Melania Trump’s Hat and the Latent Narratives of Fashion in Politics
Photo By Saul Loeb
To those sceptical of the political statements presented at Donald Trump’s recent inauguration: rest assured, the pity was balanced (if not outweighed) by the grandiose fashion statements.
Namely, this January, the public has been dissecting the seemingly key element of this historically decisive ceremony: Melania Trump’s boater-style hat. The First Lady’s headwear caught mass attention on social media and renowned news outlets. In contrast with the lacy bralette of Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sanchez (a brow-raising puzzle for the republican traditionalists), the now viral hat is intriguing due to its comical ability of mediation. Designed by Eric Javits, the navy and white hat is elegant and fitting to the occasion: its sharp, formal silhouette reinforces the sophistication of the dark skirt set worn by Melania Trump. Doesn’t sound too funny, does it?
Well, the online masses (me included) couldn’t help but giggle over the 47th President’s failed attempt at a cheek kiss, with the hat’s wide brim acting as a barrier isolating the couple. Faced (literally) with a new rendition of border security, Trump retreated for an air kiss instead. Some users speculate that the headwear choice comprises a carefully calculated smooch-dodging technology. This aromantic standpoint is not new, as Melania Trump has long been crowned the icon of the (partially) humorous #ihatemybf movement - stretching to the extent of teasing that she’s cast her vote for Kamala Harris. Honestly, who knows? The twenty-first century is the era of female autonomy. (One would hope so, at least… Trump’s oppressive policies don’t help, though.)
The First Lady’s, husband-repelling, accessory is not the only instance of eloquent fashion items around women politicians. As such, the greatest hat connoisseur Queen Elizabeth II would also latently communicate via her handbags! The Launer purses rarely left Her Majesty’s side, and besides securing lipstick and a compact mirror, they served as tools for discrete signals. For instance, royal historian Hugo Vickers reveals that “it would be very worrying if you were talking to the Queen and saw the handbag move from one hand to the other.” Turns out, the seemingly innocent gesture would be soon followed by your exit from the conversation, albeit a tactfully executed one. Spotting the Queen’s handbag on the ground would signal a more immediate termination of the interaction. Personally, I’d be shaking in my boots.
While hats and purses are a curious literary device employed in political circles, there are few women’s fashion items louder than a dress. In this regard, a striking mastermind of storytelling through style has long been Michelle Obama. Unconstrained by an allegiance to a single brand, the states’ 44th First Lady approached fashion as both an asset of diplomacy and independence. Mrs. Obama exercised the art of aligning designers with the countries involved in formal dinners and trips, abundantly spotlighted the efforts of struggling brands, and celebrated the liberating ‘melting pot’ breath of fashion via an eclectic fusion of names, cultural origins, and social strata of the country’s couture. The legacy of her vision continues to fuel the spark of fashion diplomacy in women world leaders. After all, style is power - from bridging diverse communities to shielding from a clingy spouse. And in a world hushing women left and right, it’s great that fashion steps up as a megaphone to the priceless voices.