The Trumps have been busily preparing for their first official state visit with France’s Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte. While Donald and Emmanuel will no doubt be talking about a range of serious issues including the Iran nuclear accord, social media has been more concerned with Melania’s choice of outfit.
For the lavish event, the 47-year-old stepped out in an eye-catching Michael Kors suit. It is reported the suit and skirt combo is worth U$2,195 (A$2,886).
The first lady slicked her hair back for the outing, but covered it with a massive white wide-brimmed chapeau.
Many have said the hat drew a remarkable resemblance to the head pieces Joan Collins’ character Alexis Carrington Colby wore in Dynasty. Others said she looked like she worked at White Lady Funerals. The hat itself was designed by Hervé Pierre, who acted as Melania’s personal stylist and even designed her iconic inaugural gown. At one point when Donald tried to kiss his wife, he could barely get past the brim.
Along with her husband, Melania welcomed the Macrons at a lavish ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House.
Minus the hat, Brigitte wore an outfit that was almost identical to Melania’s. Complete with a similar pair of high-heel shoes, the 65-year-old also opted for a crisp-white dress and a matching jacket. She wore her blonde hair down for the ceremony.
It wasn’t the first time the pair were spotted in extremely similar outfits. Earlier in the day, the two women seemed to coordinate their attire.
Brigitte wore a lemon-coloured coat over a matching shift dress, both by her go-to design house Louis Vuitton. The simple and elegant ensemble was set off by a black ribbon belt, black buttons and black stilettos in exactly the style favoured by Melania Trump.
The US first lady, meanwhile, paid tribute to her guests by donning a black tuxedo-style cape by French design house Givenchy, with her trademark sky-high Christian Louboutin stiletto heels, also in black, and a black shift dress by Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana.
Both women also showed off their slim pins, with fashion fans hoping to see more iconic outfits during the visit.
While leaders of both nations and their wives have put on a happy face for cameras so far, it is expected some tough talks will happen behind closed doors. Trump’s decision to leave the multinational Paris climate change agreement will be a hot topic. Eagle-eyed viewers watching the event from home also noticed Melania refusing to hold Donald’s hand at the event.
https://twitter.com/BetsyBits/status/988774180366757888
Prior to the event, Melania shared a number of shots to her Twitter page, giving fans a glimpse of the preparation that went into welcoming the Macrons.