Ivanka Trump’s Dress at the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball Sparks Debate
When Ivanka Trump attended the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., on January 20, her stunning outfit caught the attention of many. But, as is often the case with public figures, her choice of attire quickly became a hot topic for online debate.
If you’ve been following recent events, you know that Ivanka’s father, Donald Trump, was sworn in for his second term as President of the United States. This marked his return to the White House after serving his first term from 2017 to 2021.
As expected, the inauguration day was full of discussions, and almost every detail was closely examined—right down to the clothes people were wearing. From Elon Musk’s rumored “Nazi salute” to the debates over Melania Trump’s hat choice, to even amateur lip-readers analyzing a possible exchange between Barron Trump and Joe Biden, the day generated plenty of conversation online.
In a day so full of drama and discussions, it’s no surprise that even Ivanka Trump’s dress became a point of controversy. Her outfit, which paid tribute to one of the most iconic fashion figures of the 20th century, Audrey Hepburn, sparked a strong reaction from both supporters and critics.
The Dress: A Modern Take on Hepburn’s Iconic Look
Ivanka chose to wear a modernized version of the dress Audrey Hepburn wore in the 1954 film Sabrina. The original gown, designed by the legendary Hubert de Givenchy, is beloved for its timeless elegance. Ivanka’s updated version, reportedly created by the French fashion house Givenchy, featured white fabric with black floral embroidery and a subtle train.
The look was completed with black opera gloves, stiletto heels, a diamond choker, and a chignon hairstyle—elements that were all reminiscent of Hepburn’s famous style.
Ivanka’s choice to pay tribute to Audrey Hepburn through her dress was admired by many who saw it as a beautiful nod to classic Hollywood glamour. Yet, the outfit didn’t escape criticism.
The Backlash: Divided Opinions on the Dress
While some people praised Ivanka for her elegance, others were quick to criticize her dress. One particularly critical comment read, “The more I examine the details, the more ridiculous this dress looks.” Another user added, “The texture and embroidery on Ivanka’s version appear cartoonish and lack the sophistication of the original. Audrey Hepburn is in a league of her own.”
Some went even further, questioning whether Ivanka should have chosen to wear a dress inspired by Hepburn at all. One commenter claimed, “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 person added, “Audrey would never have approved of Ivanka or her family.”
The critiques came fast and furious, and many people couldn’t resist expressing their opinions about the dress, calling it everything from “lacking sophistication” to “inappropriate.”
Support for Ivanka: A Beautiful Tribute to Hepburn
On the other side of the debate, many defended Ivanka’s choice, praising her for paying tribute to Audrey Hepburn’s timeless elegance. Supporters argued that there was nothing wrong with honoring such an iconic figure and that Ivanka’s gown was a beautiful and fitting tribute to classic Hollywood glamour. One fan commented, “Ivanka looked stunning, and it’s so refreshing to see someone honoring the legacy of such an elegant star.”
The controversy surrounding Ivanka’s dress was further complicated by the fact that Audrey Hepburn’s son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, weighed in on the matter. Speaking to The Daily Mail, Ferrer shared his thoughts on Ivanka’s homage to his mother. He acknowledged that it wasn’t surprising Ivanka would draw inspiration from Hepburn, given that Audrey was such a household name for Ivanka’s family.
Ferrer explained, “It’s no wonder that Ivanka, coming from a family that undoubtedly knew my mother as a household name, sought inspiration from her. Audrey was the epitome of elegance and class, and this occasion—the inauguration, the 32nd anniversary of my mother’s passing, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day—was a perfect moment to honor that.”
His words added a new layer to the conversation. Far from being offended by Ivanka’s choice, Ferrer seemed to understand why she chose to pay tribute to his mother. He recognized that the day held deep significance, as it marked not only the anniversary of Hepburn’s passing but also Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It was a meaningful moment, and Ferrer seemed to see Ivanka’s gesture as one of respect rather than controversy.
Ivanka’s Future: No White House Role
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 choices grabbed attention at the ball, her role in her father’s second term became a topic of discussion too. Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, have made it clear that they don’t plan to return to any official roles within the White House during Donald Trump’s second term. Both have stepped back from political positions, preferring to focus on their personal lives and other ventures.
Despite this, Ivanka remains a highly visible figure and, as we saw with her dress at the Liberty Inaugural Ball, continues to generate strong reactions from the public. Whether those reactions are positive or negative, it’s clear that Ivanka is a major public figure who will always find herself under the microscope.
What Are Your Thoughts?
What do you think about Ivanka Trump’s dress at the Liberty Inaugural Ball and the controversy surrounding it? Was it a beautiful homage to Audrey Hepburn, or did it cross a line? Share your thoughts in the comments below—this debate is just getting started!
