When Melania Knauss walked down the aisle to marry real estate mogul Donald Trump on January 22, 2005, she did so in one of the most talked-about wedding gowns of the decade. Her dress was not only a testament to high fashion but also a precursor to the elegant and often understated style she would become known for as First Lady of the United States.
A Haute Couture Masterpiece
Designed by John Galliano for the House of Christian Dior, Melania’s wedding gown was nothing short of a showstopper. The opulent white satin dress featured a full skirt with over 300 feet of duchesse satin, an off-the-shoulder neckline, and a dramatic 13-foot train. It was embroidered with 1,500 crystal rhinestones and pearls, all sewn by hand, taking a reported 550 hours to complete.
Melania paired the gown with a cathedral-length veil and diamond jewelry, keeping her makeup minimal and her hair in a classic updo, allowing the dress to take center stage.
A Fashion Moment to Remember
The extravagant gown made headlines not just for its beauty, but also for its cost and craftsmanship. It reportedly cost over $100,000 and weighed more than 60 pounds, making it both a sartorial and physical feat. It was so striking that Vogue featured Melania wearing the gown on its February 2005 cover, photographed by Mario Testino—marking one of the rare times a First Lady (future or current) graced the cover in a wedding dress.
Legacy of Style
Melania Trump’s fashion sense has been a topic of interest throughout her public life. Known for her preference for clean lines, luxury fabrics, and designer labels, her wedding dress offered a glimpse of the classic, high-fashion aesthetic she would embrace during her tenure in the White House.
📸 Where to See the Dress
You can view photos of Melania Trump’s wedding dress by searching “Melania Trump wedding dress Vogue 2005” or visiting:
Let me know if you’d like a visual mock-up or sketch of the dress!
