This article has a great mix of fashion analysis and online reaction, but I can make it sharper and more engaging. Here’s a streamlined and polished version with a stronger narrative flow:
Ivanka Trump’s Inaugural Ball Gown Sparks Debate—A Tribute to Audrey Hepburn or a Fashion Faux Pas?
Ivanka Trump’s choice of attire for the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball in Washington has become a topic of heated debate, with some praising her elegance while others criticized the look as an ill-fitting tribute.
Monday night’s event marked a historic occasion as her father, Donald Trump, was officially sworn in for his second term as President of the United States. The ceremony was filled with high-profile moments—ranging from Melania Trump’s headwear to Barron Trump’s brief exchange with Joe Biden—but even fashion choices didn’t escape scrutiny.
Ivanka, who served as a senior advisor during her father’s first term, arrived at the ball wearing a gown strikingly similar to Audrey Hepburn’s iconic dress from Sabrina (1954). The original, designed by legendary couturier Hubert de Givenchy, remains one of the most celebrated fashion statements in cinema history. Ivanka’s version, reportedly crafted by Givenchy, featured a white silhouette with black floral embroidery, a short train, and was accessorized with black opera gloves, a diamond necklace, and a chignon hairstyle—an unmistakable nod to Hepburn’s signature look.
While many admired her ensemble, social media reactions were divided.
“The more I examine the details, the more ridiculous this becomes,” one critic wrote.
Another commented, “Ivanka’s version lacks the same elegance and has a cartoonish texture and embroidery. You can’t compare her to Hepburn.”
Some even took a more political stance, arguing that Hepburn—who survived World War II and dedicated much of her life to humanitarian efforts—would have opposed the Trump family’s values.
“Audrey Hepburn would curse them all,” one Twitter user posted. “She fought against everything they stand for.”
However, not all feedback was negative. Some praised Ivanka’s homage, calling it a beautiful tribute to one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons. And in a surprising twist, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, Audrey Hepburn’s son, weighed in on the matter, offering his perspective.
“It is understandable that she chose to look up to our mother, who was a household name growing up, in order to find the ultimate elegance and class reference for an occasion like this,” he told the Daily Mail. “What a concoction!”
Despite the strong reactions, one thing is clear: Ivanka Trump’s fashion choices continue to command attention—whether they’re celebrated or critiqued.
What do you think? Was Ivanka’s gown a fitting tribute or a misstep? Let us know in the comments!