OAN Staff Sophia Flores
12:04 PM – Friday, February 20, 2026
First Lady Melania Trump’s 2025 inaugural gown is now officially on display in the First Ladies Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Joined by the gown’s designer, Hervé Pierre, on Thursday, Melania delivered brief remarks at a presentation ceremony at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of History, emphasizing that she was “proud” to see the black-and-white ballgown added to the exhibit.
“This is not a dress,” she said. “This is more than 50 years of education, experience and wisdom realized with each thread.” Calling it “bold, dignified, and ruthlessly chic,” she described the gown as a reflection of “America’s pure spirit of originality, superior engineering, and boundless creativity.”
Designed by Pierre, the strapless black-and-white floor-length gown features a white silk crepe bodice and is accented by two very distinct bands of black silk gazar down the front.
“This black and white masterpiece showcases America’s pure spirit of originality, superior engineering and boundless creativity,” Melania continued. “It’s a statement as to why America’s fashion industry can lead the rest of the world.”
The dress, prominently featured in her 2026 documentary film “Melania,” marks her second contribution to the exhibit. The film is expected to be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video after its theatrical run.
In addition to her gown, the first lady donated a replica of the 1955 Harry Winston brooch she wore to the inauguration. While she had borrowed the original for the festivities, she famously styled it pinned to a black ribbon choker.
Melania last visited the Smithsonian Gallery in 2017, when she donated the gown she wore during her husband’s first inauguration ball in 2017.
The 2025 design marks the 26th dress to join the collection, continuing a tradition that dates back to 1909, when Helen Herron Taft, the wife of President William Howard Taft, donated her inaugural gown.
The exhibit remains open and free to the public.
“I want to thank Mrs. Trump for helping us to add to this important first lady’s collection,” said Lonnie Bunch, Smithsonian Institution secretary.
“Each first lady has left their mark, not just on the White House, but on the nation. Each first lady reflects the time in which she served,” Bunch added.
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