Ivanka Trump faces backlash for Audrey Hepburn-inspired ball gown

Ivanka Trump’s appearance at the 2025 Liberty Inaugural Ball has sparked a heated online debate, with her choice of attire at the center of attention. The ball marked the culmination of Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration, an event that brought global scrutiny to every detail, including Ivanka’s striking gown.

Taking inspiration from Audrey Hepburn’s iconic dress in the 1954 film Sabrina, Ivanka wore a modern recreation of the timeless piece. Crafted by the French fashion house Givenchy, the white dress featured black floral embroidery, a subtle train, and paired with black opera gloves, stiletto heels, a diamond choker, and a sleek chignon hairstyle. The ensemble closely mirrored Hepburn’s original, drawing both admiration and criticism.

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 20: Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump at the Liberty Inaugural Ball on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. President DonaldTrump attends some of the inaugural balls after taking the oath as the 47th president. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Some praised Ivanka for her elegance and the homage to Hepburn, applauding the choice as a nod to timeless class and sophistication. Among her supporters was Hepburn’s son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, who acknowledged the tribute and noted the long-standing admiration for his mother’s legacy. He described it as a fitting gesture, especially given the significance of the occasion, coinciding with the anniversary of Hepburn’s passing and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

However, not everyone was as kind. Critics online questioned the execution of the gown, with some claiming it lacked the finesse of Hepburn’s original. Others took issue with the connection to Audrey Hepburn, arguing that the late actress’s values clashed with the Trump family’s politics. One particularly harsh comment stated, “Audrey Hepburn would curse them all. She didn’t survive WWII and fight against everything the Trump family represents just for her dress to be used like this.”

On the other hand, fans defended Ivanka’s choice, emphasizing her beauty and the thoughtfulness behind the homage. Many admired the dress as a bold and tasteful statement, fitting for the high-profile event.

Ivanka, alongside her husband Jared Kushner, has announced they will not be taking roles in Donald Trump’s second administration. Yet, her presence at the inauguration has once again thrust her into the spotlight, reigniting discussions about her influence and style.

What’s your take on Ivanka’s gown? Was it a respectful nod to Audrey Hepburn’s elegance or a choice that missed the mark? Share your thoughts and join the ongoing debate.

Related Posts

Tessa in a white sundress holds Liam's hand at an airport while her shocked fiancé Jared stands with his ex Miranda near the security line.

My Fiancé Planned a Secret Trip With His Ex—So I Met Him at the Airport

Days before our wedding, I learned Jared’s quiet bachelor getaway was really a “closure vacation” with his ex. I arranged a trip of my own, but the airport confrontation changed far more than our travel plans.

Bride Rebecca stares in disbelief as Father Michael stops her chapel wedding and points toward her brother Tony and Aunt Molly seated together in the third pew.

The Priest Wouldn’t Begin Until My Brother and Aunt Left

My wedding guests were seated and Mark was waiting at the altar when Father Michael stopped everything and pointed toward my brother Tony and Aunt Molly.

Adult teacher Laura Walsh stands alone in her classroom holding a plain white envelope, visibly shaken as school mail rests on the desk beside her.

The Letter in My School Mailbox

Teacher Laura Walsh found an envelope claiming her husband had been seeing a student’s mother. The letter demanded $5,000 for silence—but paying only drew Laura closer to a betrayal she never imagined.

Sixty-year-old factory worker Arnold carries a small locked mini refrigerator and lunchbox to his car after losing the job he held for 35 years.

After 35 Years, I Was Fired Over a Locked Lunch Fridge

At 60, Arnold Mercer lost the only job he had ever known after protecting lunches prepared by his ailing wife. What his daughters uncovered showed that the little refrigerator was never the real problem.

Grace in a green anniversary dress discovers Eric’s mother and adult relatives waiting at a crowded restaurant table while Eric stands beside her looking guilty.

Our Anniversary Table Was Full—But Not With People I Invited

Grace asked Eric for one private anniversary dinner. When his entire family greeted her at the restaurant, she realized the celebration was hiding a deeper problem in their marriage.

A stunned adult woman sits at a kitchen table looking at a laptop with a travel reservation while her husband stands out of focus in the background.

The $8,000 Accident That Never Happened

Mike said an accident could cost him his job, so I surrendered part of my inheritance. Then a Miami reservation exposed the debt he had invented—and the neighbor involved in his plan.