On Friday, February 20, the Smithsonian Museum in the United States added the 2025 inaugural ball gown of First Lady Melania Trump (of the Trump administration) to the First Ladies Honor exhibit. This gown will become a part of a long-term display showcasing the role and historical legacy of American First Ladies.
At the ceremony held in Washington, Melania praised the design of this white and black gown, saying, “Behind every classic gown is an excellent team of pattern makers, tailors, and craftsmen who turn creativity into reality. The expert members who crafted this gown are dedicated to perfecting their respective professions.”
This gown joins the collection of First Ladies’ gowns on display, alongside those worn by Mary Todd Lincoln, Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, and Michelle Obama. This tradition of donation began in 1912 when Helen Taft donated her inaugural gown from 1909, and now the collection has become a permanent exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution.
During her speech that day, Melania commended the Smithsonian Institution as an “important cultural treasure” of the United States. She specifically praised French-American designer Hervey Pierre, stating that his “exquisite high-level bespoke craft knowledge” deeply influenced the gown’s creation. Pierre was also the designer of Melania’s inauguration gown in 2017.
Melania remarked, “This is not just a gown, each thread embodies more than fifty years of accumulation, experience, and wisdom… Childhood memories, decades of life experiences and influences, all these stories are deeply rooted in its firm and resilient seams, becoming an eternal record of history.”
She added that details of the gown’s production are featured in the documentary “Melania,” which premiered on January 30 this year. The film chronicles the journey of the Trump couple returning to the White House and starting their second term.
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch thanked Melania for her generous donation, stating that the First Ladies series is one of the most important and popular exhibitions at the Smithsonian Institution. He said, “Each First Lady left a mark not only in the White House but also across the nation. Essentially, each gown on display serves as a window into America.”
The exhibition covers the inaugural ball gowns, accessories, and related documents of the First Ladies, presenting fashion and cultural contexts.
The museum’s secretary highlighted the significance of Melania’s donation, stating, “In the museum’s over a hundred-year history, Melania is the first First Lady to have two inaugural gowns included in the collection and publicly displayed.”
He added, “I think of Martha Washington’s hand-painted silk gown, it not only is a garment but also carries the tense situations, struggles, and responsibilities she experienced as a member of the new democratic system; also, Dolley Madison’s silk satin evening gown reminds us of her heroic feats during the British invasion of the White House in 1814.”
“On many levels, the First Ladies’ gown series is not only a microcosm of fashion but also a chronicle of American history.”
When discussing the gown design, Melania emphasized the significance of the black and white contrast, saying, “Each stitch sews the condition of humanity… This black and white masterpiece exemplifies America’s pure original spirit, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and endless creativity.”
The Smithsonian Institution’s exhibition notes on this gown highlight Melania as the only modern First Lady to serve non-consecutive terms twice.
This Slovenian-American woman is also the only woman in US history to serve as First Lady as a naturalized citizen.
Bunch emphasized that the First Ladies’ gown series exhibition is a “sacred responsibility” because this collection “is a crucial part in revealing the power of women. It tells of the strength of the American dream, reminding us that this country is a land of endless possibilities.”