In her column, Gülseren Onanç, Founding Chair of the SES Equality and Solidarity Association, examines the intersection of fashion and politics in the Trump era. Reflecting on ongoing debates around Donald Trump, she questions whether the fashion world will conform or resist in this new period. Analyzing the styles of Melania Trump and other Trump family women, she explores how fashion reflects broader societal shifts.
All the symbols at Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony were filled with signs that this era would be the most advanced version of right-wing conservatism. Elon Musk’s Nazi salute said it all; under Trump’s administration, America has introduced fascism 2.0 to global politics. Trump’s government began its sexist policies by restricting abortion rights and continued by disregarding gender equality. He declared that no gender other than male and female would be recognized in the US., making it clear that biological sex would be the only valid classification.
Even though Melania Trump defended abortion rights in her biography, she seems to be trying to align with Trump’s 2025 version. Unlike the blue Audrey Hepburn-style dress she wore at Trump’s first inauguration in 2016, her long black outfit and hat, which avoided eye contact, at this ceremony can be seen as a symbol of Trump’s second term. As Coco Chanel once said, fashion is not just about clothing; it can also be a symbol of an ideology. Renowned fashion designers seem to be lining up to adapt to Trump’s newly established order.
Fashion as a Political Tool for Republican Women
In The Guardian, Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett reminded that:
Mussolini once said: “any power whatsoever is destined to fail before fashion. If fashion says skirts are short, you will not succeed in lengthening them, even with the guillotine.”For this reason, far-right authoritarian movements have long sought to control the fashion system.
The Republican Party’s women are using fashion as a means of delivering a political message.
Lucy Cosslett’s article offers more insights on fashion and the Trump administration. She argues that the administration meets many of the core characteristics of fascism as defined by Umberto Eco, though others may disagree. However, regardless of where one stands according to her view, it is clear that the women of the Republican Party are using fashion to convey a political message. Another significant point is that this time, the fashion industry appears far more willing to work with Trump’s administration and its women.
During Trump’s previous administration, the fashion world not only distanced itself but also took an openly hostile stance. She reflects on this contrast with the quote from Marc Jacobs stating that he has no interst: “in dressing Melania Trump … Personally, I’d rather put my energy into helping out those who will be hurt by [Donald] Trump and his supporters.”
Will Fashion Become a Symbol of Resistance?
Cosslett shows that according to Belgian designer Walter Van Beirendonck, this sudden adaptation has economic reasons. The article argues that the fashion industry is “afraid” of Trump. Due to potential tariffs he could impose, brands are reportedly hesitant to speak out against him. Given the Trump administration’s hostile stance toward the LGBTQ+ community, she rightly questions how many LGBTQ+ employees in the fashion world feel about this situation.
Melania Trump’s Outfit: Conservative Cuts and Uniform Aesthetics
One of the critical insights in Cosslett’s argument was that there was a shift toward sharp-edged, authoritarian-looking clothing was becoming evident. She resembled Ivanka Trump’s dark green suit to the attire of The Handmaid’s Tale villain, Serena Joy or Melania Trump’s outfit this time was a far cry from the Jackie O-inspired look she wore at the first inauguration. As she states: this time, there was no effort to please the public and classic conservative cuts and the uniform aesthetics favored by the far right are making a comeback.
Madonna: “Do Not Give Up the Fight”
On the other side, pop star Madonna, a long-time breaker of conservative taboos in America, responded to Trump’s policies by making a statement on social media. Madonna wrote:
“It is heartbreaking to watch all the freedoms we have fought for and WON over the years being slowly taken away by our new government.”
Alongside a red broken-heart emoji and an LGBTQ+ pride flag emoji, she urged, “Do not give up the fight!”