the 32nd anniversary of our mother’s passing and, most of all, Martin Luther King’s day.”

Divided reactions online

While many praised Ivanka for her bold tribute, others were quick to critique her interpretation of Hepburn’s iconic look. Some social media users focused on the dress’s details, describing the embroidery and texture as lacking the elegance of the original.

“The longer I look at the details, the more laughable this becomes,” one commenter wrote, while another said, “The texture and the embroidery on Ivanka’s version look cartoonish, and it lacks the same finesse. Hepburn is incomparable.”

Some critics took the conversation beyond aesthetics, pointing to Audrey Hepburn’s humanitarian legacy and suggesting that Ivanka’s association with the Trump family clashed with Hepburn’s values. “audrey hepburn would curse them all. she didn’t survive ww2 and fought against all of what the trump family represents just for her dress to be used like this. so fucking disgraceful,” one user opined.

It appears that Ivanka Trump is wearing Givenchy tonight. This is a recreation of the iconic 1954 Haute Couture black and white gown that was originally designed for Audrey Hepburn, for the movie Sabrina pic.twitter.com/lUPONCkKCk

— Remoulade Sauce (@Remisagoodboy) January 21, 2025

Another remarked, “Audrey would have despised Ivanka and her family.”

Supporters rally behind Ivanka

Despite the criticism, Ivanka received plenty of admiration as well. Fans hailed her beauty and her ability to channel Hepburn’s grace.

Meanwhile, Sean Hepburn Ferrer’s comments highlight a more personal and historical connection to the dress, lending weight to Ivanka’s tribute.

Although Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, played prominent roles in the Trump administration during the first term, the couple has stated that they will not return to the White House this time around. However, Ivanka’s choice of attire at the ball suggests she remains a key figure in the Trump family’s public image.

This debate isn’t just about a dress—it’s about the ways public figures navigate their appearances and how their choices resonate with cultural and historical significance. Ivanka’s homage to Hepburn inevitably invited comparisons between two very different eras and personas, reflecting both admiration and scrutiny.

What do you think about Ivanka’s Audrey Hepburn-inspired look? Was it a tasteful tribute, or did it miss the mark? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.