Washington, D.C.: Historian Einav Rabinovitch-Fox discusses the historical and cultural significance of first lady fashion, from Martha Washington to Melania Trump, highlighting how these women have shaped American style and influenced contemporary fashion trends through their sartorial choices.
America’s first ladies have long stood at the intersection of politics and fashion, utilising their wardrobes to convey messages of tradition, modernity, and personal style. A recent exploration on TikTok highlighted the evolution of inaugural ball gowns worn by first ladies, showcasing a range of styles from pillbox hats to sleek gowns. Notable figures such as Jackie Kennedy, Melania Trump, and Hilary Clinton received particular praise from viewers for their sartorial choices, underscoring the cultural significance of their fashion decisions.
FEMAIL engaged with historian Einav Rabinovitch-Fox, who lectures at Case Western Reserve University, to discuss the historical context of first lady fashion and its ongoing influence on contemporary celebrity style. According to Rabinovitch-Fox, the tradition of first ladies as fashion trendsetters dates back to Martha Washington, who popularised the patriotic homespun look. She identified Dolley Madison as perhaps the first true fashionista in this role, renowned for her penchant for Turkish turbans, which became her signature style.
The patterns of influence continued with Nancy Reagan, who became known for her signature red attire closely associated with the Republican Party. As a former actress, Reagan “understood media and cameras,” leading her to set a new standard for conservatism in fashion. Rabinovitch-Fox elaborated on the nuanced dynamics around first lady style, pointing out that while many first ladies seek to embed their individuality within their roles, some such as Melania Trump have chosen to pay homage to their predecessors. Notably, Melania’s powder blue Ralph Lauren inauguration outfit drew direct inspiration from Jackie Kennedy’s iconic style.
Despite the admiration for Kennedy’s fashion sense, Rabinovitch-Fox noted that Jackie was not a trendsetter for the average American citizen, as her preference for high-end French couture made her styles largely inaccessible. In contrast, several other first ladies, including Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Obama, actively chose to highlight American designers in their wardrobes.
Einav Rabinovitch-Fox highlighted Michelle Obama as a monumental figure in fashion influence, particularly during the financial crisis of 2008 when she known for supporting relatively unknown designers, giving them visibility and opportunities to become prominent figures in American fashion. Despite doubts over Melania Trump’s influence in first lady style, the conversation acknowledged her role in contemporary fashion discussions.
The historian remarked that Melania Trump’s fashion choices were polarising, citing her “faux pas” moments, including the infamous “I really don’t care. Do you?” jacket and the notable safari hat during her visit to Africa. These instances captured significant media attention and stood in contrast to the curated image typically associated with first ladies.
Furthermore, while Melania has a keen understanding of fashion as a former model, her tendency to favour European designers like Christian Dior and Valentino has drawn criticism and contrasts sharply with the approaches of her predecessors. Rabinovitch-Fox acknowledged that during the Trump administration, more American designers may be more inclined to collaborate with her, potentially reshaping her stylistic narrative going forward.
Through the lens of fashion historians such as Einav Rabinovitch-Fox, the evolution of first ladies’ fashion not only reflects personal style but also broader cultural and historical trends, illustrating the intricate connection between politics and the ever-evolving landscape of American fashion.
Source: Noah Wire Services
