Melania Trump celebrates as her 2025 inaugural gown enters Smithsonian exhibit: 'Incredible moment'

WASHINGTON, DC: Melania Trump marked a proud personal milestone this week as her 2025 inaugural gown officially joined the first ladies exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

“It’s incredible. It’s a historic moment,” she said while viewing the exhibit during a ceremony on February 20.

The elegant white gown, designed by her longtime collaborator Herve Pierre, features a striking black ribbon detail that winds around the silhouette, a look Trump described as modern yet timeless.

Melania Trump’s 2025 inaugural gown enters Smithsonian

Melania spoke at length about the inspiration behind the dress, emphasizing the thought and craftsmanship that went into its creation. She described the piece as “modern, bold, simple, and dignified,” underscoring her long-standing interest in fashion as a form of personal expression. “This is not a dress,” she said during her remarks. “This is more than 50 years of education, experience and wisdom realized with each thread, each stitch, each sharp edge.”

Alongside the gown, Trump also donated a replica of the historic Harry Winston diamond brooch she wore to the three inaugural balls last January, adding another personal artifact to the museum’s growing First Ladies collection.

Melania Trump’s gown showcased in documentary

The now-museum piece also played a key role in Trump’s self-titled documentary, where viewers saw her working closely with Pierre through multiple fittings and design consultations.

Reflecting on that process at the ceremony, Trump said the footage captured her deep appreciation for the craft behind couture. “It takes time, it’s slow, but the end result is always magical,” she noted. She added, “If you had a chance to see my new film, MELANIA, you are well aware of what it took to bring this technical marvel to life.”

“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, the art of presenting oneself can be cultivated over a lifetime.”

The gown went on immediate display in the first ladies exhibit, where it now sits alongside pieces worn by Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, Laura Bush, and Hillary Clinton. Several governors’ spouses, who were in Washington for the annual governors meeting, attended the ceremony with Trump.

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III welcomed the addition, noting the broader historical significance of the collection. “In many ways, the first lady’s collection is as much a timeline of American history as it is a look in fashion,” he said.

Trump now holds a unique place in the exhibit’s history. She is the only first lady to have ballgowns from two non-consecutive terms included in the Smithsonian collection. While Frances Cleveland also served during non-consecutive terms in the 19th century, the First Ladies gown tradition at the museum did not yet exist at that time.

Melania adds second inaugural gown to Smithsonian

This marks the second inaugural gown Melania Trump has donated to the museum. She previously contributed the cream-colored, off-shoulder gown with red trim that she wore in 2017. Smithsonian officials said they were honored to add the latest piece and extended an invitation for Trump to visit the exhibit in the future.