A fashion op-ed by Vogue magazine on January 29, 2025, critiquing First Lady Melania Trump’s official White House portrait has sparked a heated debate in the media.
The release of the portrait coincides with President Trump’s return to the White House following his second non-consecutive term victory. Vogue’s critique underscores the escalating tensions between the fashion elites and politicians, particularly in light of the magazine’s historical coverage of first ladies.
Fashion writer for Vogue, Hannah Jackson, provided a sharp critique of Melania’s portrait, focusing on her outfit: a black Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo jacket, white shirt, and Ralph Lauren cummerbund. Jackson wrote that Melania’s outfit made her appear “more like a freelance magician than a public servant” and likened the portrait to a “boardroom pastiche” more appropriate for her husband’s previous reality show, “The Apprentice”.
The article mentioned Melania’s past controversial fashion choices, such as the “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” jacket she wore during a visit to a migrant detention center in her first term as first lady. Jackson suggested that Melania’s fashion choices often convey specific messages, indicating her refusal to “abandon theatrics” is linked to her ties to “a reality-television empire” and living in a “gold-encrusted penthouse.”
While Jackson acknowledged an improvement in Melania’s new portrait from her 2017 version, which was described as “airbrushed into oblivion,” the critique extended beyond personal styling to broader commentary on the family’s display of wealth and power. Vogue pointed out the shift from Melania’s previous portrait, which highlighted a diamond ring, to the present image’s emphasis on connections to tech CEOs who attended the 2025 inauguration.
The review also drew connections to other Trump family fashion choices, openly criticizing Ivanka Trump’s inaugural ball gown, modeled after Audrey Hepburn’s dress in “Sabrina”. The magazine depicted this choice as “misguided” within the “political realm,” implying a pattern of prioritizing glamour over traditional political imagery.
This critique has reopened an existing divide between Vogue and Melania. During her previous tenure in the White House, Melania was noticeably absent from the magazine’s covers, breaking Vogue’s tradition of featuring first ladies. Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, had previously praised former First Lady Michelle Obama but avoided mentioning Melania. When asked about her absence from the magazine’s cover, Melania stated she “had much more important things to do than be on the cover.”
Conservative commentators have strongly countered, describing Melania as a “portrait of beauty, style, elegance and power” and accusing Vogue of showcasing “poisonous venom” and “mean girl” behavior. Critics have underscored the magazine’s contrasting treatment of Democratic figures, noting its multiple cover features of former First Lady Jill Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris. The disagreement has extended beyond a fashion critique into a wider debate about political representation in mainstream media.
Social media responses to the portrait have been mixed, with supporters praising the image’s intensity and aesthetic quality. However, some observers have questioned whether the picture has been digitally enhanced, while others have compared it to professional magazine covers.
Despite significant backlash, Vogue has stood by its editorial position, leaving the article published. The White House has yet to officially respond to Vogue’s critique.
