Melania Trump’s Inauguration Day Hat Got a Last-Minute Alteration; First Lady’s designer recalls fiasco: ‘It was cool’

All eyes were on Melania Trump, who looked both serious and chic as her husband Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term as US president. The US first lady donned an all-American ensemble for the inauguration ceremony on Monday, opting for a navy and ivory ensemble by Adam Lippes and a hat by Eric Javits. But did you know that her adorable navy and white-brimmed hat almost didn’t make it to Trump’s inauguration? Read also | Women at Trump’s inauguration shone with bright images: what Ivanka Trump, Jill Biden, Usha Vance and Melania wore

Melania’s hat “arrived all crumpled” for the final fitting

Melania’s hat maker, Eric Javits, had a “bit of a problem” and shared in an interview with WWD that Melania’s viral headpiece almost didn’t fit into her ensemble after an accident while transporting it from Miami to New York. He said: “I guess the hat came all crushed. It looked as if it had been lying in a snowdrift for about a week. Obviously, I had to do my best to redo it. It could not be repaired due to its design. It was kind of cool.”

In another Vanity Fair interview, Eric also revealed that he created a second hat for the first lady in less than four days after the original hat arrived “irreparably damaged” in a “wet and crushed” box for Melania’s final fitting in New York . “Mrs. Trump’s stylist, Hervé Pierre, picked it up from me in Miami and personally drove it to the First Lady.”

More on Melania’s appearance

Melania’s hat from Trump’s inauguration was more than an accessory—it took center stage and defined her look. It was made from the same dark blue silk wool that designer Adam Lippes used to design his Inauguration Day outfit. The first lady, known for her flamboyant style, wore a double-breasted navy coat with a matching skirt and black pumps.