American First Lady Melania Trump and First Daughter Ivanka Trump have been making headlines for their classic yet stylish wardrobe choices.
The 47-year-old First Lady’s choices have quickly caught up with millennials across the globe. Across Saudi Arabia, Rome, Brussels and Israel, Melania broke many a fashion rules as she chose not to cover her head during her visit to Saudi Arabia. But, of course, that wasn't the case in the Vatican.
In addition, she decided to wear a white pantsuit where women are usually expected to wear long skirts and dresses.
First Lady Melania Trump shakes hands with an employee as she stands next to Saudi Commerce and Investment Minister, Majed al-Qasabi (C), during a visit to the GE All-Women Business Process Services Centre on May 21, 2017, in the Saudi capital Riyadh. (GIUSEPPE CACACE / AFP)US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (L) and US First Lady Melania Trump arrive for the Arab Islamic American Summit at the King Abdulaziz Conference Center in Riyadh on May 21, 2017. (MANDEL NGAN / AFP)On the other hand, Ivanka Trump, her step-daughter who accompanied President Trump and Melania Trump on their foreign tours also dressed in elegant, yet form fitting silhouettes that complimented her very well.
Senior White House Advisor Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump walk to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/ Getty Images)During their visit to the Vatican, both women were dressed in black which is the dress code for all state heads visiting the Pope. They covered their heads in a see-through veil that lent a sense of drama to their outfits.
But one must question the rationale behind why the women chose to adhere to the dress code in Vatican, while simply ignoring the status quo in Saudi Arabia?
Israeli President's wife Nehama (R), First Lady Melania Trump (C) and Israeli Prime Minister's wife Sara Netanyahu speak upon the US President's arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv on May 22, 2017, as part of his first trip overseas. (Jack GUEZ / AFP)It is important to mention that the way women dress is a strong assertion of their identities and belonging. The Trump presidency has already generated a significant amount of discourse over immigration, economic policy, terrorism and women’s rights.
Hence, it comes as no surprise that all eyes are on Melania and Ivanka. Either they can chose to inspire young women and girls, or give in to the stereotypes and further take Trump down as one of the most sexist American Presidents of all time.
But how much politics can an outfit assert?
President Donald J. Trump holds hands with First lady Melania Trump as they take their places beside Vice President Pence and Karen Pence while they wait to say goodbye to the Obamas after Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States on on January 20, 2017. (Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post/ Getty Images)President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump walk across the South Lawn to board Marine One and fly to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., at the White House in Washington, DC on Friday, May 19, 2017. Trump is leaving for his first foreign trip, visiting Saudi Arabia, Israel, Vatican, and a pair of summits in Brussels and Sicily. (abin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images)
First published: 25 May 2017, 20:08 IST
_62582.jpg)
