Melania Trump fails to kiss Donald Trump in awkward inauguration moment
Watch the awkward moment Donald Trump fails to connect in an attempt to kiss his wife, Melania, during his inauguration.
As he enters the room, the 47th President was met with adulation from supporters.
But his attempt to mark the occasion with a romantic embrace fell short as he failed to connect with Melania in a moment that has confused many.
Melania Trump made her return to the White House in striking navy attire for Monday’s Inauguration Day ceremonies.
The First Lady, 54, chose an elegant Adam Lippes overcoat worn over a white shirt for the morning’s prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
She paired the ensemble with black leather gloves and a coordinating navy wide-brimmed hat by designer Eric Javits, which featured white trim detailing.
Her hair was styled in a sleek, slicked-back manner beneath the statement headpiece.
The sophisticated look marked a departure from her 2017 inauguration outfit, when she wore a powder blue Ralph Lauren dress and coat that drew comparisons to Jacqueline Kennedy’s style.
Second Lady Usha Vance opted for a contrasting pale pink overcoat with light grey gloves and knee-high boots for the day’s festivities.
In the lead-up to Inauguration Day, Mrs Trump has favoured a sophisticated neutral palette for her public appearances.
At Saturday’s President’s Reception at Trump National Golf Club in Virginia, she wore a grey Dior overcoat paired with a Dolce & Gabbana suit.
For Sunday’s wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, she chose an all-black ensemble featuring a Dior coat, leather opera gloves and Christian Louboutin boots.
Later that evening, she changed into a crisp white Dolce & Gabbana collared blouse and sequinned Carolina Herrera skirt for the candlelight dinner at the National Building Museum.
The outfit was topped with a black Saint Laurent tuxedo cape overcoat.
Her recent style choices have included a black-and-white polka-dot Dior shirtdress worn to vote in Palm Beach, and a grey Dior suit for the Election Night victory speech.
Melania’s stylist Herve Pierre has revealed that “ninety-five percent” of her outfits are purchased off the rack rather than custom-made.
Pierre told Women’s Wear Daily that the fashion industry has not been welcoming to Trump, recounting how he was once told he “was not welcome” whilst shopping at a Madison Avenue store.
“The fashion industry is not very welcoming [of Trump.] That’s no secret,” Pierre said.
Despite industry challenges, the First Lady’s style has drawn high praise from some quarters.
“She’s one of the most beautiful women who’s ever graced the White House,” said Jayme Franklin, founder and CEO of the Conservateur. “I would say she’s on par with Jackie O. And she has incredible style.”
Franklin noted that many “beautiful women” in the Trump White House “dressed impeccably” but were overlooked by fashion magazines due to their conservative beliefs.