First lady Melania Trump said her 2025 inaugural dress reflected “America’s destiny” as she donated the gown to the Smithsonian’s First Ladies Collection on Friday.
Trump’s Herve Pierre-designed black-and-white gown will be featured with her 2017 inaugural gown, making her the first first lady to be represented by two inaugural gowns in more than 100 years at the Smithsonian Museum of American History.
“The Smithsonian museum is an important cultural jewel … human nature resides in the discipline of detail,” Trump said. “This is not a dress — it is more than 50 years of education, experience, and wisdom realized through each thread, each stitch, each sharp edge.”
Helen Taft started the tradition in 1912, when she donated her 1909 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian. Since then, several first ladies have followed, with the exhibit showcasing more than a dozen dresses, including those of Mary Todd Lincoln, Jacqueline Kennedy, Laura Bush, and Michelle Obama.
The exhibit explores the “important” position of first lady and the different ways the women shaped the unofficial role to make their “own contributions” to their husbands’ presidential administrations and the nation, according to the Smithsonian website.
Trump said the gown showcases America’s “pure spirit” of originality and creativity.
“The human condition is captured within every stitch, the idea to endure and rise above mediocrity, to reach the highest level, America’s destiny,” she said. The gown “is a statement to why America’s fashion industry can lead the rest of the world.”
Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III said the first ladies exhibit is one of the most popular and that each gown offers a “window” into American culture.
“These treasured artifacts, these costumes, these dresses help illuminate the development of the country, but they illuminate the changing expectations of women’s roles in society,” Bunch said. “In essence, they talk about the expansion of our democracy.”
Highlighting the black Z shape on the front of the dress, Trump said it was meant to symbolize her early memories.
“The meticulously formed black shape Z on the front body comments decades of my early memories, life experiences, and influences,” Trump said. “All of these stories are tucked deep within its crisp, strong seams forever.”
Trump thanked Herve Pierre during her remarks and said it was an “honor” to work with the designer’s team.
In Trump’s 2025 inaugural look, she also wore a black neck piece that features a 1955 Harry Winston brooch that she said was loaned to her specifically for the inauguration, bringing “harmony” to her outfit.
“This dress speaks with a distinct point of view,” she said. “A modern silhouette, bold, and dignified, and ruthlessly chic.”
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In the first lady’s documentary, Melania, the dress design process is shown, and Trump highlighted that to the audience at the Smithsonian.
“If you had a chance to see my new film, Melania, you are well aware of what it took to take this technical marvel to life,” Trump said. “We must take pride not only in the small rituals of self-care but in the courageous act of self-expression, our outward appearance to the world.”