Melania Trump Donates 2025 Inaugural Gown to Smithsonian as Museum Reopens
Updated (2 articles)
Gown donation formalized during museum reopening ceremony Melania Trump officially handed her 2025 inaugural sheath to the National Museum of American History on February 20, 2026, placing it in the First Ladies Collection alongside previous presidential spouses’ attire [1]. The white, strapless dress with black trim and a black‑neckpiece featuring a replica Harry Winston diamond brooch now rests on a mannequin in a see‑through case. Museum officials moved the gown upstairs into the dedicated first‑ladies exhibit as part of the museum’s public reopening that afternoon [1].
Design incorporates personal symbolism and historic references The gown’s black “Z” motif on the bodice is intended to evoke Trump’s early memories, life experiences, and influences, which she described as reflecting “more than 50 years of education, experience, and wisdom” [1]. The black‑trimmed sheath contrasts with the white fabric, while the diamond‑style brooch references the late jeweler Harry Winston, linking the piece to American fashion heritage. Stylist‑designer Hervé Pierre, who has worked with Trump for years, helped craft the dress’s modern yet historically resonant aesthetic [1].
Exhibit now showcases over two dozen inaugural gowns The addition brings the total number of first‑ladies gowns on display to more than twenty‑four, illustrating a continuous tradition of presidential spouses contributing their inauguration attire to the Smithsonian [1]. Curators arranged the new piece alongside former first‑ladies’ dresses, creating a chronological narrative of evolving fashion and political symbolism. The expanded collection aims to attract visitors interested in both fashion history and presidential legacy [1].
Trump and longtime stylist attend unveiling, call moment historic Both Melania Trump and Hervé Pierre appeared at the unveiling, viewing the gown inside its protective case and describing the event as “incredible” and “historic” [1]. Their presence underscored the personal significance Trump places on the garment and highlighted the collaborative relationship with Pierre. Media coverage emphasized the rarity of a former first lady personally attending the museum’s display of her own inaugural attire [1].
Timeline
2017 – A precedent is set when former First Lady Michelle Obama donates her inaugural gown to the Smithsonian’s First Ladies Collection, establishing a tradition that later First Ladies follow [1].
Jan 20, 2025 – Melania Trump wears a strapless white and black‑trimmed sheath with a black neckpiece and a Harry Winston diamond‑brooch reproduction at her 2025 inauguration, later describing the dress as embodying “more than 50 years of education, experience, and wisdom” and saying the black “Z” on the bodice evokes early memories and influences [1].
Dec 10, 2025 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art announces Beyoncé, Venus Williams, and Nicole Kidman as co‑chairs alongside Anna Wintour for the May 4, 2026 Met Gala, noting the 2025 fundraiser raised a record $31 million for the Costume Institute [2].
Feb 20, 2026 – Melania Trump and longtime stylist Hervé Pierre attend the unveiling of her 2025 inaugural gown at the National Museum of American History, calling the moment “incredible” and “historic” as the piece joins over two dozen gowns in the newly reopened First Ladies exhibit [1].
Feb 20, 2026 – The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History reopens to the public, moving the First Ladies exhibit upstairs and displaying Trump’s gown on a mannequin in a see‑through case as part of the museum’s refreshed presentation [1].
May 4, 2026 – The Met Gala takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, with Beyoncé, Venus Williams, Nicole Kidman, and Anna Wintour co‑chairing the star‑packed fundraiser for the Costume Institute, continuing the event’s role as a premier fashion fundraiser [2].
May 10, 2026 – The Costume Art exhibition opens in a new 12,000‑square‑foot gallery off the Great Hall, pairing garments with objects to explore themes such as “Naked Body” and “Aging Body,” and will remain on view through Jan 10, 2027 [2].
Jan 10, 2027 – The Costume Art exhibition concludes, having showcased the “dressed body” concept and expanded the museum’s fashion footprint in the newly created Conde Nast galleries [2].