C‘is a detail that, in the second Inauguration Day of Donald Trump, stole the show even more than the official speeches and the illustrious faces present at the Capitol: the navy blue hat worn by Melania Trump. The accessory, elegant and mysterious, allowed the former model and First Lady to become the absolute protagonist of the ceremony. The reason is simple: it wasn’t just a fashion choice, but a manifest of refinement and independence, signed by the expert hand of the American designer Eric Javits.
Melania Trump’s wide-brimmed hat: how is it made?
The hat chosen by Melania is not just any hat, but a unique creationdesigned to be both practical and iconic. Made from navy blue silk woolthe same fabric as the coat designed by Adam Lippes, the hat was designed to frame the First Lady’s face with grace and authority. There wide brim and solid structure they not only give an enigmatic air to the wearer, but also carry out the “shield” functionprotecting Melania both from the spotlight and from media intrusiveness. The kiss-not-kiss scene with Donald Trump, now viral, is proof of this.
The craftsmanship of Eric Javits
Behind the elegance of this accessory there is the painstaking work by Eric Javitsa master of the hat art who rarely accepts custom orders. For this special occasion, however, Javits combined his knowledge of painting and sculpture to create an accessory that was not only beautiful, but also perfectly fitting Melania’s personality and aesthetics. «Only 8% of the stitching was done by machine», declared the milliner, highlighting the attention to detail and the manual work required to create a unique piece. On the social profile of the designer’s brand, you can witness the creation process in just a few seconds.
Why did Melania Trump risk not wearing it?
Not everything, however, went according to plan. There first version of the hat, shipped from Miami to New York, is arrived completely crushed, probably due to the snowstorm that hit large areas of the USA and delayed its delivery. Javits had to start over, working non-stop for four days to create a second identical hat. «It couldn’t be repaired, I had to work hard to do it again», the designer explained to the magazine Wwd. In the end, the result was flawless, and the accessory arrived at its destination thanks to a carefully monitored journey, avoiding further accidents.
A reference to the past and a declaration of intent
Melania’s hat fits into one long tradition of elegance of American First Ladies, from Jackie Kennedy to Hillary Clinton, reinterpreting it in a modern key. The classic silhouette and essential lines they recall the style of British royaltywhile the personalized details make it unique and contemporary. And then, by lowering it on her face like that, Melania Trump not only confirmed her status as a style icon, but also sent a clear message: fashion is a powerful communication tool.
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