Melania Trump’s Alexander McQueen military uniform vs Michelle Obama’s rose dress by black designer Tracy Reese – how 2 first ladies used fashion to send very different messages

Aug 28 , 2020

Michelle Obama and Melania Trump. Photo: MCT/AFP

Melania’s conciliatory, headline-making speech at the Republican National Convention – where husband Donald Trump was officially nominated as the Republican Party’s 2020 presidential candidate – was underscored by a military style ensemble it was impossible not to interpret, a far cry from Michelle Obama’s rose dress at the Democratic summit 8 years earlier

On August 24, the current US President Donald Trump was officially nominated by the Republican Party as the 2020 presidential candidate during the Republican National Convention. Yet, the internet was far more interested in wife Melania Trump’s speech that wrapped up the two-day convention.

In contrast to the rest of her family – her husband Donald, and their son Eric and daughter Tiffany Trump all spoke – she dropped the accusatory tone towards the opposition Democratic Party and presidential counterpart Joe Biden. Instead, Melania’s call-for-unity speech posed contradictions against her husband on some levels. Recounting the story of her own American dream, she spoke much more personally, compassionately and topically.

US First Lady Melania Trump arrives to speak in the Rose Garden of the White House during the 2020 Republican National Convention. Photo: EPA/Bloomberg

And what did her fashion say? She walked into the White House’s Rose Garden, that she’s currently having renovated, sporting a sleek Alexander McQueen outfit, cinched by a wide belt. The ensemble cost around US$2,000, which she paired with Christian Louboutin pumps.

It’s not the first time that Melania has deployed clothes to convey unspoken words, and the olive green military styled suit left some in the audience pondering if she was saying she’s ready for battle?

Then-first lady Michelle Obama, in a Tracy Reese pink silk jacquard dress, waves to delegates at the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo: AP

The event took audiences back to a similar occasion eight years ago, to the opening night of the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. The former first lady Michelle Obama stepped onto the stage and delivered a heartfelt keynote, which was credited with contributing to her husband winning his second term. Her dress – a rose-coloured piece by black designer Tracy Reese – received warm reviews. The first-ever black first lady repeatedly wore Reese’s creations during White House duties. Meanwhile, her shoes were from affordable fashion brand, J.Crew.

With the 2020 US election fast approaching, campaign momentum is building on both sides. Comparisons between the two parties’ candidates, running mates and policies abound, along with analogies drawn from the fashion statements of the current and former first ladies. While neither should be diminished to what they wear, it’s safe to say that their fashion choices can carry a layer of messaging, politically or apolitically – just recall Melania’s infamous “I really don't care. Do U?” Zara jacket, while Michelle Obama recently opened the 2020 Democratic National Convention wearing a gold necklace with the word “Vote” from a Los Angeles jeweller.

As for what the message is? If it’s not already spelt out, then that’s for voters to interpret.

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