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    Trumped-Up fashion

    America first? Not in Melania Trump's closet as first lady favors European designers

    Clifford Pugh
    Jun 29, 2017 | 1:41 pm

    Her husband may urge supporters to "Make America Great Again," but when it comes to fashion, first lady Melania Trump seems more enamored with high-end European designers.

    When President Trump welcomed Indian prime minister Narendra Modi to the White House earlier this week, the first lady stood out in a bright yellow Pucci floral print crepe gown cinched at the waist with a wide black belt. The summer-y gown retails for $2,160, and according to the website Net-A-Porter, Pucci designer Massimo Giorgetti was listening to Radiohead while he got the idea for the gown because Pucci's signature bright colors are "music for the eyes."

    Another Italian fashion house, Dolce & Gabbana, has been Melania Trump's go-to designer for many important occasions, including her official White House portrait, where she wore a black Dolce & Gabbana blazer, and a visit to Italy, where she showcased several ensembles from the label, including a $51,500 jeweled coat.

    Critics on social media have slammed designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana for outfitting the first lady so frequently. In response, the designers mocked boycott threats by selling $245 T-shirts emblazoned with the words, #BOYCOTT DOLCE & GABBANA.

    Other European designers favored by Melania Trump include Dior (she wore a one-shoulder yellow gown from the French fashion house to a dinner with the Australian president in New York), Valentino (she appeared in a $4,019 red crepe midi-dress from the Italian fashion house when her husband met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Florida), Karl Lagerfeld (she donned a two-piece white cashmere suit from the legendary Chanel designer while in Israel) and Stella McCartney (on a visit to Saudia Arabia she exited the plane in a black jump suit with gold Yves Saint Laurent belt).

    Her open embrace of foreign fashion houses is a far cry from earlier first ladies. Arguably the most stylish first lady in history, Jackie Kennedy studied at the Sorbonne in Paris and wore Givenchy, Balenciaga and Chanel until her husband, John F. Kennedy, ran for president. At the time it was too politically incorrect to wear foreign designers, so Jackie hired a dear family friend, Oleg Cassini, as an official designer of her White House wardrobe. He created original designs and Paris copies from magazines, often under Jackie's direction.

    And it's quite a contrast from former first lady Michelle Obama, who during her husband's eight years in office, championed relatively unknown U.S. designers. She picked then-little-known Jason Wu to design her inaugural gown in 2009 and returned to him in 2013 and boosted the careers of such designers as Tracy Reese, Brandon Maxwell, Thom Browne, Naeem Khan, and Prabal Gurung.

    Obama also sent J. Crew sales soaring when she wore a cardigan on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno during the 2008 campaign.

    Obama was so tied to the American fashion industry that she was heavily criticized when she wore a gown from the British fashion house Alexander McQueen to a state dinner for the premier of China in 2011 instead of a gown from a U.S. designer. But that was one of Obama's few fashion missteps.

    Melania Trump's relationship with the American fashion industry is more complex. Many U.S. designers favored Hillary Clinton for president and when Donald Trump won, a number of them said they would not care to dress the current first lady.

    But if Melania been ruffled, she hasn't shown it. As a former fashion model in a world that gravitates to European designer labels, she appears more comfortable with a trans-Atlantic aesthetic, even if her husband isn't.

    The few American designers that Trump has favored include Michael Kors — the first lady wore a Kors gingham coat and matching heels in Brussels and a $10,000 black beaded skirt suit by the designer during her husband's State of the Union address — and Ralph Lauren, who designed her powder blue inauguration day outfit and a black sleeveless dress she wore at the International Women's Day Luncheon, along with The Row, Monique Lhuillier, Altuzarra, and J. Brand jeans.

    Thus far, she appears to be choosing her wardrobe to at times to send subtle messages. Commentators wondered if the Gucci blouse with a pussy bow that she wore during the second presidential debate, soon after news broke about her husband's vulgar remarks about women in a taped conversation with Billy Bush, was her commentary on the incident. Accompanying her husband on his first overseas trip, she opted for a tailored white Dolce & Gabbana pantsuit to attend the Arab Islamic American Summit instead of wearing the recommended ankle-length skirt.

    Her look is impeccable in a way that is favored by the affluent society set that she travels in. She likes solids, not busy patterns (except for the Pucci gown). She favors bright colors or monochromatic shades. A number of outfits tend to have a vaguely militaristic look: tight, gold buttoned, belted. Her fashion sense, like her appearance, is a bit inscrutable but almost always tasteful.

    "She has a keen understanding of what works best for her and her lifestyle," Michael Kors told the New York Times, noting she is a longtime client at his New York boutique. Although a Clinton supporter, Kors has managed to stay in Melania's good graces.

    Melania Trump wore a colorful Pucci gown earlier this week when her husband met with the Indian prime minister.

    Melania Trump in Pucci gown
    Instagram/#melaniatrump
    Melania Trump wore a colorful Pucci gown earlier this week when her husband met with the Indian prime minister.
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    TREASURE TROVE

    A stylish shopper's guide to 16 of Round Top's best fashion finds

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Oct 6, 2026 | 9:00 am
    Marburger Farm 2026
    Photo courtesy of Marburger Farm Antique Show
    Round Top is a treasure hunter’s dream, with plenty of places to shop for vintage fashion, boots, accessories, and one-of-a-kind finds.

    Shopping at Round Top's famous antique shows can be daunting even for the most experienced pros. There is a lot of ground to cover, with shopping spread across miles of fields, barns, and venues along Highway 237. To make the fashion hunt during the upcoming fall event, October 17 - 31, a little easier, we've rounded up the must-shop spots for amazing vintage items, designer pieces, boots, jewelry, and accessories.

    Although Round Top is about dressing the part, don't forget that practical outfit choices will make long (and usually very hot) days much more comfortable. Wear clothes that can get dusty and shoes that can survive much more than 10,000 steps. A sunhat and extra water will also go a long way during the fall show.

    S\u00e9zane at Blue Hills Blue Hills brings a cool mix of fashion, accessories, and brands, including first-timer Sézane, to the Round Top shopping scene.Photo Courtesy of Blue Hills

    Blue Hills
    The Vibe: Cool-girl style with plenty of chic fashion and accessory options. Blue Hills leans into new items, mixing well-known and up-and-coming brands.

    Sézane
    French fashion brand Sézane is making its Round Top debut at Blue Hills. The brand's airstream trailer will pop up during the fall show from October 24-27 with its Fall/Winter 2026 Collection and a capsule collection of Round Top-exclusive products including a sweatshirt, t-shirt, and tote bag.

    Hunter Bell
    The Houston-based designer will pop-up at Blue Hills giving shoppers a chance to see the latest looks up close. The brand's Round Top inspiration guide offers plenty of outfit ideas plus a shopping list of pieces to pick up at the show.

    Round Top Makers Market
    This cozy barn is a one-stop shop for everything from ink block print dresses and monogrammed bandanas to cool stackable jewelry and sunglasses.

    The Compound Round Top The Compound offers an elevated mix of new, vintage, and upcycled fashion for stylish Round Top shoppers.Photo courtesy of The Compound

    The Compound
    The Vibe: Elevated shopping with a price point to match, including new, vintage, and upcycled fashion.

    Lotte.99
    A collection featuring Los Angeles-crafted ethical apparel made from premium silks and upcycled textiles, hand-selected and finished with French seams, pure trims, and shell buttons.

    Shapeau
    Known for its vintage quilt coats, vests, and ponchos, this brand’s one-of-a-kind pieces fly off the racks. Once a design is gone, it’s gone for good, making the hunt for the right size, shape, and print part of the fun. Finding one that fits just right is definitely considered a Round Top score.

    Natalie Vintage + Nan Collective
    Famous across Texas for their elevated women's vintage apparel, yoyo pieces, vintage denim, and coveted belt collections.

    Marburger Farm Antique Show Marburger Farm combines its famous antique show with plenty of opportunities to shop for vintage fashion, boots, and accessories.Photo courtesy of Marburger Farm Antique Show

    Marburger Farm Antique Show
    The Vibe: One of the oldest ticketed venues in Round Top, Marburger combines its famous antique show with plenty of opportunities to shop for vintage fashion, boots, and accessories. It recently added permanent structures with air conditioning, expanded dining offerings, and live music.

    Full Circle Vintage
    Owner Joey Medina hand-picks vintage boots for his amazing, well-curated collection. Stop in for a pair of colorful beauties, or go classic with a neutral pair for the season.

    Lauren Owen of Texas
    Known for its handmade oxford shirts, Lauren Owen of Texas is a one-stop shop for classic Lone Star State style. Check out the brand's collection of boots, hats, clothing, silver, and leather goods, all curated with a distinct point of view.

    La Ropa Vintage
    Shop a carefully assembled collection of hand-picked vintage clothing and accessories for men and women, plus one-of-a-kind accessories.


    Zapp Hall Round Top Zapp Hall has it all. From an indoor/outdoor setting to the antique atmosphere only a 1903 dance hall can provide.Photo courtesy of Zapp Hall

    Zapp Hall
    The Vibe: Zapp Hall is a Round Top favorite for vintage fashion, statement accessories, and plenty of one-of-a-kind finds — all set in an atmosphere that only a 1903 dance hall can provide.

    Leather & Vodka
    This brand transforms new and pre-loved designer bags into one-of-a-kind works of art. No two pieces are alike. This year, the brand is debuting its permanent showroom inside Zapp Hall.

    Grailed Garments
    Treasure hunters searching for blue gold will find it at Grailed Garments. Known for a vast collection of vintage denim, the shop carries everything from 70s vintage through Y2K fashion.

    Dirty Bohemian
    Those looking for Texas rockabilly meets vintage finds will find a highly curated collection of statement accessories, upcycled clothing, and unique bohemian styles.

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