At a recent event in Washington, D.C., Melania Trump wowed both the audience and online viewers with a stunning outfit that reminded everyone of her fashion icon status. She attended the International Women of Courage Award Ceremony on April 1, 2025, and her outfit quickly became a hot topic on the internet. Her eye-catching look featured a luxurious, floor-length leopard-print coat with a matching belt, making a bold statement.
The coat, designed by Milly Park, had just made its debut on the runway. Park, a self-taught designer who learned from her grandmother, revealed that she had given three of these coats to the First Lady the year before. Although she didn’t know Melania would wear it to such a significant event, she later shared her excitement on social media, complimenting Melania’s elegance and the importance of the ceremony.
As soon as Melania walked on stage, her outfit made a strong impression. The coat’s vibrant print and stylish design stood out against the more muted setting of the awards ceremony, perfectly matching the event’s theme of courage and global advocacy. The coat’s price, estimated between $11,000 and $12,000, highlighted its exclusivity and quality, adding to the excitement surrounding her appearance.
Social media users quickly expressed their admiration. Fans praised Melania’s grace and beauty, recognizing not just her look but also the meaning behind her fashion choices. Many believed the animal print symbolized strength and fierceness, reflecting the bravery of the women being honored that day. Comments online celebrated her poise, effortless elegance, and the way she carried herself with confidence. One user described her as the “epitome of grace,” while another admired the coat’s wide sash and perfect tailoring.
Even though the response to this event was mostly positive, it was quite different from another event Melania attended just a few weeks before. On March 3, 2025, she went to a meeting at the U.S. Capitol to support the Take It Down Act, a law designed to help victims of online exploitation, such as deepfake and revenge pornography.
On that day, Melania chose to wear a stylish three-piece tan suit, paired with a navy tie and nude heels. This outfit sparked a variety of opinions. Some people admired her bold choice, seeing the structured, masculine look as a sign of seriousness and determination. However, others criticized it, feeling that the outfit was too formal or too traditionally masculine for her. This led to lively discussions on social media, where supporters defended her fashion choices, while critics questioned the change in her style.
These mixed reactions highlighted how much people are still interested in Melania’s fashion, especially since she hasn’t been in the public eye much lately. Her clothing choices are often deliberate and thought-out, serving as a way for the public to interpret her image—whether as a sign of empowerment or as part of larger discussions about gender and power.
Earlier this year, Melania made news again when her new official White House portrait was revealed. On January 28, 2025, the black-and-white photo showed her confidently standing behind a shiny glass table, with her hands firmly placed on it and the Washington Monument visible through a window behind her. She wore a stylish black suit and a white shirt, and her expression was strong and focused. This new image was quickly compared to her 2017 portrait, which showed a softer and friendlier side of the First Lady.
Reactions online to the new portrait were mixed but passionate. Many people were captivated by her eyes and the photo’s striking elegance. Supporters praised the strength and symbolism of the image, noting how it represented a shift towards a more powerful public image. However, some felt the photo was too severe, even comparing her expression to that of her husband, President Donald Trump. A few people questioned how much retouching was done, suggesting that the photo might have been digitally changed. Nevertheless, the portrait achieved its goal—it grabbed attention and sent a message of control, dignity, and presence.
The portrait was taken by Régine Mahaux, who has been working with the Trump family for over twenty years. Mahaux, who also captured Melania’s 2017 portrait, mentioned that Melania was very involved in the creative process. She stated that the final image reflected Melania’s personal vision and her changing approach to public life.
Melania Trump showcases her strong sense of style through various outfits, from the trendy Cavallino coat at an awards event to the sharp Capitol Hill suit and her impressive White House portrait. Each outfit sparks discussions, encouraging people to share their thoughts and opinions. No matter if people praise or criticize her, she stays a mysterious figure—elegant, intentional, and always mindful of how important appearance can be.