Ivanka Trump Sparks Fashion Controversy at the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball
The 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., held on January 20, was meant to celebrate Donald Trump’s return to the White House for his second term as President of the United States. As with most of the day’s events, the evening was closely watched by millions, and one moment that really made waves online was Ivanka Trump’s choice of attire.
Ivanka, Donald Trump’s daughter, has always been a public figure, whether through her role as an advisor during her father’s first presidency or as a businesswoman. But at the Liberty Inaugural Ball, it was her outfit—and not her political stance—that became the talk of the internet.
The Dress That Sparked a Debate
Ivanka Trump stepped onto the red carpet in a stunning tribute to Audrey Hepburn, one of the most beloved actresses of the 20th century. She wore a modern reinterpretation of the iconic dress Hepburn wore in the 1954 film Sabrina,” a design by the legendary Hubert de Givenchy. Hepburn’s dress is widely admired for its timeless beauty, and Ivanka’s version, crafted by the French fashion house Givenchy, was no less striking.
Her dress was made of white fabric with black floral embroidery and featured a subtle train. Ivanka paired the gown with black opera gloves, stiletto heels, and a diamond choker. Her hair was styled in a chignon, which completed the classic, elegant look that echoed Hepburn’s timeless grace.
But while Ivanka’s appearance caught many people’s attention, it didn’t come without controversy.
The Criticism That Followed
While Ivanka certainly turned heads with her graceful look, not everyone was impressed. The internet quickly erupted into divided opinions.
Some people weren’t shy about their disapproval. One person posted online, “The more I examine the details, the more ridiculous this dress looks.” Another critique mentioned, “The texture and embroidery on Ivanka’s version appear cartoonish and lack the sophistication of the original. Audrey Hepburn is in a league of her own.”
But it wasn’t just the dress that sparked anger. Some commenters went further, questioning the very idea of Ivanka wearing an Audrey Hepburn-inspired gown. One wrote, “Audrey Hepburn would have despised everything the Trump family stands for.
She survived World War II and fought against everything they represent. It’s disgraceful that her iconic dress was used like this.” Another echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Audrey would never have approved of Ivanka or her family.”
The critics felt that the connection between Audrey Hepburn and the Trump family was inappropriate, believing that Hepburn, who championed causes like human rights, would not have aligned with the Trumps. This created an emotional debate about whether a tribute to Hepburn could truly be meaningful coming from the Trumps.
Supporters Weigh In
On the flip side, many people came to Ivanka’s defense, applauding her tribute to the Hollywood legend. Some social media users argued that Ivanka’s dress was a beautiful homage to classic Hollywood elegance. They pointed out that the gown, while modernized, stayed true to the essence of Hepburn’s style, and there was no reason for the harsh criticism.
One supporter commented, “Ivanka looked stunning! The dress is a perfect blend of modern fashion and timeless beauty. Audrey Hepburn would be proud.” Others agreed, noting that fashion is a form of tribute and artistic expression that should be appreciated, not scrutinized to such extremes.
Audrey Hepburn’s Son Speaks Out
Interestingly, the controversy didn’t go unnoticed by Audrey Hepburn’s son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer. He weighed in on the situation, acknowledging that Ivanka’s choice was a fitting tribute to his mother. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Ferrer explained:
“It’s no wonder that Ivanka, coming from a family that undoubtedly knew my mother as a household name, sought inspiration from her. Audrey was the epitome of elegance and class, and this occasion—the inauguration, the 32nd anniversary of my mother’s passing, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day—was a perfect moment to honor that.”
Ferrer’s words highlighted the connection between Ivanka’s choice of attire and the legacy of Audrey Hepburn. According to him, the timing of the tribute—on the anniversary of Hepburn’s death and on such a significant day in American history—made it even more meaningful.
Ivanka and Jared’s Future Plans
It appears that Ivanka Trump is wearing Givenchy tonight. This is a recreation of the iconic 1954 Haute Couture black and white gown that was originally designed for Audrey Hepburn, for the movie Sabrina pic.twitter.com/lUPONCkKCk
— Remoulade Sauce (@Remisagoodboy) January 21, 2025
While the fashion controversy may have captured attention, Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, have made it clear that they have no intentions of returning to roles within the White House during Donald Trump’s second term. They’ve expressed their desire to focus on their private lives moving forward, leaving behind their political roles in the previous administration.
Even so, Ivanka’s appearance at the Liberty Inaugural Ball, along with her fashion choices, continued to put her under the spotlight, as the internet seemed obsessed with commenting on every little detail of her life.
What Are Your Thoughts?
The fashion debate surrounding Ivanka Trump’s dress at the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball is far from over. While some praised her homage to Audrey Hepburn, others criticized her decision to wear the iconic gown. Whether you agree with Ivanka’s critics or supporters, it’s clear that the dress sparked strong opinions across the internet.
So, what do you think? Was Ivanka’s choice of dress a beautiful tribute to Audrey Hepburn, or did it miss the mark? Share your thoughts in the comments below, because the conversation around this dress is far from finished!
