First Lady Melania Trump waves to soldiers as she walks on stage on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at Fort Bragg.
Melania Trump’s most recent inaugural gown is set to become part of American history.
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History announced Wednesday that the white gown worn by the first lady at last year’s presidential inauguration will be added to its First Ladies Gallery. Designed by Hervé Pierre, the dress drew attention for its sleek silhouette and bold black stripe that ran down the front, creating a dramatic contrast against the white fabric.
The addition marks the second time one of Trump’s inaugural ensembles has entered the Smithsonian’s collection. In 2017, the museum acquired the ivory gown she wore to the 2016 inaugural balls, also created by Pierre. According to the White House, having two inaugural gowns preserved by the Smithsonian is an uncommon honor shared by only a handful of first ladies.
The museum’s First Ladies Collection spans more than a century and includes approximately 1,000 artifacts tied to presidential spouses, from gowns and accessories to personal items and historical materials. The exhibit is one of the museum’s most visited attractions, offering a look at changing fashion trends alongside the evolving public role of first ladies.
Donald Trump takes the oath of office, while standing with Melania Trump and Baron Trump, during the 2017 Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol. Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office.
Trump is expected to speak at a ceremony at the Washington, D.C., museum on Friday to mark the gown’s installation. The creative development of the dress — including fittings and design discussions with Pierre — was recently featured in her documentary film, “Melania,” which offered viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation for inauguration events.
When her first inaugural gown was added to the Smithsonian nearly a decade ago, Trump acknowledged the significance of the moment. She noted at the time that selecting a dress destined for a museum collection carried unique pressure, recognizing that it would become part of the country’s historical narrative.
Hervé Pierre, who collaborated with Trump on both inaugural gowns, has previously described the process as a partnership shaped by her vision and preferences. The 2025 gown’s clean lines and high-contrast detailing stood out during inauguration festivities and quickly became a focal point of coverage surrounding the ceremonies.
The tradition of preserving inaugural gowns dates back to 1912, when the Smithsonian first began collecting dresses worn by first ladies at inaugural balls. What started as a fashion-focused exhibit has since grown into a broader historical archive reflecting American political and cultural history.
Jan 20, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; President Donald Trump kisses first lady Melania Trump after he was sworn in during the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Julia Demaree Nikhinson-Pool via Imagn Images
With the addition of her latest gown, Melania Trump joins a select group of first ladies whose inaugural attire has been honored more than once by the museum. The display will place her design alongside those worn by other presidential spouses, offering visitors a chance to see how style and symbolism intersect at one of the nation’s most ceremonial events.
As the gown takes its place in the First Ladies Gallery, it becomes not only a piece of couture but also a curated artifact — one intended to represent a moment in time within the broader story of the presidency and the evolving public image of the first lady.
