At former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, most attendees chose simple, classic outfits. But one stood out—former First Lady Melania Trump. In a crowd filled with black suits, her outfit, featuring a large white collar, caught everyone’s attention.
Melania is known for her elegant style, often wearing high-end European brands like Dior and Dolce & Gabbana. This time, she wore a black coat with an oversized white collar, decorated with Renaissance-style images. The coat was from a 2019 collaboration between Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli and Japanese designer Jun Takahashi. The bold collar sparked conversations online, with many wondering what message she was trying to send.
Melania usually avoids political statements through fashion. Her style leans more towards classic and feminine designs, focusing on perfect tailoring. Unlike her predecessors, she hasn’t taken many fashion risks. But when she does, it often stirs up controversy.
One of her most talked-about fashion choices was the “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” jacket she wore in 2018. She wore it during a visit to a migrant children’s shelter, and many criticized the message as insensitive. In her memoir, Melania claimed the message was directed at the media, not the children. However, her former press secretary suggested that Donald Trump spun the message that way.
So, what about the outfit at Carter’s funeral? Some wonder if the Renaissance imagery hints at love or unity. But given her reserved behavior during the service, it seems unlikely. Sitting quietly next to her husband, her expression seemed to suggest she would rather be elsewhere.
Speculations have risen that this bold choice could indicate a new direction for Melania’s style, especially if she returns to the White House. Others believe she may have just chosen something from her closet without much thought.
Melania’s style has always been different from other First Ladies like Michelle Obama, who often wore American designers and mixed high-end with affordable fashion. In contrast, Melania’s outfits are about elegance and precision, always well-tailored.
Whether her look was a statement or simply a unique fashion choice, Melania Trump knows how to keep people guessing.
