Melania in pants, Lauren Sanchez's giant diamond and more from White House dinner
US President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted a State Dinner at the White House for Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan. While the tech-heavy guest list was a major talking point, the evening also had its share of big fashion moments.
Who wears the pants at the White House? Melania Trump. The FLOTUS ditched a gown, mostly associated with first ladies and State Dinners, for a menswear-inspired look featuring a white Saint Laurent blouse with an oversized bow and black Dolce & Gabbana trousers. Chinese President Xi Jinping - First Lady Peng Liyuan along with President Donald Trump - First Lady Melania Trump ahead of the state dinner.(Photo: AFP)
While Melania’s penchant for power dressing is nothing new, as Vanessa Friedman of The New York Times highlighted: “In what may have been a first for an American first lady, Melania Trump did something at the state dinner for China’s leader on Thursday night that none of her predecessors had likely done before: She wore pants.”
In fact, her trousers had one interesting detail - they were embroidered with peonies. The floral detailing was a subtle nod to Chinese culture, with the peony being a flower deeply associated with beauty, prosperity and good fortune in China.
The FLOTUS continued her streak of wearing pants the following day, stepping out in a sharp tailored look as she accompanied President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan on a tour of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan on a tour of the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC.(Photo: Getty) Like in the picture above, the sartorial contrast was evident at the White House State Dinner as well, where Peng Liyuan was dressed in a traditional red gown with a Mandarin collar. She paired the gown with a black clutch featuring a gold clasp.
Peng is known for wearing Chinese designers and does not typically name the labels she wears.
Another noticeable fashion moment came from Jeff Bezos’ wife Lauren Sanchez, who arrived at the State Dinner looking glamorous in a dramatic black gown and a seriously statement-making diamond necklace. Lauran Sanchez Bezos for the US State Dinner for Chinese President (Photo: Instagram story/Lauren Sanchez Bezos)
For the formal evening, Sanchez wore an off-the-shoulder vintage Alexander McQueen gown with a plunging neckline, which provided the perfect backdrop for her eye-catching jewellery. The necklace appeared to feature emerald-cut diamonds, with a large emerald-cut pendant taking centre stage. She completed the look with diamond earrings and a black clutch.
Oh, and this massive necklace definitely reminds us of her ginormous wedding ring.
The Second Lady of the US, Usha Vance, meanwhile, glittered in a golden gown from Oscar de la Renta. She opted for a sleek, strapless number that let its dazzling finish do all the talking. Usha Vance and JD Vance dressed for US State Dinner (Photo: Instagram/oscardelarenta)
The state dinner was part of Xi's 3-day visit to Washington.- Ends
