Melania Trump Adds Second Inaugural Gown to Smithsonian Collection

Washington D.C. – First Lady Melania Trump has donated her second inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, marking a historic moment as she becomes the only First Lady to present two different inaugural gowns to the institution. The presentation ceremony took place on February 20, 2026.

A Growing Collection

The 2025 inaugural gown now resides in the museum’s First Ladies exhibition, displayed near her 2017 inaugural ball gown. Both dresses were designed by Hervé Pierre. This makes Melania Trump the ninth and eleventh First Lady to present a dress to the Smithsonian and have it exhibited.

Details of the 2025 Gown

The gown is crafted from off-white silk crepe with a slit skirt and is trimmed with two bands of black silk gazar. Mrs. Trump accessorized the ensemble with a diamond brooch, an archival piece from the House of Harry Winston. The brooch, featuring a curving floral design of marquise, pear-shaped, and baguette diamonds set in platinum and white gold, was worn as a choker, attached to a black ribbon. A reproduction of the brooch, donated by Harry Winston, Inc., is displayed with the gown.

A Look Back at the 2017 Gown

Melania Trump’s first inaugural ball gown was a vanilla silk crepe off-the-shoulder design, also featuring a slit skirt. It was accented with a ruffled trim encircling the neckline and a thin claret ribbon tied around the waist.

Symbolism in Design

According to Mrs. Trump, the black accent on the 2025 gown symbolizes her life experiences and personal growth, which served as inspiration for the dress’s design.

A Moment of Cultural Significance

The addition of the second gown underscores the Smithsonian’s commitment to preserving the legacies of First Ladies through their iconic fashion choices, placing Mrs. Trump’s garments alongside those of historical figures like Mary Lincoln and Jacqueline Kennedy.