Melania Trump paid tribute to one of fashion's icons on Thursday night, stepping out in a sleek black Giorgio Armani dress just hours after the legendary designer’s death at 91.
The First Lady joined President Trump at a private dinner in the White House’s State Dining Room, where business and tech leaders gathered, including Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sundar Pichai. Elon Musk was a notable absence from the high-profile event.
For the occasion, Melania chose an understated black sleeveless dress by Armani, with a crossover front forming a modest V-neckline. The look was completed with a thin black belt, and she accessorized with diamond studs.
Melania styled her signature honey blonde hair in loose waves and looked in good spirits during the special event. "She stuns for the second time today, this time wearing a gorgeous black Giorgio Armani dress, honoring his passing earlier today," her X account reported, with fans praising her for the subtle tribute.
While Melania has only occasionally worn Armani over the years, her nod this week carried significance. In 2017, when many designers publicly refused to dress her after her husband’s election, Armani stood firm. "Why shouldn’t I dress a beautiful woman? This goes beyond politics," he told Women's Wear Daily.
While often critical of Donald Trump, at one point commenting that the then-president looked better with a slimmer frame and toned-down hair, Armani didn’t let politics interfere with style. He remained one of the few designers to separate fashion from politics.
Armani’s death came just weeks before his planned 50th anniversary show at Milan Fashion Week. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, according to a statement released by his fashion house.“Today, with deep emotion, we feel the void left by the one who founded and nurtured this family with vision, passion, and dedication.”
Apart from Hollywood stars and celebrities, politicians turned to his clean lines and subtle yet powerful designs, most notably Hillary Clinton, who faced scrutiny in 2016 for wearing a $12,000 Armani jacket during a speech on income inequality.
Melania continues to make headlines for showing her preference for different styles from predecessors like Michelle Obama or Jill Biden, who traditionally leaned on formal gowns or conservative tailoring. Instead, she has embraced a more modern, high-fashion direction during public appearances.
Earlier in the day, Melania attended a White House Task Force meeting on AI Education, where she wore a two-piece pinstripe power suit with a loosely-fitted blazer and high-waisted, wide-leg trousers, finished with a white tee and matching belt.