Sean Hepburn Ferrer, the son of legendary actress Audrey Hepburn and her ex-husband Mel Ferrer, has shared his thoughts on Ivanka Trump's choice to channel his mother's classic style at the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball. Ivanka, 43, turned heads in a black-and-white Givenchy gown, originally designed for Hepburn in the 1954 film "Sabrina," to celebrate her father Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20.
Ferrer expressed his understanding of the decision, highlighting the enduring appeal of Hepburn's legacy. "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," Ferrer said in a statement to DailyMail.com on January 22. "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!"
He further reflected on his mother's timeless influence, noting, "Her elegance, which has its roots in her inner beauty and spirit, is often a reference point, an anchor, for many celebrities, actresses, and models in these times in which we appear to have somewhat lost our way."
Ivanka herself cited her admiration for the "Breakfast at Tiffany's" star as the reason behind her look. According to a statement shared by her representative with Page Six on January 21, "Audrey Hepburn has long been a personal inspiration to Ivanka. She views it as a great privilege to honor her legacy in this way and is incredibly grateful to the team at Givenchy for bringing this moment to life."
Ivanka's dress—a strapless couture gown with intricate black floral detailing paired with black satin gloves, black heels, and a diamond necklace—paid a striking homage to Hepburn's iconic style. Her ensemble at the ball drew widespread attention and further solidified Hepburn's fashion as a cultural touchstone.
"She is incredibly grateful for Arnault family and the Givenchy atelier for creating this masterpiece, capturing the original artistry and elegance with remarkable precision and craftsmanship," a source told HOLA! USA, noting that "Audrey Hepburn has long been a personal inspiration to Ivanka. Beyond her effortless grace and impeccable style, she symbolized courage, resilience, and extraordinary kindness. From working with the Dutch Resistance during World War II to her selfless contributions as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Audrey Hepburn dedicated her life to uplifting others. She balanced purpose with grace and strength, showing the world that true beauty lies in compassion and courage."
"She views it as a great privilege to honor her legacy in this way, and is incredibly grateful to the team at Givenchy for bringing this moment to life," the source said of Ivanka.
This wasn't Ivanka's only standout look on Inauguration Day. Earlier in the day, she donned an emerald green skirt suit, cinched with a slim black belt and a coordinating green hat to attend her father's inauguration ceremony. Ivanka, who shares three children—Arabella, 13, Joseph, 11, and Theodore, 8—with husband Jared Kushner—once again displayed her keen sense of style and ability to make a statement through her fashion choices.
A source told HOLA! USA that Ivanka "chose emerald green as a symbol of renewal and hope — virtues she felt especially meaningful as her father and the country embark on this next chapter in our nation's history."