Melania Trump made a fierce statement in an $11,000 leopard-print jacket while presenting at the State Department’s International Women of Courage Awards.
The first lady wore the calfskin belted coat designed by Palm Beach-based designer Milly Park for the event in Washington, DC, on Tuesday.
Trump also wore black underneath and black heels.
The outerwear was gifted to the former model, along with two other special pieces, in December 2024, Park told WWD Tuesday.
“I’m beyond honored and shocked that the first lady wore my piece today. … This is something to celebrate about,” the self-taught designer gushed.
Park, who was born in Venezuela, admitted she had no idea Trump, 54, wore the coat to the awards ceremony until she saw photos.
“I didn’t know,” Park said. “I’ve been so busy.”
According to WWD, the leopard-print calfskin jacket was featured in Milly Park’s runway show last month.
The brand also sells swimwear, bridal, menswear and children’s clothing, per its website.
Page Six has learned that the retired Slovenian model prefers to take control over her style after she wore an Adam Lippes navy blue coat and matching boater hat to President Trump’s inauguration ceremony on Jan. 20.
At the time, fashion journalist Nancy MacDonell told us Melania “doesn’t care” that many American designers have reportedly refused to dress her in the past.
“She’s unreadable, inscrutable — and she likes it that way,” MacDonell said. “The look said ‘I’m flawless and in control,’ and it showed that she’s going to do things her way this time — she won’t look back.”
Melania later put on a show-stopping Hervé Pierre gown for her husband’s inaugural ball. She accessorized with a vintage Harry Winston diamond brooch, which she wore as a choker.
Pierre also designed the silk crepe gown that Melania wore to Donald’s first inaugural ball in 2017. The dress was later donated to the Smithsonian’s “First Ladies” exhibit.”
Meanwhile, the first lady’s fashion most recently made headlines when the Dior by John Galliano bridal gown she wore for her and Donald’s January 2005 nuptials appeared to be up for sale on eBay.
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