The elegance of Melania Trump during her husband Donald Trump’s inauguration did not go unnoticed. The new first lady opted for an outfit in navy and ivory tones, designed by Adam Lippes, which stood out for its sobriety and the use of classic tailoring details.
A special touch was added by Eric Javits' hat, which complemented the outfit with a custom-made design in navy blue double-faced wool, adorned with an ivory ribbon.
The story behind Melania Trump's hat
In a conversation with Vanity Fair, Javits revealed that it is not common for her to do custom orders, but she made an exception this time when Herve Pierre, Melania's stylist, contacted her. Pierre requested a modification to one of Melania's summer hats that she already owned and really liked.
For Javits, this request was considered "one of the greatest honors." Although he never had direct communication with the first lady, the process was guided by Pierre's instructions.
"Around 92% of the hat's seams were hand-sewn using haute couture techniques,” the designer explained. “No other hand touched, nor were there any eyes that saw the hat before Herve Pierre and the first lady received it.”"
Not everything turned out as expected
However, the hat encountered an unexpected inconvenience. When it arrived in New York for the final test, “the cardboard box arrived wet and crushed; the hat inside, irreparably damaged”.
Despite the setback, Javits did not give up and, in record time, made a second hat in less than four days. "Mrs. Trump's stylist, Herve Pierre, picked it up in Miami and personally took it to the first lady," Javits said, who was in Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach in the days leading up to the inauguration.
The designer also shared his satisfaction working with Melania, highlighting that his goal when creating his designs is to "flatter and enhance all kinds of faces." "It wasn't difficult to do, as Mrs. Trump is blessed with a great bone structure, beauty, and a wonderful sense of style," he added.
After the ceremony, President Trump wasted no time praising his wife's style, albeit with a touch of humor. “I have a First Lady who's been amazing,” he declared. “I shouldn't say this. I'll get in trouble when I say this, but her feet hurt.”