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Refashioning of Melania Trump doesn't work for FLOTUS

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Radhika Bhalla
Radhika BhallaJan 21, 2017 | 20:53

Refashioning of Melania Trump doesn't work for FLOTUS

There’s a new FLOTUS in town with Donald Trump having sworn in, and all eyes are on the former-model-turned-first-lady Melania.

There’s just so much discussion that her fashion choices stir, from the inappropriateness of her Gucci sunglasses at the Tomb of the Unknowns to the classic dresses in contrasting style with Michelle Obama.

At the outset, I’d like to state that I’m not sure whether I would like to be a FLOTUS (come on, you know what that is) given the kind of attention and scrutiny that comes with the territory.

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However, if I were to be the First Lady of America I think I might turn part of the White House into an extended walk-in wardrobe.

It appears that the Slovene-American is already doing that with her #MadeInAmerica wardrobe (watch out, Mr Modi – that tag may get legit again) with dresses from notable American designers and inspiration from some of the land’s most stylish dressers.

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Melania Trump was elegance personified and truly did look lovely at the Inaugural Ball. Photo: Reuters

The Washington Union Station’s dinner on Thursday saw her shimmering in a body-hugging golden dress by Lebanon designer Reem Acra, who has also dressed the likes of JLo and Gwen Stefani.

Melania too looked like a celeb at the show – a far cry from the girl-next-door kind of First-Ladies we have been accustomed to. The selection of designer has been taken as a diplomatic step towards inclusion in the wake of a xenophobic policy supported by her husband, and yet the dress was as party-appropriate as it got.

Next, it was a nod to Jackie Kennedy’s blue dress worn to JFK’s inauguration in 1961, when Melania wore her own powder blue dress by Ralph Lauren to Trump’s inauguration, gloves and all.

Her hair was in a soft up do, a simple pair of stud earrings and nude lipstick completed her classic style. Classic and elegant, the style was impeccably put together and yet, it didn’t quite seem to fit.

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Was it her mean-girl stare (read: squinty eyes that even Donald Trump uses) or just the fact that we’re still warming up to her, only time will tell.

For the Inaugural Ball, the 46-year-old wore an elegant vanilla-coloured bespoke dress by Herve Pierre that she personally helped design. The off-shoulder top, a thigh-high slit, the pretty white frill and red ribbon at the waist were elegance personified and she truly did look lovely.

Just wish that the flair was complimented by something other than the awkward first dance and the crowd waving.

Forget the fact that she’s the President’s wife for a moment - Melania is a successful woman who has worked hard as a model to achieve success in her chosen career. It’s a laudable achievement, whatever one’s personal opinions may be on her past, political affiliations, et al.

However, as she chooses to mellow down her look to an old-school conservative elegance for the political stage, one can’t help but wonder whether this re-fashioning of her image actually fits? I, for one, don’t buy the package - it seems like a global stage for some sort of "Presidential Apprentice" show.

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Authenticity is key, even in the fashion world, and any good stylist will let you know that.

Last updated: June 24, 2018 | 14:12
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