Melania Trump Donates Inaugural Ball Gown To Smithsonian’s First Ladies Collection

On Friday, Melania Trump appeared at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History to donate her inaugural ball gown to their First Ladies Collection. According to the museum’s website, the collection displays more than 1,000 objects and “documents the lives and contributions of America’s first ladies.”

The museum director John Gray and the Secretary of the Smithsonian David Skorton stood beside Trump as she addressed the audience. After giving her thanks to the Smithsonian, Trump wanted to introduce the couture designer who created her dress, Hervé Pierre. The American-French fashion and costume designer produced Trump’s off-the-shoulder, full length, creme-colored couture gown that she wore during the inaugural ball. Trump referred to the designer as “a true artist and real professional.”

Trump told the story of the gown’s origin. “You can imagine that after [the president] won we were very busy with all that goes into preparing for a new administration and all the changes that we as a family would be facing,” she said.

What she would wear the night of the inauguration was the last thing on her mind, she noted, so “poor Hervé was only given two weeks to design and produce this couture piece. I have had a passion for design from a very young age and had a very precise idea of what I wanted for such an historic evening. ” She wanted someone that not only could design but someone who could create her vision – a “modern, sleek, light, unique, and unexpected look.”

“It is now my hope that this piece is one of the many great beginnings to our family’s history here in Washington D.C.,” the First Lady said. “The president, Barron, and I love living here, and are so honored to represent this country.”