Melania Trump is once again at the center of attention — and this time, it’s all about royal protocol and a $80,000 gown.
During a lavish White House state dinner honoring King Charles III and Queen Camilla on April 28, the First Lady stepped out in a soft pink, strapless Christian Dior Haute Couture gown that instantly grabbed attention.
Elegant to some, controversial to others, the look quickly sparked debate over whether it crossed the line for a traditional white-tie event steeped in royal etiquette.
In the U.K., state banquets follow an ultra-formal white-tie dress code — the highest level of evening wear. For men, this means full dress attire, often referred to as “tails” or a “dress suit,” sometimes accompanied by honors like sashes awarded by the monarch.
The requirements are strict: black trousers with braided seams, patent leather shoes, a white bow tie, a stiff-front white shirt, a low-cut white waistcoat, and a black tailcoat worn open with peaked lapels, according to Elle.
For women, tradition calls for a floor-length evening gown, typically with a structured bodice and full skirt. While long gloves are no longer essential, the overall look is expected to remain modest, usually with covered shoulders.