At the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., Ivanka Trump found herself in the midst of an unexpected controversy—over her choice of dress. On the evening of January 20, 2025, Ivanka, the daughter of newly inaugurated President Donald Trump, was dressed to impress, but her fashion choice sparked a heated debate online that quickly gained attention.
Ivanka Trump’s Father Becomes President Again
For those who’ve been following the news, Ivanka’s father, the highly talked-about and often controversial Donald Trump, had just been sworn in for his second term as President of the United States.
His return to the White House after serving from 2017 to 2021 was already a major topic of discussion, and, as always, every aspect of his inauguration day was carefully scrutinized by people across the world.
From rumors about Elon Musk’s “Nazi salute” to discussions about Melania Trump’s hat and even the mystery of Barron Trump’s whispered words to Joe Biden, almost every moment of the day was picked apart. It seemed like nothing could escape the watchful eyes of the internet.
The Dress That Sparked Debate
Amidst all the buzz surrounding the inauguration, Ivanka’s outfit at the Liberty Ball became one of the most discussed topics. Ivanka, a former senior advisor to her father during his first presidency, wore a stunning dress that paid tribute to one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century—Audrey Hepburn.
The dress Ivanka chose was a modern twist on the famous gown Hepburn wore in the 1954 film Sabrina. The original dress, designed by the legendary Hubert de Givenchy, is still celebrated for its elegance and timeless beauty.
Ivanka’s version, made by the French fashion house Givenchy, featured a white fabric with intricate black floral embroidery and a delicate train. She paired the dress with black opera gloves, stiletto heels, and a diamond choker, finishing the look with a classic chignon hairstyle, all of which echoed Hepburn’s unforgettable look.
While Ivanka certainly looked elegant, the outfit immediately sparked divided opinions. Some viewers admired her classy tribute to Hepburn, but others were less than impressed. The internet quickly became divided over whether Ivanka’s modernized version of the gown honored or failed to live up to the original.
Online Criticism: Was It a Missed Opportunity?
Some social media users were harsh in their critiques. “The more I look at it, the more ridiculous this dress looks,” one commenter wrote. “The texture and embroidery on Ivanka’s version seem cartoonish and lack the sophistication of the original.
Audrey Hepburn is in a league of her own.” Others took a more pointed approach, questioning why Ivanka would choose to wear a dress associated with Hepburn, given the political and personal differences between the Trump family and the legendary actress.
One commenter even said, “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 added, “Audrey would never have approved of Ivanka or her family.” These remarks fueled the backlash, and many wondered if the dress was an inappropriate tribute given the political tensions surrounding the Trump family.
Supporters Weigh In: A Beautiful Tribute
However, not everyone shared the same view. Many people came to Ivanka’s defense, praising the dress as a beautiful tribute to classic Hollywood elegance. Supporters argued that Ivanka had simply chosen to honor Hepburn’s legacy, and they didn’t see any reason for the backlash. “It’s a stunning homage to one of the greatest actresses of all time,” one person commented.
Interestingly, Audrey Hepburn’s son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, shared his own thoughts on the matter. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he acknowledged Ivanka’s tribute and offered a more nuanced perspective.
“It’s no surprise that Ivanka, coming from a family that undoubtedly knew my mother as a household name, would draw inspiration from her,” Ferrer said. “Audrey was the epitome of elegance and class. The timing of this—on the 32nd anniversary of my mother’s passing and Martin Luther King Jr. Day—was a perfect moment to honor her.”
Ivanka’s Role in the White House: What’s Next?
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 Ivanka’s fashion choice was certainly a focal point of the night, there were also discussions about her future in politics. Despite the controversy surrounding her dress, Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, made it clear that they would not be returning to roles in the White House during Donald Trump’s second term.
This decision to step back from politics allowed Ivanka to focus more on her personal life and other endeavors, though her public appearances—like at the Liberty Inaugural Ball—were still bound to draw attention.
What Do You Think?
So, what do you think about Ivanka Trump’s dress and the controversy it sparked? Was it a fitting tribute to Audrey Hepburn, or did it miss the mark? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—this conversation is far from over!
