Melania Trump's Inaugural Gown Says a Lot About Her Future Wardrobe

Updated on 1/28/2017 at 12:30 PM

Despite rumors that Karl Lagerfeld would design Melania Trump's inaugural gown, the FLOTUS went a different route when she attended the Liberty Ball alongside her husband. Though her crisp white silhouette might be attention-grabbing, what with its off-the-shoulder silhouette, leg slit, crimson bow, and dramatic ruffle, it's not exactly shocking.

Melania collaborated on the number with French designer Hervé Pierre, who recently left his 14-year post as creative director at Carolina Herrera and who Melania originally tapped for his stylist duties. Pierre gave an in-depth interview to Harper's Bazaar, detailing his relationship and process in partnering with Melania:

"She was very specific about the neckline, about all the lines being parallel. It was important for us not to follow any recipe for a 'First Lady gown.' . . . She's presidential now; she's not just a fashion plate. I believe it was something modern, which was not done before — thank God. The lines are as sleek as a paper cut; the curves of the skirt are fluid, yet the overall shape is sharp and intense. For me it reflects her personality."

When asked about the politics of dressing Melania, Pierre said, "I'm not doing politics, I'm doing dresses. We are not suddenly brokering a big deal between China and Russia. If people don't want to dress her, I think it's sad, but I was honored. I don't criticize these people — it's their choice, and that's the beauty of democracy."

Melania is not afraid to try out bold trends while in the public eye, and she's got a glamorous taste as far as eveningwear goes, having worn a gold sequined Reem Acra dress to dinner the night before the inauguration. After sporting a blue cashmere Ralph Lauren coat earlier, Melania completed her patriotic color story with the addition of red and white, thanks to the custom piece she cocreated.

Read on to get a closer look and catch a glimpse of the beaded Carolina Herrera princess gown Ivanka wore, seemingly solidifying the Trump family's relationship with the fashion house.