Washington D.C. – Designs by Oscar de la Renta have long been associated with the style of U.S. first ladies during inauguration moments. His stunning dresses have never failed to enhance these historic occasions. However, this time, they have come with backlash.
The criticism is not about the design or aesthetics but rather the people wearing them. Ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration, marking his return as U.S. president after losing to his successor Joe Biden, Oscar de la Renta’s creations became a favorite among those close to him.
First, Usha Vance, the wife of JD Vance, Trump’s chosen vice president for his second term. The second lady donned a strapless black velvet gown adorned with an asymmetric floral accent at the official dinner hosted by the Vice President’s office.
Next, Ivanka Trump wore a brown dress wrapped with a coat featuring three-dimensional orchid appliqués at a tribute ceremony for war veterans.
Oscar de la Renta’s designs, crafted by Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia, once again dressed Trump’s daughter for the Inaugural Candlelight Dinner. This time, it was a more glamorous gown embellished with crystals and intricately detailed pearl embroidery. Her look was completed with a stole that enhanced her luxurious aura.
Oscar de la Renta’s Instagram account shared photos of these outfits, which garnered thousands of critical comments.
“With their views on women, immigration, and healthcare, I find your support very disappointing,” commented one netizen, referring to JD Vance’s policies.
Another said, “This is so sad and infuriating. I feel like I can no longer support your brand.”
“It’s disgusting that you celebrate by dressing these people,” added another.
Oscar de la Renta was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 1932, before venturing to Europe to pursue a career in fashion. After moving to the United States, he established his eponymous label in 1965.
Oscar de la Renta has a long history with U.S. first ladies. Since designing for Jacqueline Kennedy, the wife of the 35th U.S. president John F. Kennedy, he gained the trust of subsequent first ladies from different political parties to design inauguration outfits.
One of them was Hillary Clinton, who wore two of Oscar de la Renta’s designs when her husband, Bill Clinton of the Democratic Party, was re-elected for a second term in 1997—one for the oath-taking ceremony and another for the inaugural ball.
Oscar de la Renta was also chosen to design for Laura Bush, the wife of George W. Bush. During Bush’s second-term inauguration in 2005, Laura wore a white dress and matching coat for the ceremony, along with a silver, embellished gown for the presidential ball.