Melania Trump‘s gown from the 2025 inaugural ball has become a piece of history.
On Friday, February 20, the first lady, 55, donated her dress — designed by Hervé Pierre — to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. as part of the museum’s First Ladies Collection.
The strapless gown is in off-white silk crepe and features two bands of black silk gazar.
“This is not a dress. This is more than 50 years of education, experience, and wisdom realized with each thread, each stitch, each sharp edge,” Melania stated on Friday while speaking at the Smithsonian. “The meticulously formed black shape Z on the front bodice summons decades of my early memories, life experiences, and influences. All of these stories are tucked deep within its crisp, strong seams forever.”
“This dress speaks with a distinct point of view, a modern silhouette. Bold and dignified and ruthlessly chic,” she continued.
To complement her inauguration ball look, Melania was loaned a dazzling Harry Winston archival diamond brooch from 1955, which she wore as a choker. A reproduction of the neckpiece will be on display with the dress at the Smithsonian.
“The minimal black neckpiece framed the radiant floral diamond cluster, creating harmony with my overall look,” Melania explained on Friday.
The former model also credited the “team of experts who constructed this gown.”
“The human condition is captured within every stitch, the idea to endure and rise above mediocracy to reach the highest level, America’s destiny,” she remarked. “This black and white masterpiece showcases America’s pure spirit of originality, superior engineering, and boundless creativity. It’s a statement as to why America’s fashion industry can lead the rest of the world.”
According to the Smithsonian’s Instagram, Melania is now “the first non-consecutive first lady to be represented by two inaugural ball gowns on display in the Smithsonian’s 100+ year-old exhibition,” as her 2017 inaugural ball gown, designed by Hervé Pierre, is also there.