Melania Trump expressed her delight as her 2025 inaugural gown was added to the first lady’s exhibit at the Smithsonian, describing the ensemble as a blend of modernity, boldness, simplicity, and dignity. The gown, a striking black and white creation, was unveiled at a ceremony held at the Washington D.C. museum on Friday.

Trump’s face lit up with pride as she observed her gown showcased in its display case. “This is an incredible moment,” she remarked, acknowledging the historical significance of the occasion.

Fashion designer Herve Pierre, a longtime collaborator of Trump’s, crafted the elegant white gown adorned with a distinctive black ribbon. Alongside the gown, Trump contributed a replica of the iconic Harry Winston diamond brooch she adorned during the three inaugural balls in January of the previous year.

“This is more than just a dress,” Trump stated, emphasizing that the garment embodies over five decades of education, experience, and wisdom intricately woven into each thread, stitch, and detail.

The creation of the gown featured prominently in Trump’s self-titled documentary, showcasing her fittings with Herve Pierre and her involvement in the design and tailoring process.

The dress was a plot point in Trump’s self-titled documentary, where she had fittings with Pierre and consulted on its design and fit.

The first lady noted the dress’s role in her documentary and said those scenes showed how much she loves the entire design process, from start to finish. 

“It takes time, it’s slow, but the end result is always magical. If you had a chance to see my new film, MELANIA, you are well aware of what it took to bring this technical marvel to life.”

And she described fashion as “self care.”

“We must take pride, not only in the small rituals of self care, but in the courageous act of self expression. Our outward appearance to the world, the art of presenting oneself can be cultivated over a lifetime.”

Several governors’ spouses – in Washington DC for the annual governors meeting – joined Trump at the event. 

The dress went on display immediately in the First Lady’s Exhibit at the Museum of National History, joining dresses from other first ladies, including Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton.

Trump is the only first lady to have ballgowns from two non-consecutive terms in the Smithsonian collection. Francis Cleveland was also first lady for non-consecutive terms but that was in the mid-1800s, before the Smithsonian exhibit existed. 

Smithsonian officials said they were honored to have the dress in their collection and invited the Trump to come visit it.

“In many ways, the First Lady’s collection is as much a timeline of American history as it is a look in fashion,” noted Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch III in his remarks.

This is the second inaugural gown that Melania Trump has donated to the museum. She previously donated the cream colored, off-shoulder gown with red trim around the waist that she wore in 2017.