Monday night was Melania Trump’s big moment – and for that, she needed the perfect dress.
Although Melania has reportedly hired designers Dolce & Gabbana for her signature convention “look,” Monday night’s Roksanda dress, which she wore for the traditional “potential First Lady” speech, was an absolute style steal.
For only $2,190 at NetAPorter.com (and a little extra to puff the sleeves a la Melania), you can make the ultimate entrance at your next big event, Melania-style. Similar Roksanda dresses also sell at around $1,500.
Okay, $2,190 sounds like a lot, but the choice might have been very deliberate. Michelle Obama has been known to spend more than $2000 on a vacation sundress she might have easily gotten from Target, and once stepped out in Lanvin sneakers (to a charity event at a food bank, no less) that cost a whopping $540.
Hillary Clinton, who claims to be the champion of the common man, appeared in a custom-made Armani jacket that cost between $7,000 and $13,000 depending on who you believe. She’s also worn a Ralph Lauren suit that retails for $2,200, and a tailored pantsuit for an Iowa event by Susanna Beverly Hills, whose pieces start at $6000. Her “everyday” pantsuits are all custom-made as well, by renowned tailor-to-the-political-stars Nina McLemore.
Melania, who is legitimately the wife of a billionaire – what’s in question is merely how much of a billionaire – is certainly making a statement by buying off the rack – or, at least, setting a style that can be easily purchased at a high-end department store.
You can buy a replica of Melania’s dress from Jovani at a mere $550 – and you may need to, because Melania Trump is pioneering an American version of the “Kate Middleton effect.” Her designer dress is already sold out in almost every size.
It’s no surprise that Melania would go high – but accessible – fashion. A model at the age of 16, she’s regularly appeared in frocks by such fashion luminaries as Mario Testino and John Galliano.
Plus, the dress made a huge social media splash, easily the highlight of the first evening of the RNC, even among her husband’s detractors.
That was fast. The Roksanda dress Melania Trump wore at the #RNCinCLE almost sold out. Two sizes left #fashion pic.twitter.com/A3FUDKKFP6
— Dawn Hay (@dawnandeva) July 19, 2016
I will say this Melania's dress was on point! #RNCinCLE
— Tiffany Brissett (@preachaswifey) July 19, 2016
#RNCinCLE and Melania's fantastic dress.
— Killa Crowl (@EmC_squaredd) July 19, 2016
Melania wears designer Roksanda silk off white “Margot” dress. Retails for $2,190. It's not chump change but "modest" considering.
— April S. (@speakout_april) July 19, 2016
I oppose everything Melania Trump stands for but I will not hear a SYLLABLE against that dress. #RNCinCle
— Tara Ariano (@TaraAriano) July 19, 2016
Melania Trump speaking at #RNCinCLE. Politics aside, I LOVE THAT DRESS. pic.twitter.com/NIiZyHHMWS
— Homa Bash (@HomaBashNBC5) July 19, 2016
The only drawback? Roksanda is actually a Serbian-born, London-based designer, which doesn’t exactly fit with her husband’s “America First” agenda. But as it was such a great dress, Trump’s supporters might actually forgive her.
