Why Melania Trump’s Easter outfit may have raised eyebrows amid trade war
Melania Trump's Easter look this year was described as ‘muted’ by Vogue, but it stood out to some because of the message it sent amid a trade war.
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Melania Trump’s Easter outfit Melania Trump's Easter look this year was described as ‘muted’ by Vogue, but it stood out to some because of the message it sent amid a trade war. (AP)
Melania Trump’s Easter outfit During the annual Easter Egg Roll at the White House last week, the U.S. first lady appeared in a cream coat made by Montreal-based luxury outerwear brand Mackage. Although her look was described as “muted” by Vogue, it stood out to some because she chose a Canadian designer over an American option. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)
Melania Trump’s Easter outfit Melania wore Mackage’s Gael-V leather double-breasted trench coat with buttons and a belt. The price is listed as $1,890 on the company’s website. The fashion brand is owned by Montreal-based APP Group, which sells luxury outerwear, handbags and accessories through its other businesses worldwide. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)
Melania Trump’s Easter outfit Melania paired the coat with grey patent leather pumps by Paris luxury brand Roger Vivier, according to Vogue. Her husband, U.S. president Donald Trump wore his typical red, white and blue suit and tie for the event; the brand was unknown. (Alex Brandon/AP)
Melania Trump’s Easter outfit Some may be surprised by Melania’s choice of a Canadian brand given the president is shaking up trade relationships by imposing additional tariffs on countries including its close neighbour and ally, Canada. The move fuelled tensions between the two countries.
Melania’s choice of outwear prompted questions about whether she was making a statement about the trade war. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)
Melania Trump’s Easter outfit Henry Navarro Delgado, associate professor of fashion at Toronto Metropolitan University in Toronto, says Melania may not have made the decision by herself.
Celebrities and high-profile figures typically have stylists who help them select their outfits, especially for major events, Navarro Delgado said in a phone interview with CTVNews.ca. While wearing the Canadian coat may be perceived as showing “solidarity with Canada,” he said he wonders whether Melania even knew the coat was from a Canadian brand. Mackage has a “progressive connotation” and is favoured by celebrities like Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and Madonna, he added. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Melania Trump’s Easter outfit Melania’s past Easter outfits were “more traditional,” according to Vogue. The iconic fashion publication noted her past choices by American and British designers. In 2017, she wore a pale pink dress from Hervé Pierre. She sported a pale blue cashmere jacket from Burberry in 2018, and a blue dress by Michael Kors in 2019. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Melania Trump’s Easter outfit Melania’s looks have made headlines in the past for other reasons. She previously stoked controversy when she wore a jacket with the words “I really don’t care, do u” when she met children who were separated from their parents at the U.S. border with Mexico in 2018, The Associated Press reported. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File June 21, 2018) (Andrew Harnik/The Associated Press)
