When Donald Trump was officially sworn in for his second term as President of the United States, the event was expected to stir up plenty of conversation. From the moment the inauguration ceremony took place, almost every detail surrounding it became a topic of scrutiny online. Among the most discussed aspects was Ivanka Trump’s dress choice for the Liberty Ball, which sparked intense debate across the internet.
A Classic Choice with a Modern Twist
Ivanka’s dress was a recreation of a gown worn by the legendary Audrey Hepburn in the 1954 film Sabrina. Designed by Hubert de Givenchy, Hepburn’s iconic black-and-white dress remains one of the most famous fashion moments in cinematic history. Ivanka’s version, crafted by Givenchy, was a white gown with black floral embroidery and a brief train, paired with black opera gloves, stiletto heels, a diamond choker, and a chignon — nearly identical to Hepburn’s original look.
While Ivanka certainly made an impression in the dress, it was not without controversy. Despite looking undeniably elegant, her choice of outfit led to polarized reactions, as is often the case when public figures are involved.
The Criticism: A Matter of Taste or Deeper Issues?
As expected, not all reactions were positive. Several critics took to social media to express their disdain, focusing on the details of Ivanka’s gown. One person commented, “The longer I look at the details, the more laughable this becomes,” while another wrote, “The texture and the embroidery on Ivanka’s version look cartoonish, and it lacks the same finesse. Hepburn is incomparable.” For some, Ivanka’s choice of dress was seen as a poor imitation of the original, failing to capture the sophistication and grace of the original design.
But the criticism went deeper than just the dress itself. Some took issue with the symbolism behind Ivanka wearing the dress, with one person stating, “Audrey Hepburn would curse them all. She didn’t survive WW2 and fought against all of what the Trump family represents just for her dress to be used like this. So fucking disgraceful.” Another echoed this sentiment by saying, “Audrey would have despised Ivanka and her family.”
Support for Ivanka: A Tribute to Elegance and Class
On the other hand, many defended Ivanka’s choice, arguing that it was a fitting tribute to one of the most influential female icons of the last century. Hepburn’s son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, offered a different perspective, saying it made perfect sense for Ivanka to draw inspiration from his mother. “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, to seek the ultimate elegance and class reference, for an occasion such as this one,” Ferrer said. He also noted the historical significance of the day, citing the 32nd anniversary of Hepburn’s passing and the coincidence of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
For Ferrer, the decision to wear the dress was not just about fashion, but also about honoring his mother’s legacy of elegance and grace. In his view, the moment was a “cocktail” of tribute and historical meaning, giving Ivanka’s dress more weight than it may have initially appeared to carry.
The Double-Edged Sword of Public Fashion
The debate surrounding Ivanka Trump’s dress exemplifies the complexity of public fashion in today’s society. When high-profile figures like Ivanka make a bold style choice, it invites both admiration and scorn, often based on personal or political beliefs. In this case, her homage to Audrey Hepburn triggered a mix of reactions: while some saw it as an elegant tribute, others criticized it as a disrespectful imitation.
Regardless of where one stands on the matter, it’s clear that Ivanka’s dress choice has sparked a conversation that transcends fashion. It serves as a reminder of how deeply personal and political the world of celebrity style can be.
