In January 2025, former First Lady Melania Trump drew significant attention at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral—not for her words, but for her wardrobe.
Amid a sea of traditional black attire, Melania stood out in a black Valentino coat featuring an oversized white collar adorned with Renaissance-style artwork. The bold design quickly became a trending topic, prompting questions about its intent and symbolism.
Melania is known for her preference for refined, high-end European fashion, often choosing brands like Dior and Dolce & Gabbana. The coat, part of a 2019 collaboration between Valentino’s Pierpaolo Piccioli and Japanese designer Jun Takahashi, marked a rare departure from her typically understated style. The dramatic collar and its imagery ignited speculation online about whether she was making a statement.
