The official portrait of Melania Trump as First Lady of the United States has sparked an unexpected controversy after Vogue magazine published a highly critical article about the image. The publication, written by fashion journalist Hannah Jackson, not only analyzes Trump’s stylistic choices but also questions the representation of power and gender in the figure of the First Lady.
While Vogue presents a less favorable view of the portrait, other figures within the fashion world have offered a different perspective, defending Melania's image as a reflection of authority and sophistication. However, the criticisms from the media have sparked angry reactions among conservative sectors, accusing the magazine of ideological bias and unfairly attacking the former Slovenian model.
A scathing critique of Melania's image
The Vogue article has caused a stir by describing Melania Trump as a "freelance maga," insinuating that her choice of clothing does not project the traditional image of a first lady.
"Choosing to wear a tuxedo, as opposed to a blazer or a blouse, makes Trump look more like a freelance magician than a public servant," writes Hannah Jackson in her analysis.
Furthermore, in the title of the article, the journalist suggests that Melania is "disguised" appropriately to appear on the reality TV show The Apprentice, hosted by Donald Trump.
Jackson also refers to the portrait as a "circumstantially inappropriate tuxedo", which according to her, reflects Melania's difficulty in handling "sartorial messages". Despite the criticism, the author does not fail to mention that it is a custom-made suit designed by the prestigious Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana.
Beyond fashion, the article also references the social and political context of the first lady, mentioning that her face appears "blurred to unconsciousness" and that she resides in a "golden attic," placing her within the American billionaire elite alongside her husband.
Divided reactions and conservative defense
After the article was published, several conservative media figures have come out in defense of Melania Trump. Newsmax host Todd Starnes called Vogue journalists "mean girls" and stated that "they hate bright and confident Republican women."
On the other hand, Fox News presenter Martha MacCallum also lashed out at Vogue for "telling us for decades to know our power and be thin and dress well while using it, and to disdain" the portrait of the first lady, which she believes is "the most impressive since Jackie (Kennedy)."