The Setting: A Historic Day for the Trump Family
The inauguration of Donald Trump for his second presidential term was a highly anticipated event, one that reignited discussions about his polarizing leadership and public persona. With the real estate mogul-turned-politician back in the White House after his initial term from 2017 to 2021, the day was steeped in political significance.
As expected, the inaugural celebrations were scrutinized by the media and public alike. From lip-readers dissecting Barron Trump’s remarks to speculative commentary on Elon Musk’s alleged gestures, nearly every detail was under the microscope. It’s no surprise, then, that Ivanka Trump’s choice of gown became a focal point for online chatter.
The Gown: A Nod to Audrey Hepburn’s Iconic Style
For the Liberty Inaugural Ball, Ivanka Trump wore a dress that paid homage to Audrey Hepburn’s timeless elegance. The gown was a recreation of a 1954 Givenchy haute couture design famously worn by Hepburn in the film Sabrina. Ivanka’s version featured a sleek white silhouette adorned with black floral embroidery, complemented by a short train.
The design was created by Givenchy, the same legendary fashion house that crafted the original gown. To complete the look, Ivanka accessorized with black opera gloves, a diamond necklace, and a classic chignon hairstyle—an ensemble that closely mirrored Hepburn’s iconic appearance.
It appears that Ivanka Trump is wearing Givenchy tonight. This is a recreation of the iconic 1954 Haute Couture black and white gown that was originally designed for Audrey Hepburn, for the movie Sabrina pic.twitter.com/lUPONCkKCk
— Remoulade Sauce (@Remisagoodboy) January 21, 2025
The Backlash: Divided Opinions Online
While Ivanka’s gown received praise from some for its elegance and homage to a cultural icon, it also faced sharp criticism from others. Social media, ever the arena for polarized opinions, erupted with mixed reactions.
Critics were quick to dissect the gown’s details, with one user commenting:
“The longer I look at the details, the more laughable this becomes.”
Another critique stated:
“The texture and embroidery on Ivanka’s version look cartoonish, and it lacks the same finesse. Hepburn is incomparable.”
Some detractors went beyond fashion, expressing personal disdain for the Trump family. One particularly harsh comment read:
“Audrey would have despised Ivanka and her family.”
Such remarks reflect not only an evaluation of the gown but also the broader divisive sentiments surrounding the Trump family’s public image.
Photo: Getty Images
Support and Appreciation: Defending Ivanka’s Choice
Despite the backlash, many others defended Ivanka’s choice of attire, viewing it as a graceful tribute to Hepburn’s legacy. Among the supporters was Sean Hepburn Ferrer, Audrey Hepburn’s son, who offered a measured perspective on the matter.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, Ferrer said:
“It is no wonder that growing up in a family which knew our mother as a household name, she chose to draw inspiration from her, to seek the ultimate elegance and class reference for an occasion such as this one—the inauguration and the 32nd anniversary of our mother’s passing, and most of all, Martin Luther King’s day. What a cocktail!”
His remarks provided a touch of validation for Ivanka’s choice, framing it as a personal and meaningful tribute rather than a calculated statement.
The Role of Fashion in Politics
This incident underscores the increasing role fashion plays in shaping public perceptions of political figures and their families. High-profile events like inaugurations are as much about optics as they are about substance, and every detail—down to a gown—can carry symbolic weight.
For Ivanka, who previously served as an advisor to her father during his first term, the dress may have been a deliberate choice to convey grace and sophistication amidst the political chaos that often surrounds the Trump family. Yet, as the reactions show, such gestures are rarely received without controversy.
Broader Implications of the Debate
The backlash against Ivanka’s gown speaks to larger issues beyond fashion. Critics have pointed to the persistent cultural divide in America, where even an outfit can become a flashpoint for debate. On one side, there are those who see Ivanka as a style icon and a representative of modern elegance. On the other, there are those who view her—and her family—as symbols of privilege and divisiveness.
This divide highlights how public figures, particularly those as polarizing as the Trumps, navigate an environment where every action is subject to scrutiny and interpretation.
What’s Next for Ivanka Trump?
As Donald Trump embarks on his second term, it appears unlikely that Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner will return to their previous roles in the White House. Instead, the couple seems poised to continue building their personal brand outside the realm of formal politics.
For Ivanka, this may involve continuing to leverage her public platform in ways that blend business, philanthropy, and public appearances. However, the reactions to her Inaugural Ball gown serve as a reminder that her every move will be closely watched—and often criticized.
Conclusion: A Dress That Sparked a Conversation
Ivanka Trump’s gown for the Liberty Inaugural Ball was more than just a fashion statement. It was a window into the complexities of public life for one of America’s most scrutinized families. The homage to Audrey Hepburn was, for many, a tasteful nod to classic elegance. For others, it was an emblem of excess and disconnect.
Regardless of opinion, the debate underscores the enduring power of fashion as a tool for self-expression and a source of public discourse. For Ivanka Trump, the dress may have been a moment of personal inspiration, but for the public, it was yet another chapter in the ongoing saga of the Trump family’s place in American society.
