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Internet reacts to Melania Trump's 'Zorro' inaugural hat—here's what we know
(L-R) Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the Inauguration Day ceremony.
The first lady attended Donald Trump's 2025 Inauguration Day ceremony wearing a hat that sparked discourse on social media.
"Does anyone still wear a hat?"
Melania Trump does. The first lady attended Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony wearing a somber outfit and a wide-brimmed hat obscuring her eyes that's sparked several pop culture references on social media.
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American designer Adam Lippes, a former creative director of Oscar de la Renta who was among a group of LGBTQ+ designers profiled by WWD in 2019, reportedly created Melania's look for the ceremony.
A press release notes: "First lady Melania Trump is wearing a navy and ivory ensemble by American designer Adam Lippes for today's inauguration ceremony. The look includes a tailored navy silk wool coat, a navy silk wool pencil skirt, and an ivory silk crepe blouse, all designed by Lippes and hand-sewn in New York City."
However, the hat was designed by Eric Javits, reports WWD. It was custom-made for Melania by the Miami-based hatmaker, who used the same fabric as Lippes after conferring with her stylist Herve Pierre.
The hat's wide brim also created an awkward moment during the inauguration, after Donald tried to kiss Melania on the cheek but was blocked by the apparel.
Melania's hat instantly became a viral meme on social media, drawing comparisons to the fictional character Zorro, Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal," and even the Hamburglar — not to mention the floodgate of speculations trying to make sense of why she chose to wear it.
Scroll through to see reactions to Melania Trump's hat.
Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out. He's also a staff contributor to The Advocate, PRIDE, and other equalpride publications. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida.
You can follow Bernardo Sim on Instagram. Otherwise, you can find him on Bluesky, Threads, X/Twitter, and TikTok.
Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out. He's also a staff contributor to The Advocate, PRIDE, and other equalpride publications. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida.
You can follow Bernardo Sim on Instagram. Otherwise, you can find him on Bluesky, Threads, X/Twitter, and TikTok.
