Melania Trump Donates Inaugural Ball Gown to Smithsonian

Former first lady's white and black-trimmed dress now on display at the National Museum of American History.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Melania Trump has donated her 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, continuing a long-standing tradition of first ladies donating their inaugural dresses. The strapless white and black-trimmed sheath dress, designed by her longtime stylist Herve Pierre, is now on display at the museum's First Ladies Collection exhibit.

Why it matters

The donation of inaugural gowns to the Smithsonian's First Ladies Collection helps preserve the history and fashion legacy of America's first ladies. Melania Trump's gown, with its distinct silhouette and symbolic design elements, provides insight into her personal style and experiences as first lady.

The details

Melania Trump described the gown as "more than a dress," with the black "Z" shape on the bodice representing "decades of my early memories, life experiences, and influences." She said the black and white colors "set a mood rich with emotion" and that the dress speaks with a "modern silhouette, bold and dignified, and ruthlessly chic."

  • Melania Trump donated the gown on February 20, 2026.
  • The gown is now on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

The players

Melania Trump

The former first lady of the United States, who has a background as a fashion model and has donated two of her inaugural gowns to the Smithsonian's First Ladies Collection.

Herve Pierre

Melania Trump's longtime stylist and the designer of both of her inaugural gowns.

Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History

The museum that houses the First Ladies Collection, where Melania Trump's inaugural gowns are now on display.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is more than 50 years of education, experience, and wisdom realized with each thread, each stitch, each sharp edge.”

— Melania Trump, Former First Lady (ksgf.com)

“The meticulously formed black shape 'Z' on the front bodice summons decades of my early memories, life experiences, and influences. And, all of these stories are tucked deep within its crisp, strong seams — forever.”

— Melania Trump, Former First Lady (ksgf.com)

“This dress speaks with a distinct point of view, a modern silhouette, bold and dignified, and ruthlessly chic.”

— Melania Trump, Former First Lady (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will continue to showcase Melania Trump's inaugural gown as part of its permanent First Ladies Collection exhibit, which is open to the public.

The takeaway

Melania Trump's donation of her 2025 inaugural ball gown to the Smithsonian's First Ladies Collection upholds a longstanding tradition and preserves an important piece of American history and fashion. The gown's distinct design elements provide insight into the former first lady's personal style and experiences.